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 I have a list of possible folks, my A list of agents (the ones who will probably laugh at the idea of an unpublished writer) and my more realistic list (the newer agents hungry to make sales).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 I’ve met all kinds, and the ones who put me off are the arrogant ones who act like they’re God, behaving as though unpublished writers are dying for anyone breathing to be their agent.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! 
Michelle posted in Writing @ 9:13 am | Viewed 1355 times
Stacy Says:
I think you at least have the right attitude not to take the first person but instead wait for the person that is right and you click with. :cheer:Good luck.
Peggy Says:
Good luck in your search, Michelle!
Gina Black Says:
Good luck, Michelle!
Suzanne Says:
Good luck on the agent hunt, Michelle!
Rene Says:
Good luck Michelle. Trust your instincts. I had an agent request a full and something didn’t feel right, so I passed him by (I bet he was the dude with baby stroller). In my search and rejections, there are some I will never, ever, ever, give my business to and in fact will find it to be difficult to be civil to if I ever meet them in person. I understand form rejections, but couldn’t the agent have their gopher replace the toner cartridge in the Ricoh before copying them out?
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
Good luck, Michelle
Olga Says:
Best of luck, Michelle. I also think you have the right attitude. I hope you’ll get the agent who is best for you.
Tori Lennox Says:
Good luck, Michelle!!!
beth Says:
MWF, 2 kids seeks eligible book agent. Strong knowledge of romance publishing required. Historical experience a plus. If you like long walks in the moonlight, heaving bosoms, vapid henwits, and steamy kisses apply here.
Melissa Marsh Says:
You’re going into this with the right attitude, so I know you’ll do great.
Amy K. Says:
Good luck! It is scary…so many stories of agent relationships that didn’t work out. And the scariest thing is that usually I don’t think that they’re bad agents, just that they didn’t click right. So how do you tell? (Oops, lost my rah-rah tone there….):whistle:
Michelle Says:
Thanks for the good luck wishes, guys!
Beth–I would hope none of the agents like vapid heroines. I’d have to shoot them. Yikes. :confused2: Romance novels have changed a lot and I don’t think they’d publish those anymore.
Well, the post office is going to love me, that’s all I can say.
Sharon Says:
Ack! Babies on the covers of romance books are bad enough, but a shingle for a desperate agent?
Good luck with the agent search!