The agent thing

[journeyman]

Hello all! Very newbie guy here.

I've been selling computer geek articles for years, but I haven't been able to get my fiction accepted. I just learned that what I've been trying to write all these years is called Christian speculative fiction. Imagine that.

I've mostly written short stories, but I actually completed my first novel! I'm now trying to figure out how to market my work in the 21st century. I've been away from fiction writing for so long that I don't know how things work these days.

The first question I'd like to ask everyone is the "agent thing." Any success stories out there about getting an agent? Any dire warnings or sage advice for a newbie?

~jm

[Kristen]

Attend writers' conferences. You'll meet agents there, and even if none of them take you on as a client, you'll learn to talk to them and also discover that they are just folks, not mysterious keepers of dark secrets.

[dragonlots]

I second that. Go to writing conferences. However, I will tell you the same thing I told some other writers who asked, at your first one, just be a sponge. A lot has changed in the publishing and the information you get at it will help you research editors/agents, make pitches, plan your platform, learn the lingo, and many other things you need to know. At your second writing conference, then you arrange meetings with/making pitches to editors and agents. Do network at your first, but I suggest mainly with fellow writers. During your second, network, network, network. However, be aware that sometimes it can take years for this to pay off.

Personally, unless you land a contract with someone like Baen books, I don’t think you really need an agent. If you go through small presses, they actually prefer to work with unagented writers. This is because they pay royalties after the book has earned out. Agents try to get an advance. Most SP’s run on a shoestring and can’t afford to pay up front.

[journeyman]

Thanks for the advice. That's been really helpful!

[pixydust]

Yah, I second the conference thing. The best place to learn is hands on and you get a wonderful feel for the industry as a whole when you go into it. For CBA Mount Hermon is my favorite for learning and making connections but I've heard the Colorado one is good as well. Unless you want to sell in the ABA, then you need to go to a conference like the one at San Diego State U. That's an amazing one for the money. I met a lot of good people at World Con but that's a tougher one as it moves all over the world.

Also, start reading;

1. Books in the genre/industry you want to sell to.

2. Books about publishing (First Five Pages, Jeff Hermon's Guide, etc)

3. Blogs are a great place for info as well (most agents have a blog, and editors as well)

God bless you as you begin this fun and exciting journey!

[dragonlots]

You can meet writers and editors at World Con, but you must always be aware which hat they’re wearing. Are they there as an editor/agent or there as a fan? If they’re attending as an editor/agent, always ask first before assuming they’re open to pitches. Along the lines of , ‘I have a book you might be interested in, do you have a moment to hear a pitch?’ Abide by whatever answer they give. They might be on their way to panel or some other function. They might ask you to meet them later. They might talk to you in the hall. It all depends. If they’re attending as a fan then they’re there to have fun, not work. REALLY respect this. Just introduce yourself and politely excuse yourself. Odds are if you’ve submitted to their house and they run across your name, they’ll probably remember you. No guarantees though.

There’s also World Fantasy Con, but I’ve never gone to that one.

In Colorado we have Pike’s Peak Writing Conference in Colorado Springs, The Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers in Denver and the Douglas County Writing Conference in Castle Rock. These are secular and I’ve attended PPWC & DCWC. They were both very good.

I’ve also been to the Colorado Christian Writing Conference in Estes Park. It’s excellent. There is also another Christian one, but I haven’t attended due to the cost.

I have networked at both conferences and cons. Because I go to them more, the contacts I’ve made at the cons are tighter, but I have some from CCWC & PPWC.