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suelick
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Registered: 01-2005
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Finally got an agent!

While I was unable to get into the forum--for months--a miracle finally happened and I acquired a New York agent for the book I'm writing on childless women. And yes, I'm still looking for people to interview--if you are childless because your spouse or partner couldn't or wouldn't be a parent. I already have plenty of folks who never ever wanted children. I'm more interested in people who kind of wanted to, who physically could have, but didn't have them.
Anyway, I am learning a great deal. First, the agent is having me rewrite my proposal--twice so far--so that it will be absolutely perfect when she submits it to publishers. Didn't know that would happen. Second, she wants hard numbers on who will read the book AND a book by book comparison of all competing books currently on the market. Most shocking, she crossed off the novel I published through Print on Demand. Don't mention it, it doesn't count, it won't be seriously considered as a published book, she says. So take heed, my friends. If POD sounds tempting, know that if all you want is a book in your hand, it's fine, but it won't advance your career. You also won't make any money, which is a whole other subject.
But hey, if I didn't have this agent, I wouldn't know this. And I'm not even going to tell you how many years I've been trying to get one. It's a big step in the right direction. So, what will I be doing this week? Rewriting my proposal. Again. But the agent is very supportive and keeps telling me she loves my writing, loves my idea, and I'm almost there. Whew.
Sue

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Sue Lick
http://www.suelick.com

6/19/2005, 8:40 pm

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SFGirl
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Registered: 01-2004
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Re: Finally got an agent!

Sue, this is wonderful!! emoticon

And I had no idea you were having trouble getting on the board for so long. I'm glad you made it back, though.

I'm very interested to hear all the things your agent is getting you to do--I didn't realize you would get that much guidance. Or have to do so much work! I guess I thought an agent would take care of some of those things for you. However, it sounds like you have found a good one, so I guess it was worth the time you had to wait to find her. Also a lesson in perseverance!

I'd also be interested to know about your POD book. Was it anything related to the topic of this new book, and does that have anything to do with crossing it off the list? We keep hearing that POD is the wave of the future, and even some of the bigger publishers are moving toward it, but then there are these opposing opinions, too. It's hard to know what to think.

Thanks for keeping us up-to-date. And don't fall off the board again! emoticon

Sherry

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Reading: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Rewriting: One's Aspect To The Sun (novel)
Editing: Winter Unwitched (short story)

6/19/2005, 9:32 pm

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suelick
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Re: Finally got an agent!

Sherry,
I thought an agent would just take what I sent and sell it, but I'm glad this one is forcing me to revise. She's a great editor, and the proposal will be better. Plus, she's saving me from my own ignorance.

Regarding the POD thing, you would think from all the hype that it is the thing to do these days. But now I'm thinking it's not such a good idea for writers who still hope for the big publishing contract down the road. My POD book is a novel, totally different from the new book. I don't know if would have made a difference if it was on a related topic.

Bookstores and reviewers look down their noses at POD books, but my readers love my novel, so I'm glad it's in print. Most readers don't know or care how it came to be a book.

I got to thinking about how all the writer mags seem to be encouraging POD these days. Then I realized that these print on demand companies buy full-page ads in all the magazines. I know from my newspaper days that advertising does affect editorial content, no matter how much people claim it doesn't. Maybe they're all just trying to get our money. Meanwhile, the big guys see it as vanity publishing.

However, the agent did say that if a POD book sold thousands of copies, then they would pay attention. I did some research this afternoon and read that only a small percentage of POD books sell more than a few hundred. I found a great article at ttp://www.sfwa.org/beware/printondemand.html.It's full of information on the subject.
Sue

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Sue Lick
http://www.suelick.com

6/19/2005, 11:44 pm

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Firlefanz
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Re: Finally got an agent!

Sue, thank you for sharing. It's wonderful that you found an agent of that caliber. She's bound to get you published if she puts that much effort into it.

My agent doesn't do anything like that. I don't even get copies of the rejection letters. emoticon

I guess I should step on their toes. emoticon

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- Firlefanz

Reading: "Lords and Ladies" by Terry Pratchett
Writing: "Das Einhornmädchen" - YA novel

Schreiberlinge unter sich

6/20/2005, 4:53 am

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suelick
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Re: Finally got an agent!

Firle,
I don't know if you should step on her toes, but maybe nudge a little. I'm new with my agent, and it could be that once she gets the proposal she likes, I won't hear much from her either. That remains to be seen. I still can't even believe I have an agent, so whatever she suggests, I do without question, very unlike me. I'm not usually so obedient.
Sue