The Case of the Perfect Agent Part 1 with Detective Rosemary Allspice

Rosemary Allspice here, and I’m delighted beyond words to guest on this tasty little blog today. I’m here to spice things up with bits of news about the daunting task of finding a literary agent. The Alley Cats sent me on assignment two weeks ago and the trail has been peppered with clues.

Heavens, but where are my manners?

I’ve brewed up some delicious British tea (really what other kind is there) in my Red Victorian teapot, baked up my grandmother’s best scones, and brought delectable information on fiction agents. Sip the tea carefully, ducks, for I prefer a dark, robust blend.

I'll report some helpful hints today and more at a later date. Too much information is disagreeable to a full stomach. Now, shall we get on with it?

Literary agents are not plentiful, and agents who represent Christian fiction are fewer still. Before I delve into remarks from some award-winning informants, let me introduce you to a comprehensive list of agents from the CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, Michael Hyatt.

For writers, his blog should be a daily, or weekly read, because it is brimming with nuggets of wisdom for the new or experienced author. Here is Mr. Hyatt’s list entitled Literary Agents who Represent Christian Authors.

But a list tells us very little of how to go about discovering the right agent, which is why I’ve winkled the information out of some award winning authors. Here’s what they have to say:

Author Kaye Dacus, whose website is brilliant really – full up with writing tips – gave these top three hints for finding an agent:

1. Attend writing conferences and go the sessions taught by your target agent(s).


2. Sit at the agent's table at meals (at conferences).


3. Develop a relationship with the agent by talking TO the agent (and listening) rather than always talking AT the agent. Remember, the agent is a person, too, and gets tired of people constantly pitching to them, wanting something from them.


Brilliant notions, aren’t they? And might I add, Ms. Dacus portrays her Brits quite authentically. If you’ve not had the opportunity to read her novels, you might begin with her contemporary Stand In Groom, or her first regency novel, Ransome’s Honor.

Glynna Kaye, a marvelous lady with the propensity toward encouragement, gave these top tips for the agent hunt:

1) Don't be in too much of a hurry to find one. Many writers feel that the ONLY thing that is holding them back from publication is not having an agent when it's really that they still have a ways to go to learn how to write truly publishable fiction.

2) Know what YOU want from an agent that would, in your estimation, earn them 15% of your hard-earned advance & royalties. Remember, YOU are hiring THEM. Read up on what professional agents are expected to do, then remember that in addition to those basic qualifications/expectations some writers want a critiquer, a line editor, a brainstorming partner or a cheerleader; other writers want to do all their own publishing house networking/pitching, then let the agent step in to close the deal; others want the agent to submit their manuscripts wherever the agent feels is best but don't want to know where or when (or anything else about it) unless something sells; others want . . . [ fill in the blank ]. So educate yourself, decide what YOU want, then start researching specific agents.

3) Keep your eyes and ears open. Talk to other writers/editors about who they like to work with; attend agent panels at conferences long before you're ready to "pitch" to one. Do you think you'd get along with them? Personality and knowledge-wise would you want them to represent you? What is their reputation? Qualifications? Who else do they represent? Do they represent what you write? What kind of contract do you sign with them? How do you get out of it? (And remember, any manuscript they've "pitched" to a publisher that accepts it means they get a piece of the pie and you must be in relationship with them until the book is no longer in print--or possibly longer with the e-book issue now--even if you decide to break your contract and get a new agent.) How often do they communicate with their clients? How quickly are they known to respond to client-initiated contacts? Do they understand the legalese of contracts? Do they have legal advisors? Are they committed professionals or is agenting just a hobby? Do they have a reputation for following-thru on commitments--or dropping the ball? The publishing industry is a small, small world, so it pays to do your homework before signing on the dotted line.


Poignant words, wouldn’t you agree? And it appears that any good author should also have a bit of sleuthing skills about their person. Oh Ms. Kaye, are you good at winkling information from people?

This agent business is quite serious and keeping a sober eye out seems not only beneficial, but wise. One author even referred to it as being ‘married’ to the agent, in the sense of agreeableness and understanding of each others’ expectations and responsibilities.

I recently completed one of Julie Lessman’s novels, and I must say those stories would cause my mum to blush from her toenails to her hairline. I'm quite certain such kisses can't be proper. But oh what marvelous stories -  tales of love and Christ’s redemption. And Luke McGee… Let me take a sip of tea for a moment before continuing. My collar is a bit tight.

I caught up with Julie while she was on a Caribbean cruise. There are days when I simply love my job. Amidst the warm breeze and relaxed atmosphere, Ms. Lessman's personality simmered with bottled up energy. It must be from where all the passion comes in her books. You’ll be hard put to find a more passionate Christian author, I daresay.

Now, Ms. Lessman's notes were to the point. Her top three keys to finding an agent were:

1.) Query like crazy.


2.) Referrals from friends who have agents.


3.) Pray your guts out.

For a woman who gushes 3-inch novels, this is succinct, but her third point was particularly spot on. Where would any of us be without divine intervention?

Oh dear, I only have time for one more interview.

Do not despair, however – I have more to report on January 31st.
Now let me end with an author who is a character in her own right.

Mary Connealy’s books left me wondering about the West’s view of propriety, and I was a bit overwhelmed by their astonishing use of firearms. With women jumping into rivers, near-death falls from cliffs, or an astounding number of gunfights, it is difficult to imagine surviving Ms. Connealy’s world long enough to drink a spot of tea, let alone live through an entire day. However, after the shock dissipated, a surge of euphoria, (which I can only explain as reading-induced insanity,) ensued and I was compelled to finish the books. All of them. In less than a week. They were simply marvelous – and I don’t think I should recover.

I keep them well-hidden from my mother, who might never understand.

Our meetup was lovely, and despite what some of her friends said, she did not offer cold pizza for an appetizer – or pizza at all. Where do such rumors get started?

Be prepared for what Ms. Connealy added on securing a literary agent:

1) Take anyone who says yes who's not listed on preditors and editors.


2) If you make a sale, email the agent of your choice and offer then the agent's cut of the advance if they'll sign you. Easy money for them.


3) Enter contests with agents as finalist judges.


4) Send a mass mailing to every agent listed in Writer's Digest. That's actually how I got my first AND second agent.


That sounds really wrong now.

Oh Mary, you are quite genuine, aren’t you? It is a charming quality, really.

My investigations concluded personal contacts and contests to be at the top of the list for securing agents. Would you agree?

For more about the Case of the Perfect Agent, enjoy this informative post from Seekerville. The ladies of Seekerville are a lovely lot, who provide insight, encouragement, and a vast deal of entertainment.

I'm aware that The Writers Alley's very own Pepper Basham concurred with Glynna Kaye's remarks regarding knowing one's own mind in expectation for an agent. "It makes for a happier fit if the author knows what she's looking for and the agent meets those expectations. I like what Glynna said, the agent is earning 15% of your sales - what do you want them to get paid to do? I think lots of newbies jump at the first opportunity that arises. This isn't necessarily a bad choice, but it may be an uninformed one - so that the author and agent don't have the best fit. I want to find someone who not only believes in me, but wants to encourage me to be better than what I am."

Well, I’ve waffled on long enough, much too long for any proper Brit, so I shall end now – and continue my search for the next post. I’m to glean future information from authors such as Patti Lacy, Jody Hedlund, Deeanne Gist, Deb Raney, and Ruth Axtell Morren, so my next post should shed more light on the mysterious world of literary agents. Needless to say, regardless of which agent you set your cap on, it is worth the wait and the investigation.

I look forward to sharing more on 31, Jan.

Send questions and I'll try to suss out the answer for you.

Cheers,

Rosemary S. Allspice, Amateur Detective