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?

19 comments:

  1. 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!

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

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  3. 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.

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

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  5. 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

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  6. 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. :)

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

    xoRobyn

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  8. 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

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  9. 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.

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  10. 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.

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

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  12. 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!!!

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  13. 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

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  14. 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!

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  15. 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)

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  16. 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. :)

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  17. 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.

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  18. 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!!

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

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