tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880689819528856549.post7030278314854758846..comments2023-09-16T04:44:42.410-04:00Comments on Ask a Literary Agent: “Should my agent let me know which publishers/editors have read my work, and provide me with copies of the rejection letters?”Noah Lukemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731880178684434531noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880689819528856549.post-1207571812639245382013-03-03T11:19:37.661-05:002013-03-03T11:19:37.661-05:00My agent, a very good one from one of the best NYC...My agent, a very good one from one of the best NYC agencies, has submitted my memoir proposal to 14 publishers last week. Though I've asked him, he can't really tell me how long it will take for each to respond one way or another, whether wanting to read the entire manuscript or not. So, my question is this: in general, how long does it take for a publisher to READ and then RESPOND to a proposal?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880689819528856549.post-27408081441357109052011-02-02T09:01:04.613-05:002011-02-02T09:01:04.613-05:00Tricky one this. Good post thought. I think it is ...Tricky one this. Good post thought. I think it is worth agents actually stating what their policy/strategy for communication is regarding rejections upfront - most author frustration on this comes from agents being wimpy and unclear about all this.<br /><br />As for the author who contacts an editor to harass, simply state upfront that any attempt to do this will mean an immediate cessation of contract. <br /><br />If the author tries to negotiate a deal with the editor direct, while cutting out the middle man, surely that editor's name will be dirt almost instantly if they make a deal? I think this potential problem is overplayed by agents.<br /><br />Paragraphs four and five nail it though. It's a scenario that will keep agency contacts safe, while keeping the author informed. Although if you are confident the author you are working with isn't a nutter or thief then why not tell them who you are pitching to? Authors also meet editors, go to conferences, know market information, and may be able to provide additional insight. Assuming all authors are unintelligent, over-emotional, know-nothings helps neither agent or author.<br /><br />Unfortunately the scenario where an author is asking for editors names upfront usually indicates a lack of trust in the agent's abilities or honesty - this could be rectified by agents having a clear strategy for communication, and, well, communicating that to the author who, rightly, may have their own business needs that the agent needs to meet halfway.<br /><br />Still a good post tho.Frank Coleshttp://www.frankcoles.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880689819528856549.post-90494459254991254442010-08-16T05:03:57.058-04:002010-08-16T05:03:57.058-04:00Dear Mr. Noah Lukeman,
First of all, Thank You fo...Dear Mr. Noah Lukeman, <br />First of all, Thank You for your free-e-books. They have helped me a lot. I’ve also bought your book, ‘The First Five Pages’ which also proved to be helpful. I am exactly doing what you have advised (in each and every book) to never give up and keep writing.<br />To start with, I am a first time writer with no writing credentials. I have written a book which is a fiction, around 60,000 words. My book is about a major event that happened ten years ago. <br /><br />I have few questions which are as follows<br /> <br />1. I’ve submitted my manuscript to an agent who had asked for it and has maintained an encouraging attitude. I do think there are chances that this agent may reply positively and will represent me. But as a rule of thumb, we should not take anything for granted, should I query another agent? Since, this agent is going to reply after three months. However, I don’t want to hurt my chances with this agent. At the same time I would waste a lot of time if I wait for three months. What should I do? <br /><br />2. There are some marketing strategies in my head, which may help in increasing the sales. So, should I share these ideas at this stage, with this agent? Will it help me? For example, one of the marketing strategies which I want to suggest is launching the book at the end of this October or even at the end of this year as it may attract many readers. (I know the publishing process is long and I am asking, may be, too much. But still, considering that the length of the book is short, I would like to know whether it is possible or not.) <br /><br />3. If the answer of the above question is ‘yes’, then how should I reply or what should be the format of the letter (to this agent)? <br /><br /> Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for all your work. <br /><br />Sincerely.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880689819528856549.post-956212812987235802010-07-30T15:25:45.098-04:002010-07-30T15:25:45.098-04:00Hello Mr. Lukeman,
I’m a writer and filmmaker bas...Hello Mr. Lukeman,<br /><br />I’m a writer and filmmaker based out of Toronto and I have been an huge fan of your work and an avid reader of your blog. <br /><br />I have recently contacted the representatives of a noted film director with a request for a series of interviews chronicling his life and work, with the intentions of eventually polishing the results as a comprehensive book on the director, in the mold of Faber & Faber’s Directors on Directors series. I was contacted by his agent with a request for more details on the book proposal, the timelines, etc. One of the items they wanted to know about was my financial offer. This is where I was hoping to use your advice. I don’t have a literary agent and I have no idea what constitutes a standard financial offer for a project like this. Would there be an upfront financial compensation or simply a percentage of the book revenue should the interviews get published? I would greatly appreciate any insight you may have to offer me in this case. <br /><br />Thank you very much for taking the time to read my questions.<br /><br />Best wishes,<br />Ray NooriRay Noorinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880689819528856549.post-48721357735718402792010-07-28T13:30:36.651-04:002010-07-28T13:30:36.651-04:00Anon, that's not always true. If you're a ...Anon, that's not always true. If you're a first time author of fiction, Jennifer, then you should finish the book first. However, **some** agents will let you pitch future projects as well and I've known a couple of authors that got an agent by doing that. Non-fiction will let you bypass having a finished book by having a really detailed outline, synopsis, etc.JVRChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880689819528856549.post-46410959995549476072010-07-27T11:23:19.944-04:002010-07-27T11:23:19.944-04:00You shouldn't submit to agents until your work...You shouldn't submit to agents until your work is completed. This "rule" is more fluid for non-fiction authors, but as a former assistant at an agency, I recommend against it. What happens if you reach the end of the novel and you realize that you need to change something that creates inconsistencies earlier in the novel? What happens if something comes up and for some reason you can't finish the novel in a timely manner? In those cases, the agent might lose interest in the ms if s/he doesn't see it until months after the query.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880689819528856549.post-89269723722616886202010-07-25T16:15:36.280-04:002010-07-25T16:15:36.280-04:00Should I query literary agents and submit a propos...Should I query literary agents and submit a proposal for my novel before the work is finished, although the first 150 pages (the thesis for my MFA in creative writing) have been edited and polished?Jennifer Donice Lewisnoreply@blogger.com