Thank you for sharing. I was so grateful an agent wanted to take me on that I signed, even though I knew the chemistry wasn't right. My book didn't sell in the first and only round of submissions, and then she ghosted me before leaving the agency. I am about to query again and I plan to be much more selective, even if it means remaining unagented. No agent is better than the wrong agent!
Loved this essay. I recently had pushback—some rather rude—when I said it felt like publishing had changed over the past 40 years (while I’ve been working on my craft) and that I wish I’d pubbed in 2004 instead of 2024. Reading this, I see I am not delusional.
It’s gotten harder (for everyone: agents, editors, writers). The industry HAS changed. Basically, a lot more people are writing and selling books, all made possible by technology. The publishing houses have merged so there are fewer trad options. Small presses are hard-pressed to compete. Etc.
I'm sorry someone was rude! No need for that. And yes, there is no doubt that it has changed but in some ways for the better, in that self-publishing can be an attractive option.
Yes. It’s harder to be a good, mid-list, trad-pubbed author—-which is what I always aspired to—but easier to indie pub and have control (sort of) of your own destiny. I just grew up looking at the old industry and dreaming of it. Going to lunch with my editor. Some publicity help. A decent advance. Oh well.
Loved this! You're experiences and your sharing them are greatly appreciated. Querying publishers and agents is akin to root canal surgery without anesthesia. The addition reality of thousands of other authors jumping through the same hoops at the same time makes it feel like salt being pouring into your mouth during that surgery. My story is that after two years of submission (painful) I opted to put my latest novel (my fourth; the previous three brought to market by a small house) up here on Substack in serial form. Lo and behold, an agent I submitted to at the very beginning (nearly two years ago, remember), reached back expressing interest. Thrilled, I was! Until the agent found out about my Substack releasing (about 1/3rd is up now) they withdrew. Heartbreak. So, I'm going to just continue releasing / publishing it here. Forget all about agents and publishers for now; too much frustration.
LOVED it. Laughed throughout. Since I published my piece, I've gotten sheepish notes from other multi-agented authors, saying, '"Thought it was just me. So glad I'm alone..." etc. Clearly, finding the forever agent can be tricky!
Thank you for this, Karin! Two weeks after I sent my first query letter for my debut novel, I signed up with an agent. My book has been out on submissions since April, no takes so far, but to get any updates/comments of editors, I’ve had to send carefully worded emails and calculate timing (every 3 months or so) so I don’t appear assertive… Reading your post makes me think this is a dead-end affair. I’d love to work with another agent in the same company, though. Do you think I should approach them?
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I remember writing so many careful emails in the past, hoping not to upset my agent. Many agents won’t touch a project that has already been out in sub unless it was a very limited list. Before you do anything, check your current contract with your agent to see what the terms are. But don’t approach any other agents until you’ve severed ties with your current one.
Always helpful— this one especially for the psychology of being a writer. I keep querying and keep wondering if/when it’s going land. I have a hard time giving up.
Thanks for this. I’ve had four agents and am querying for a fifth (as you know), and I sometimes feel like an oddball for having so many. It’s nice to know I’m not alone.
Self-publishing has helped me get started but your article has made me think it's worth querying an agent for the sake of experience and feedback. All the best with your next creative phase.
The shrewd beginner knows they can't depend on sheer talent, and will place themselves as close to insiders as possible. Even Hemingway glad-handed every pro he could find : )
Thank you for sharing. I was so grateful an agent wanted to take me on that I signed, even though I knew the chemistry wasn't right. My book didn't sell in the first and only round of submissions, and then she ghosted me before leaving the agency. I am about to query again and I plan to be much more selective, even if it means remaining unagented. No agent is better than the wrong agent!
So true. And it can be hard to turn down the offer but it is for the best.
Loved this essay. I recently had pushback—some rather rude—when I said it felt like publishing had changed over the past 40 years (while I’ve been working on my craft) and that I wish I’d pubbed in 2004 instead of 2024. Reading this, I see I am not delusional.
It’s gotten harder (for everyone: agents, editors, writers). The industry HAS changed. Basically, a lot more people are writing and selling books, all made possible by technology. The publishing houses have merged so there are fewer trad options. Small presses are hard-pressed to compete. Etc.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
I'm sorry someone was rude! No need for that. And yes, there is no doubt that it has changed but in some ways for the better, in that self-publishing can be an attractive option.
Yes. It’s harder to be a good, mid-list, trad-pubbed author—-which is what I always aspired to—but easier to indie pub and have control (sort of) of your own destiny. I just grew up looking at the old industry and dreaming of it. Going to lunch with my editor. Some publicity help. A decent advance. Oh well.
I think those things are possible still. Just a little harder sadly.
It is what it is. I’m practicing Stoicism. 😆 Enjoying your book! I like how you weave in all the industry info with the characters. Laurie is a hoot!
Thank you! So glad you're enjoying it.
Loved this! You're experiences and your sharing them are greatly appreciated. Querying publishers and agents is akin to root canal surgery without anesthesia. The addition reality of thousands of other authors jumping through the same hoops at the same time makes it feel like salt being pouring into your mouth during that surgery. My story is that after two years of submission (painful) I opted to put my latest novel (my fourth; the previous three brought to market by a small house) up here on Substack in serial form. Lo and behold, an agent I submitted to at the very beginning (nearly two years ago, remember), reached back expressing interest. Thrilled, I was! Until the agent found out about my Substack releasing (about 1/3rd is up now) they withdrew. Heartbreak. So, I'm going to just continue releasing / publishing it here. Forget all about agents and publishers for now; too much frustration.
Marc, I’m so sorry that happened to you! So maddening, but I think your plan to keep releasing and publishing is so wise.
Fun. I haven’t had six agents and wrote about my journey here, with a dose of humour, which you might enjoy. Publishing is such a bumpy industry. https://www.howtoevolve.me/p/i-love-agents-i-wish-i-could-stop
LOVED it. Laughed throughout. Since I published my piece, I've gotten sheepish notes from other multi-agented authors, saying, '"Thought it was just me. So glad I'm alone..." etc. Clearly, finding the forever agent can be tricky!
Thank you for this, Karin! Two weeks after I sent my first query letter for my debut novel, I signed up with an agent. My book has been out on submissions since April, no takes so far, but to get any updates/comments of editors, I’ve had to send carefully worded emails and calculate timing (every 3 months or so) so I don’t appear assertive… Reading your post makes me think this is a dead-end affair. I’d love to work with another agent in the same company, though. Do you think I should approach them?
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I remember writing so many careful emails in the past, hoping not to upset my agent. Many agents won’t touch a project that has already been out in sub unless it was a very limited list. Before you do anything, check your current contract with your agent to see what the terms are. But don’t approach any other agents until you’ve severed ties with your current one.
Thank for the advice, much appreciated indeed!
Always helpful— this one especially for the psychology of being a writer. I keep querying and keep wondering if/when it’s going land. I have a hard time giving up.
Keep plugging! You’re a great writer.
Thanks for this. I’ve had four agents and am querying for a fifth (as you know), and I sometimes feel like an oddball for having so many. It’s nice to know I’m not alone.
It's more common than most people know. I wish there was a Yelp for agents :)
That would be so helpful!
Self-publishing has helped me get started but your article has made me think it's worth querying an agent for the sake of experience and feedback. All the best with your next creative phase.
I'm glad it inspired you to query. It's like a rite-of-passage and you definitely learn a lot. Best of luck!
This was an educational read, a real gem, so much better than the advice articles on writing that Substack is chock-a-block with.
The shrewd beginner knows they can't depend on sheer talent, and will place themselves as close to insiders as possible. Even Hemingway glad-handed every pro he could find : )