Friday, July 16, 2010

DO I NEED AN AGENT

One of the blogs I have been following lately is Chip MacGregor. The past two days his post has been about finding an agent. Yesterdays blog gave sage advice about what to look for and what or who to stay away from. I have written several queries. Each of them better than the last one. So why haven't I sent them to any of the agents I've selected? Chip MacGregor's blog helped me realize this morning the answer. I'm afraid of rejection. Yup. That's got to be it. When he talked about some of the unethical practices of some agents, the number of people who call themselves agents, it was then I realized I'm just afraid I'll be rejected. When I read on through his blog he pointed out the aspect of the relationship between the author and agent. I didn't think in those terms. I need to find the right agent for me. He is right. If you don't have a good relationship, it's not going to work anyway. He also pointed out why you may or may not need an agent. If you can negotiate your own contracts, and you know the business, you probably don't need an agent. And in fact, it's entirely up to you to decide. If you are not already subscribed to this blog, I recommend it. The link is ChipMacGregor.com. Whether you've decided to find an agent, or you just want some good, solid advice, I don't think you'll regret following this one. Do you need an agent, or are you okay without one?Let me know what you're thinking.

8 comments:

kathy taylor said...

I'm looking for an agent and praying that I find the right one.

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Kathy,
Did you read Chip's blog today? He listed several agents. I started praying today myself. It took me a while to decide what to do. I know the Lord is in charge and I trust He will lead me to the right agent. I'm going to pray for you too.
Let me know how it goes.
Hugs and blessings to you my friend
Katt

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Katt -

I'm looking for an agent, who will take an interest in my writing career and give me wise advice.

I haven't read Chip's blog today, although I'm familiar with it. I'll check it out.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Hi Susan, I don't know why it took me so long to figure out what I needed to do. I've been reading several blogs lately about "the search" but I think Chip's has been the best. At least for me. I hope you find the RIGHT agent for you. Let me know!
Hugs
Katt

Carol J. Garvin said...

Chip's blog has been on my list of must-reads for a couple years. He always has good information and advice.

Coincidentally, I blogged about rejection earlier this week, too, because it's something every aspiring-to-be-published writer has to deal with. I definitely want to have an agent on my side during the journey altho' I haven't queried much yet. I'm not afraid of rejection but the introvert part of me makes me drag my feet and put off the self-promotion. I'd rather be writing! I set a timeline for myself this year... have been polishing a final revision of one ms, working on its synopsis and a query letter, and plan to start the query process this fall. No more procrastination. (Gulp!)

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Carol, I think self-promotion is what I'm having a problem with too. I did read your blog about rejection. Very well written with good information. I meant to comment---I was off line for 17 days so really got behind. Forgive me!
Hugs
Katt

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Thank you for this, Katt. I know I'm fearful of rejection too, and lately it's been so nice not worrying about rejection letters coming in the mail. I noticed just yesterday that I stopped by the mailbox without hesitation. Yes, I have to get over that.

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Joy, Gosh your NORMAL??? Ha ha---I thought big name authors such as yourself didn't have those fears!! Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to read your next book!!! When is it coming out? I forget--I know you've told me SEVERAL times. Remember I'm old--
Love you
Katt