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Topic: Question for Published Authors
| Author | Message |
| Astera | Posted – 2/28/2008 9:42:58 PM | show profile Some background: I'm working on my first novel. It's very slow going, but I have received some positive feedback. In fact, at a recent writer's conference, an editor at a well-known publishing house read the first 10 pages of my work and had good things to say about it. She asked me to send the novel to her when it was complete. She even gave me an "Editor's Choice" award at the conference. I recently wrote her a (hand-written) letter to thank her for her time and tell her how much I appreciated being chosen for the award, and she emailed me back to say very nice and complimentary things about meeting me. She seems very reputable, and she previously published a novel from an author whom she met at the same conference. The question: When I finish my novel, should I go ahead and send it to her, or should I send it out to agents first? I know that you're normally supposed to get an agent to represent you to publishers, but I thought that maybe since she asked me to send it to her, I should try that first. She did mention that she could recommend some agents who might be interested in representing me. I want to protect my interests, of course, but I don't want to pass up what could be a good lead. I would appreciate your thoughts and advice. ------ www.adventuresofastera.blogspot.com |
| Village Gal | Posted – 2/29/2008 3:14:30 PM | show profile Get an agent because an agent will get you a better deal. The editor already told you to get an agent, so why would you do otherwise? Then the agent sends to that editor first. |
| stinking prague | Posted – 2/29/2008 4:19:23 PM | show profile In your case I'd say do both. The fact that you have an editor interested means that if she wants it, it'd be nothing for an agent to come aboard and get you a better deal. The reality is probably gonna be something entirely else, but as long as you've got a nice fish like that nibbling play her. good luck |
| rhino writer | Posted – 2/29/2008 5:57:19 PM | show profile Go to Miss Snark's blog and read the posts. She's an agent. She doesn't write the blog anymore, but it's still up and is invaluable for unpublished/unagented writers. http://misssnark.blogspot.com/ |
| can't say | Posted – 2/29/2008 6:15:58 PM | show profile If an editor recommends an agent, who eventually will be representing you in discussions with said editor, that's a potential conflict of interest on the part of the editor. |
| Village Gal | Posted – 3/1/2008 9:48:57 AM | show profile Can't Say makes a good point about conflict of interest if you use an agent the editor suggests. But I definitely think you should go the agent route. There are hundreds of agents out there and it should be easier to get one if you have an interested editor. |
| rhino writer | Posted – 3/1/2008 10:05:34 AM | show profile I disagree with can't say. If a *reputable* editor at a known publishing house who you've met legitimately says "I love your work, here are a couple of agents you might want to check out", that's just a professional referral. She probably knows what they're repping right now and that Astera's work might be something they're interested in. Astera, of course, will check on Preditors and Editors when sending out queries to make sure they're legit. If an editor who you're *paying* to look at your work says, "Oh, use X", that's a different situation, and you would need to tread carefully. |
| Village Gal | Posted – 3/1/2008 4:03:19 PM | show profile rhino, good points. |
| westsidestory | Posted – 3/3/2008 12:41:05 PM | show profile My suggestion would be to send the finished manuscript to the editor, as she asked to see it. If she is interested to want to then go ahead and have a talk about an offer, you are so much further ahead. It is so difficult with fiction that even authors with agents have a hard time attracting attention from editors, so don't slow the process down once you have a completed manuscript. You can still look around for an agent, and can still send out manuscripts to them (and to other interested editors who express an interest, as this one did). You are under no obligation to accept any offer made prior to getting an agent, or use an agent she likes. I heartily wish you such a quandry - meanwhile, write fast! |
| Astera | Posted – 3/3/2008 8:39:53 PM | show profile Thank you for all of your advice. I think that I'll send my manuscript to the editor in question, but I'll also send it out to agents, and perhaps I'll note in my cover letter than an editor at this publishing house has expressed an interest. But first, I need to finish the darn thing. The editor encouraged me to take my time and trust my voice, and I know that's very important, but I also just want to get it done! ------ www.adventuresofastera.blogspot.com |
