I found my first agent by selling my first SF novel, then going after an agent I thought I wanted. Nice person, good agent for friends, but ultimately did not go anywhere for me. (Probably should have kept the agent and dumped the spouse, but in hindsight, I think they both would have gone.)
Today, as a FTN, I think I'd research those agents I wanted while the book was being considered. Then, when HE called, I'd say "I've been working on getting an agent, can I get back to you later on this week?" HE will probably say yes, because this means dealing with a pro, not a neo--
THEN you call agent #1 and leave a message saying "I've just been offered a contract by ABD Publishers, it's my first SF novel, and would you be interested in representing me on this contract and talking about an extended relationship?"
If you catch someone at the right time, prepared to fax them your history, and a diskette--I think you might at least get someone in the agency to negotiate the contract for you (they can save you what the 15% will cost) and possibly get someone in that agency excited about your work.
For many reasons, I like an agent. I still think they're worth seeking out--a GOOD agent. A bad agent is worse than no agent....
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branchandroot
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Date: 2004-09-16 10:21 pm (UTC)Today, as a FTN, I think I'd research those agents I wanted while the book was being considered. Then, when HE called, I'd say "I've been working on getting an agent, can I get back to you later on this week?" HE will probably say yes, because this means dealing with a pro, not a neo--
THEN you call agent #1 and leave a message saying "I've just been offered a contract by ABD Publishers, it's my first SF novel, and would you be interested in representing me on this contract and talking about an extended relationship?"
If you catch someone at the right time, prepared to fax them your history, and a diskette--I think you might at least get someone in the agency to negotiate the contract for you (they can save you what the 15% will cost) and possibly get someone in that agency excited about your work.
For many reasons, I like an agent. I still think they're worth seeking out--a GOOD agent. A bad agent is worse than no agent....