Most of this week I’ve spent getting prepared for a phone conversation with my agent, which I had…today!
So, in terms of my progress, I guess that’s what I have to talk about.
I set up a phone chat with Dan to go over a couple of concerns I’ve had, mainly that I don’t think I’ll be ready for a manuscript to go on submission this fall. If I really scrambled, I could do it, but I obviously want to put my best work out there and I’m looking forward to use the extra months until January to get my work as close to perfect as possible.
My second concern was that my heart has been split between SCOUT and my new book. I’ve worked on both, but have really been putting my effort into the new book. This was concerning me because, well, Dan hadn’t read anything of it. So, I finally fessed up and he assured me that together we will find the right direction to go in. You guys don’t know what a relief that is. Sometimes it’s comforting to remember there is someone else there who will help make the decisions. After we talked for awhile, asked if I would like some guidance, which I thought was interesting. He didn’t automatically assume I was looking for guidance, I don’t think. Of course I replied, “Yes, please, help!”
Finally, I wanted to talk a bit about insecurities. Gretchen McNeil sent over an interesting post from Bookends about agented authors’ insecurities. For the most part, the post is common sense but, I know it’s an extremely prevalent feeling among agented writers, especially those without sales, so it’s probably worth a read. I know I was feeling insecure and thankfully in this instance, I think Dan sensed it. He let me know that there was no pressure from his end and that he wasn’t going anywhere. That simple sentence brought a huge amount of relief. And honestly, I think that’s how most good agents feel.
Anyway, tonight and tomorrow I’ll be working on polishing two more chapters of my new book to send off to Dan. He has the first. Plus a short synopsis.
That’s what I HAVE to get done at least. What are you all working on? Anything exciting?
4 Comments
October 29, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Hoorah for fabulous conversations with your agent! We’re working on the last 10 chapters of the WIP. In the home stretch…
October 30, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Thank you for sharing, Chan–I continue to find hope in agents through the story of how understanding and wonderful your agent is. And also, I know it can be hard at forks in the road like this. Just pray and listen for God’s guidance. I know he’ll help you through this time
As for me, I’m still working on the same old WIP. I have, however, tipped over the halfway mark. Yayy!! Home stretch, baby.
October 31, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Hi Chandler, this was really helpful. I’m posting anonymously because I don’t want my agent to google me and feel self-conscious.
She’s great but I have been unclear how much to expect/ hope for her to be involved in the process. My sense in the beginning was that she was mainly a ’seller’ vs a ‘nurturer’ and that has borne out but now I’m wondering if it’s too late to try to elicit some editorial advice.
Take care, good luck with the WIP.
“anonymous”
November 3, 2009 at 3:59 am
Hey anonymous,
Feel free to email me privately if you want. I think you’re in a tough spot. On one hand, I’ve learned that a lot of agents truly are not editorial and that is perfectly okay. To a large degree, I think people can depend too much on their agents for revision notes when that’s not really their job. Now, I’m not saying you are doing that and I’ve never heard of an agent who NEVER offers advice.
Still, I think a lot of agents will do what you want. Your agent might not know that you want editorial input. I was surprised when my agent seemed to tiptoe a bit and finally ask if I wanted guidance. Over here, I’m sitting there thinking: Is he going to tell me what to do? Why isn’t he telling me what to do? And then he asks that and I want to exclaim: Of course!!!!!!!!
But, while it’s hard, some of the most successful agent/author relationships I see are with the less timid authors. That’s so not me. But my biggest piece of advice to myself is to always be a steward of my own career. For you, if you think the best thing is to get some more input, then the best way for you to be the steward of your career is to ask for it.