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The agent search
Do I need an agent?
At this point in my career, I ask this question often. After all, I don’t have any novels published. But what I do have is publishing credits, three completed manuscripts, significant contest credits and the will to take this passion from intense hobby to career.
Without an agent, the next steps become more difficult.
Writing is, for the most part, a solitary adventure. Besides those brainstorming sessions with my critique group and conferences, I feel I’m pretty much on my own out here. Don’t we all really want someone on our side? Someone who feels what we do is worthy of the time, agony and frustrations of the process? I’m not sure an agent can really provide that, but it sure would be great to know someone felt my work was good enough to invest their time.
There are thousands of literary agents out there. Narrowing them down to about twenty wasn’t too hard. But will any of them want me, and will we be a good fit?
Here’s what I’m looking for:
- Someone who believes in me and my work.
- Someone with strong connections within CBA publishing world.
- Someone who cares about people, not just money.
- Someone who brings their faith to the table.
- Someone who will push me to be my best.
I’d love to end this post with a short list of what my dream agent needs from me, but that’s a question I can’t answer. So I’ll bring what I have and hope it’s enough.
Here’s what I have:
- A willingness to work hard.
- A mind that’s open to suggestions and willing to make changes.
- A mountain of past work and enough ideas to fill a file cabinet.
- A dedication to improvement.
- Patience, though that’s a work in progress.
What do you think? When does a writer need an agent? What do you need from a literary agent?
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Confessions of an ADD writer, social media addict, photographer and graphic designer
Today I welcome fellow writer, Nicole M. Miller. I met Nicole last summer at the OCW Summer Coaching Conference, but I was already familiar with her through her blog. Make sure to check it out! Nicole is an expert on a variety of topics and an all-around fascinating person.
Oh, and I forgot to mention history buff, horse nut and when the occasion calls for it, event planner.Simply put, I cannot really make up my mind. I cannot pinpoint exactly what I am. Sometimes, I long for the clarity of just having “one thing.”
In marketing, you’re told to pick one word and make sure everything you do, publish, say or sell relates back to that one word, your “brand.” Think of John Grisham, think of legal mysteries. Think of Francine Rivers, think of epic romances. Think of Stephen King, think of thrillers.
Can I pick my “brand” as “TBD?” or perhaps “all of the above?”
When Christina asked me to guest blog, she asked what my passion was. A dozen things sprang to mind instantly. Writing. Social media. Horses. People. Graphic design. Photography. Do I have to pick just one?
Each passion plays a big part in my life. I’m a fiction writer by night, a social media coordinator by day, a graphic designer by freelance, a photographer anytime I get my hands on a camera. The horses I’ve owned have shaped me into who I am today and I’m a staunch advocate against animal cruelty. So what “brand” do I portray?
But lately, I’ve come to realize a few things:
1. We all have these ADD tendencies. Not all authors write exclusively in one genre. Some books overlap, some are far from the norm. But as readers, we know what sort of story to expect from those authors. That is the brand.
2. If we all only stuck to “one thing,” we’d be a bit boring. We are all complex beings for a reason. Simple is boring. Who want’s that?
3. Being true to yourself is far more important than limiting yourself to one “brand.” Yes, you must be tactful about it. (But if you’re a romance writer looking to dive into paranormal, that’s what pseudonyms are for…)
For me, I’m in a state of pre-publication and I have time to flush out my books, my blog, my brand.
So what is my one word?
I’ll let you know when it comes to me.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m home sick today, but I’m still feeling very blessed. Not only do I have a great family, amazing friend, dreams, and forgiveness, I also know that this cold is temporary. In a few days I’ll be back to normal.
Have a great day and enjoy some pumpkin pie for me.
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Turkey Tips
Many of you will be putting a bird in the oven tomorrow morning. Here’s a few things I’ve learned over the years:
1. Cook that turkey with the breast down. Yes, it won’t look like the pictures in magazines, but you’re probably going to carve it before you serve it anyway. The breast meat stays nice and juicy this way.
2. Do not over cook! Use that meat thermometer and take the bird out when you reach 180 in the center of the meat.
3. Allow 30 minutes for the turkey to sit before carving. This gives the juices time to be pulled back into the meat.
4. If you want a little extra flavor, consider stuffing butter and rosemary (or other spices) between the skin and meat.
5. Never. Never. Never, attempt to cook a turkey on the barbecue because the electricity has gone out. Your 20 pound bird may end up being a 5 pound carcass. Not that I’d know anything about that.
What is your Thanksgiving specialty?
