Monday, December 19, 2011

So ... You Have an Agent ... What Does That Mean?



haha

The one question I received more than any other this weekend (from non-writerly-people) was, "I heard you got an agent. Congrats. But, so, you have an agent ... what does that mean? Can't you just go onto Amazon and publish your stories without an agent?"

Well, I'd like to answer this way, "It means I get to jump around the house and dance all day."

haha

Right. I suppose I could have done that before signing a contract with an agent. But, it is simply so much more fun WITH one.

haha

Okay. Maybe I'm still a little too giddy with joy to write a realistic post about anything. :)

But, I'll try to answer the question.

Here's what it means to have an agent:
1. Validation. Someone who works in the publishing industry thinks my manuscript is of worth. (yeah, yeah, I know ... I should reach deep within myself and find value with my own self-worth ... whatever.)
2. One Small Step (in the publishing industry) One Giant Leap (for the writer trying to break into traditional publishing) ... I'm one step (leap) closer to my goal of having my manuscript published and on the shelf in a book store.
3. Cheerleader. I have an agent on my side cheering me on and shouting to others about the story I've written.
4. A Ticket to the Party. An agent gives me access to editors and publishers that I didn't have prior.

A few of you have asked various questions in the comments of the previous post, and I will be thrilled to tell you more of the story. Check back for a more-down-to-earth-with-less-dancing post Wednesday. :) Well ... maybe I shouldn't make promises ... I'm kinda enjoying the writerly high I'm flying on ... haha!

What about you? Do you have an agent? Want an agent? Or do you think they're unnecessary?
Labels: , ,

19 comments:

  1. Creepy Query GirlDecember 19, 2011 at 4:38 AM

    I don't think I'll ever give up on getting an agent for all the reasons you mentioned. It is such an accomplishment! Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Luanne G. SmithDecember 19, 2011 at 6:59 AM

    Enjoy your dancing high. You deserve to get up offa that thang.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousDecember 19, 2011 at 7:21 AM

    Getting an agent is a HUGE accomplishment, and not to be taken lightly!!

    I don't have an agent, and I'm signed with a small press (but one that is RAPIDLY growing--agents make sales to them, too). I still think I'd like to get one, perhaps after I have one more book out first.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jennie BennettDecember 19, 2011 at 8:37 AM

    I don't have an agent but I would be doing the same thing!

    ReplyDelete
  5. LTMDecember 19, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    Hey! Supercongrats! And Writers House... ooooo... :D OK, LOVED #1 "should reach deep down inside myself... (whatever)"--LOL! :D I do have an agent, I do agree with your reasons, and I am so happy for you~ :o) <3

    ReplyDelete
  6. Green MonkeyDecember 19, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    I also just got an agent but I think I need to do more jumping up and down! She is currently submitting a story I wrote to Rolling Stone magazine. I held my breath as long as I could, now I'm sort of walking around, rolling in it, trying to stay calm, trying to appreciate just the simple fact that I found an agent that believes in me. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comDecember 19, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    You really can't go wrong with having an agent. I think it's fabulous.

    xoRobyn

    ReplyDelete
  8. Denise Covey December 19, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    Hi Margo. Congrats again, I think, for having an agent. I agree with your points of why it's good. I haven't gone looking yet. You can get published in Oz without an agent, but I've not got that far.

    I hope all goes well for you!

    Happy Christmas!

    Denise

    ReplyDelete
  9. cleemckenzieDecember 19, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    I think you've got it right, Margo. The agent does add so much in terms of support and legitimacy in this writing world. You deserve to dance around the room. Go for it!

    And have a wonderful holiday season.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Golden EagleDecember 19, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    I don't have an agent, but I don't think they're unnecessary; they might not be the only route to getting published these days, but they're definitely important! Especially for the reasons you listed.

    ReplyDelete
  11. M PaxDecember 19, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    Congrats!! Woot! I'd be dancing like crazy.

    ReplyDelete
  12. TrishaDecember 19, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    I wouldn't have to ask that question, I can see the value in having an agent for sure!

    I didn't get a chance to say congrats before, but I'm saying it now!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. dolorahDecember 19, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    Yeha! Congratulations Margo.

    I want an agent for all the same reasons you listed.

    I'm truly happy for you, and I hope sometime I get to be as giddy and jumping around the house as you :) Enjoy the feeling.

    Merry Christmas.

    ........dhole

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ian AndersonDecember 20, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    Be giddy. And I'm happy for you!

    I do want an agent, for sure; however, little time and another full time job makes it so unattractive to work on queries!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sarah AllenDecember 20, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Exactly!! Your reasons are totally why I want an agent for myself one day. I will probably also be doing the dancing thing too :) Congrats!!!!

    Sarah Allen
    (my creative writing blog)

    ReplyDelete
  16. KrispyDecember 20, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    Hi Margo! Nice to meet you through the Deja Vu blogfest. Also, it's so cool that I'm coming upon your blog just as you've gotten signed. How awesome! CONGRATS on landing an agent!!! I heartily support dancing around the house. :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Melissa Ann GoodwinDecember 20, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    I got an agent just about this time last year. Actually - two agents offered to represent me for The Christmas Village. I signed with one, but about 2 months in, I decided to self-publish. Not because the agent wasn't good, but, actually in a way, because I did feel SO validated, that I believed I could do it, that my book was ready to be in the world and I didn't want to wait. I would work with an agent in the right circumstances, but I'm also really proud of having published on my own. I'm open on all fronts, really.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Melissa Ann GoodwinDecember 20, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    Oh and DUH! CONGRATULATIONS!! It really IS a Big Deal! A huge deal really. It can be harder to get an agent than a publisher. And you did it!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. UnknownDecember 20, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    Congrats so much, Margo! Thanks for the watch. I'll have to watch you too I must hear the story of your agent.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)