Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Agented No More

I went back and forth, trying to decide if I should announce the news "publicly."  To be honest, I really didn't want to.  I just wanted to sweep the experience under the rug and pretend it never happened.  I was a little worried people would think I was some kind of idiot silly little writer who hadn't done her research before signing on the dotted line.  But the truth is, I did my homework.  I checked his sales, contacted a current client, read interviews, asked questions, blah, blah, blah.  I did everything a writer with an offer of rep is supposed to do. 

I'm not going to go into specifics on why I decided to part ways with my agent, but I will say that sometimes you don't know if you're a good match with someone until you're in the thick of it.  Maybe you assumed something, only to later find out you were wrong.  Or maybe something you didn't think would be a big deal to you, ends up rubbing you the wrong way.  The fact is, writers leave their agents all the time (actually, more often than I realized) for different reasons.  It's not always because he or she is a "bad" agent.  Just like with any relationship, sometimes things just don't work out.  Period.

Going from agented to unagented in less than two hours was a bit disheartening, but I know I did the right thing.  I've jumped back into the query waters with my new manuscript, and though the idea of going though the process all over again is a bit scary (read: FREAKING TERRIFYING!), I'm hopeful that someone out there will connect with my story and will not only love it as much as I do, but will be just as determined as I am to see it on a shelf some day.     

16 comments:

  1. My little #pinkprincessgoat, I'm SO proud of you. And I believe you did the right thing for you. As you know, I've been through this myself. And what you said is SO true. There are many diff factors that lead into a decision like this. Sometimes, it's just a matter of not being a good fit. And it takes so much courage to dive back into the query waters again, but I have ZERO doubt that you will find your literary soulmate, and be on the shelves in no time! #goatwub you, cutie! Email if you ever need a pep talk!

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  2. Aww thanks, Anita :) And yes, I'm realizing it takes A LOT of courage to step back into the query waters (the temperature is definitenly a bit colder this time around ;). I guess you could say I'm somewhat "once bitten, twice shy" (80's flashback) and a lot more selective than I was the first time around, but I guess that's a good thing :)

    p.s. thanks for being so supportive (as always). Who knew goats could be so therapeutic? ;)

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  3. Replies
    1. Right back atcha! And thank you for being such a good friend during this :)

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  4. I'm sorry to hear this, but appreciate you sharing it. This writing business can really be brutal, but if you had the chops to snag an agent the first time, I'll bet it will be even better/quicker/less painless this time, considering everything you've learned. Wishing you all the best with the new manuscript!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for the words of encouragement (I hope you're right!). I kind of feel like this is my last shot, because if this book doesn't snag an agent, I have no idea what will. I've put so much heart and soul into this story...I'm just hoping that shows through :)

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  5. Oh, Angela, my heart aches for you! Good for you for knowing what was best for you and I do hope you'll keep plugging away!

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    Replies
    1. I'm going to keep at it--even if it kills me (which it just might do ;)

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  6. You have to do what's best for you and your book, and sometimes that means making hard decisions! Good for you for having the courage to make that choice :)

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  7. I'm so sorry that things didn't work out, Angela. Really sorry. I hope you find a better fit with another agent very, very soon.
    Hugs.

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  8. I think you're awesome Angela! It must have been a really tough decision to "break up" with your agent, but I know you did what was best for you. I admire you for persevering with your writing, even when the going gets tough. My own writing is on hold until I'm done with wedding planning, which could be many many months from now. You got an agent once, and I know you can do it again. I have faith! Stay strong lady :)

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    1. Hey there!
      I was wondering where you've been hiding out lately! I miss your posts :o) Thanks for stopping by and for your encouraging words. I love writing, and I don't think I'll ever stop, but I have to admit, this querying business is TIRING and getting VERY old. I think I'm overdue for some good news, lol!

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