Taking the Plunge

Well, I decided to bite the agent bullet. I know that in the long term, I will definitely need one since my goal is to be published in single title. I’ll try querying some agents and see what my success rate is. Kind of scary to think about putting my writing career in the hands of a stranger. I have a list of possible folks, my A list of agents (the ones who will probably laugh at the idea of an unpublished writer) and my more realistic list (the newer agents hungry to make sales).

It’s funny how personality makes such a difference in choosing an agent. I’ve met all kinds, and the ones who put me off are the arrogant ones who act like they’re God, behaving as though unpublished writers are dying for anyone breathing to be their agent. One well-known agent was talking on her cell phone at a conference, badmouthing authors for acting so desperate. I couldn’t quite get over that one.

Then there are the desperate agents. One newer agent put a sign on his child’s baby stroller and rolled around a book signing, stating that he was an agent accepting appointments. Now that one frightened me a bit.
When you feel the need to use your child as a sales tool, that one crosses the limit.

I’m hoping for a nice, normal person with a savvy business personality. Someone who will keep faith in me and help me turn my books into a strong career. I have spoken on the phone with two agents in the past, and while a part of me was inwardly screaming–woo hoo!–another part was realizing that these women were not a good fit.

Now why do I feel like I’m about to put out an ad for online dating? Scary, scary!