To Agent?
Today, I sent my book to an agent.
Song of the Fell Hammer has been sent to agent Matt Bialer, who is also the agent for authors Tad Williams, Robert Newcomb, Eldon Thompson, and he has represented other New York Times bestselling authors in the past. He and I have known one another for a number of years when he helped Robert Newcomb hire me as his web developer. Matt is a very nice guy, always on top of his game, and always willing to help when he can.
That time has come. I need a bit of help. Although Del Rey has the book and I think it is in good hands there, in case they decide to pass I want the book farther along in the publishing process. That means sending my book to an agent I trust and who I know can get the job done if it comes to it; it means sending my book to Matt and hoping he finds enough merit with it to help it meet the shelves and jump into readers' hands.
He read the first few chapters of the book in July 2006 and liked it enough to ask for the entire manuscript. Of course, I did not have the book done—something no one should get themselves into unless they are friends with the agent they are sending the material to—and I had to wait until it was finished.
Now that the book is done and out of my hands, I have sent Matt a copy looking for his feedback and hoping for his representation. Everyone needs an agent at some time during the process, and Matt's my man. We'll see how it all goes.
Many people ask, "Should I get an agent first or just sent my manuscript to a publisher?" My answer to that one is easy. "Yes." You can do both and either can work under the right circumstances. But an agent can help strengthen a manuscript before it is pitched and an agent can get through the publishing door quicker than an unsolicited manuscript and get it read faster due to established, professional relationships. I know if Del Rey passes on Song of the Fell Hammer that Matt will have any number of other publishers lined up ready to read it. I know Matt knows the publishing industry better than I do and he knows what houses are looking for what kind of fiction. Agents make up to 15% on a book sale, but that 15% removes a lot of grief from the writer.
I hope Matt and I have good news to announce some day. I hope that day comes quickly.
Song of the Fell Hammer has been sent to agent Matt Bialer, who is also the agent for authors Tad Williams, Robert Newcomb, Eldon Thompson, and he has represented other New York Times bestselling authors in the past. He and I have known one another for a number of years when he helped Robert Newcomb hire me as his web developer. Matt is a very nice guy, always on top of his game, and always willing to help when he can.
That time has come. I need a bit of help. Although Del Rey has the book and I think it is in good hands there, in case they decide to pass I want the book farther along in the publishing process. That means sending my book to an agent I trust and who I know can get the job done if it comes to it; it means sending my book to Matt and hoping he finds enough merit with it to help it meet the shelves and jump into readers' hands.
He read the first few chapters of the book in July 2006 and liked it enough to ask for the entire manuscript. Of course, I did not have the book done—something no one should get themselves into unless they are friends with the agent they are sending the material to—and I had to wait until it was finished.
Now that the book is done and out of my hands, I have sent Matt a copy looking for his feedback and hoping for his representation. Everyone needs an agent at some time during the process, and Matt's my man. We'll see how it all goes.
Many people ask, "Should I get an agent first or just sent my manuscript to a publisher?" My answer to that one is easy. "Yes." You can do both and either can work under the right circumstances. But an agent can help strengthen a manuscript before it is pitched and an agent can get through the publishing door quicker than an unsolicited manuscript and get it read faster due to established, professional relationships. I know if Del Rey passes on Song of the Fell Hammer that Matt will have any number of other publishers lined up ready to read it. I know Matt knows the publishing industry better than I do and he knows what houses are looking for what kind of fiction. Agents make up to 15% on a book sale, but that 15% removes a lot of grief from the writer.
I hope Matt and I have good news to announce some day. I hope that day comes quickly.
posted by Shawn C. Speakman | 3:56 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home