Recently, I was invited to submit my query to Ty's group. The idea is that we submit our queries, and the Gather members give their opinion on the letter, with ideas for improvement.
This gave me an idea. (Please forgive me this morning, for some reason I am having a difficult time writing…maybe I am still asleep)
Anyway, back to my idea. I think that since the literary agents are reporting that they are
"swamped with queries," we are at a vast disadvantage, especially, if we are new on the scene of writing.
I would like to see us all published. Therefore, to even out the odds, I want everyone to give one piece of information, or experience to this tag. . Even if you think that your experience or information may not help, write it anyway. You never know…and we won't hold it against you!.
I will start the tag game with my piece of information. I know there is an agent who works with a large New York agency, who has an account with myspace. The reason he has this account is for networking purposes. He even has a blog that he updates on a regular basis. I began an account with myspace when I found out that he had an account there. He wrote a blog on how to write a query letter!
Now, I respect this person, and I hope that in the future I will write something that he would like to represent. Unfortunately, at this time, my novel is not what he is looking for. (I tend to write "dark," and this may influence many agents to make the decision that I am not right for them). However, this agent does represent "all fiction."
Because he is on myspace to network, I do not think he will be offended if I mention his name to you. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT YOUR WORK IS WHAT HE IS LOOKING FOR!
1. His name is Nathan Bransford. He is wonderful to writers, and he answers questions on his blogs.
Okay, I gave you my piece of information.
Tag. YOU ARE IT.
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Comments: 2
I queried Nathan and my book is also not what he is looking for. My book is a high tech thriller similar to Michael Crichton's work. It seems to me that the entire publishing industry is looking for women's lit, chick lit, literary thrillers, mysteries and woman detective or heroine books. Anything outside of those areas are not making it - unless you are already published with a strong audience.
In any event, to get the latest info on what going on in the publishing industry check out Lit Agent's Kristen Nelson's blog at http://pubrants.blogspot.com
It's invaluable for the advice she gives on what and what not to do.
I hope this helps.
If you feel your manuscript is ready, Sharon, send me a Gather e-mail and I'll give you the web address of my publisher. For obvious reasons I can't give that out to everyone, or at least not until I've seen my book published.
Ernie