tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post7365860049431469863..comments2024-03-10T19:26:35.256-04:00Comments on Just Jemi: Agent ResearchJemi Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-77390137525811922032010-07-24T15:05:35.890-04:002010-07-24T15:05:35.890-04:00Walter - I'm so glad you were able to find a p...Walter - I'm so glad you were able to find a publisher for your work. <br /><br />I've always loved Piers Anthony - his books are a riot. I'll have to check out the site. <br /><br />Thanks for sharing your story and your advice. :)Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-12870848049521521582010-07-24T14:37:11.441-04:002010-07-24T14:37:11.441-04:00You don't need no stinking agent. Send your m...You don't need no stinking agent. Send your manuscript directly to publishers. <br /><br />My experience was that agents would not give first time authors the time of day. One agent suggested I keep writing. He said agents consider more that talent, they consider marketability. He said no one makes money on their first book, so keep writing.<br /><br />So I wrote two books, and submitted them together on E-mail attachments. Snail mail was getting too expensive. Still no luck.<br /><br />I gave up, but kept writing, a bit angry and frustrated. After a year or so, I had a dozen books in my science fiction series. I sent them all off attached to my queries. When querying by E-mail i figured I'd send the whole thing. Too bad if they don't want to read it all.<br /><br />I got a positive reply from a publisher. I was so surprised I at first thought they were scammers. But, no one wanted my money. I insisted my work be accepted as a series, not just one book. Deal!<br /><br /> After I signed a 3 year publishing contract, my other queries came back positive. Go figure.<br /><br />A good resource for a list of small presses is Piers Anthony's website: www.hipiers.com<br /><br />Good luck, and keep writing, and don't be discouraged.<br /><br />WallyWalter Knighthttp://www.waltknight.yolasite.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-43113450072978425342010-07-14T08:51:12.778-04:002010-07-14T08:51:12.778-04:00Jennifer - I haven't used that one either. Tha...Jennifer - I haven't used that one either. Thanks for the link! :)Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-62092499185394453232010-07-14T08:50:22.939-04:002010-07-14T08:50:22.939-04:00Stephen - that's a really good point. I like t...Stephen - that's a really good point. I like the twists to be a surprise when I'm reading! I'm still working on that query letter. It's tricky to know exactly what will work!Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-73858938066575083062010-07-14T08:49:01.793-04:002010-07-14T08:49:01.793-04:00Alyssa - QT really is the most amazing site! I don...Alyssa - QT really is the most amazing site! I don't know Absolute Watercooler - thanks for the hint - I'll check it out :)Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-6544378520541082072010-07-14T06:54:50.422-04:002010-07-14T06:54:50.422-04:00That's what I would use too, But you can also ...That's what I would use too, But you can also check out:<br />http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/<br />Good luck!Jennifer Shirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16970585847385511795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-58125387039038481392010-07-14T00:09:05.078-04:002010-07-14T00:09:05.078-04:00I thought of putting my query letter on my blog bu...I thought of putting my query letter on my blog but I reveal twosts and turns in the plot. So I'd better not. I can reveal some stuff to agents that will help entice them, but I wouldn't want to spoil certain sections of the book to the average reader who may want to buy my book.<br /><br />Stephen TrempAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-38253634758589323072010-07-13T22:51:58.792-04:002010-07-13T22:51:58.792-04:00I really like query tracker for the tracking progr...I really like query tracker for the tracking program, comments from others who have queried, and the blog. They also have easy links to Pub Marketplace and other helpful websites. Also Abolute Watercooler is great too. <br /><br />Good Luck and keep us posted!<br /><br />~Alyssa<br /><a href="http://www.teensreadandwrite.com/" rel="nofollow">Teens Read and Write</a>Alyssa Kirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05619379952262450970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-59106769655425866452010-07-13T22:26:09.705-04:002010-07-13T22:26:09.705-04:00Cat - you're such a sweetie! If I'm prepar...Cat - you're such a sweetie! If I'm prepared, it'll be because of great folks like you who have gone before me! Thanks so much :)Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-83924214861358449122010-07-13T21:46:24.516-04:002010-07-13T21:46:24.516-04:00Jemi,
You are the most well-prepared aspiring wri...Jemi,<br /><br />You are the most well-prepared aspiring writer I know. You have all your bases covered and by the time you settle on your query, you will know the right agents to target. <br /><br />Best luck~Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-85797513659002287392010-07-13T19:41:29.525-04:002010-07-13T19:41:29.525-04:00Karen - that might just be the best advice of all ...Karen - that might just be the best advice of all :)<br /><br />The writing community really knows its stuff - & they're always willing to help!Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-63483262511932356592010-07-13T19:40:32.410-04:002010-07-13T19:40:32.410-04:00Jackee - I've heard of Absolute Write, but I h...Jackee - I've heard of Absolute Write, but I haven't visited it yet. Maybe it's time to go over and lurk a bit :)Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-65256502833937154322010-07-13T18:51:29.632-04:002010-07-13T18:51:29.632-04:00Wow you got some great tips here! Plus it sounds l...Wow you got some great tips here! Plus it sounds like you know how to do your research. I look forward to hearing about your success. My only suggestion is that you hold out for that cute, Tom Cruise look-alike agent.Karen Jones Gowenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01153821980625034810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-11382196720834325982010-07-13T18:50:00.948-04:002010-07-13T18:50:00.948-04:00I'll add my endorsement to those two websites ...I'll add my endorsement to those two websites too. I also like to lurk on Absolute Write forums. You can learn a lot about what to expect from an agent by what other querying writers have to say. Too bad I'm too shy to join in the conversation, though! :o)Jackeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03351019926958000627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-16036548233857781582010-07-13T16:58:22.171-04:002010-07-13T16:58:22.171-04:00Thanks Dawn!
I like DL's method too - sending...Thanks Dawn!<br /><br />I like DL's method too - sending queries in small batches makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the input & the good wishes - much appreciated! :)Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-3147157224131615762010-07-13T16:47:05.898-04:002010-07-13T16:47:05.898-04:00I'm excited for you! I didn't read the com...I'm excited for you! I didn't read the comments (I think mine is the 99th!), but I saw DL Hammons's and I agree about the batch method: if you send them in batches, keeping only 5 or 6 out at a time, you can revise your query, synopsis, or manuscript if any of the feedback makes you feel you should.<br /><br />Good luck!Dawn Simonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05667675689038435581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-60074608076557792512010-07-13T16:13:20.922-04:002010-07-13T16:13:20.922-04:00Julie - thanks!
It is so interesting doing the re...Julie - thanks!<br /><br />It is so interesting doing the research - I keep getting caught up and going off in tangents :)Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-32924876983419960092010-07-13T15:49:38.450-04:002010-07-13T15:49:38.450-04:00I think what you're doing is just right! I li...I think what you're doing is just right! I like both of those helpful sites as well. Reading the agents blogs gives us a peek in to their personalities as well. Best of luck!Julie Musilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02150454913885915017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-61595627585297769662010-07-13T15:33:43.182-04:002010-07-13T15:33:43.182-04:00Thanks Lindsey :)
I think scary is the defining w...Thanks Lindsey :)<br /><br />I think scary is the defining word! I've spent about 4 hours today on research!<br /><br />Thanks again :)Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-3143669671333057152010-07-13T14:01:46.318-04:002010-07-13T14:01:46.318-04:00Wow, Jemi... what an amazing thread! It's awe...Wow, Jemi... what an amazing thread! It's awesome that you are prepping for querying... so exciting, and I'm sure scary as well. But hey... this is the next step toward the dream, right? So excited for you that you are getting closer!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16418440256681984621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-71153509707373640772010-07-13T12:58:40.401-04:002010-07-13T12:58:40.401-04:00B - thank you! I haven't written short fiction...B - thank you! I haven't written short fiction, but there are so many signs pointing in this direction lately - maybe it's time to give it a try!<br /><br />Thanks so much for the link :)Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-46181720382199781912010-07-13T12:26:47.215-04:002010-07-13T12:26:47.215-04:00Good luck finding an agent! I need to start on thi...Good luck finding an agent! I need to start on this process as well for my horror novel. <br /><br />If you're looking for a place to submit short steampunk fiction to, Fissure Magazine is producing a special steampunk edition to celebrate the first-ever steampunk convention in Greenville. Check 'em out on duotrope.com.<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by my blog today! :)B. Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10112783922833164491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-57596853424967898402010-07-13T11:23:49.111-04:002010-07-13T11:23:49.111-04:00Tiffany - QT is great! Thanks so much. I'm so ...Tiffany - QT is great! Thanks so much. I'm so nervous about getting this close. I know it's going to be hard, and I'm working on growing some tougher skin :)Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-69508697536074715922010-07-13T10:33:02.828-04:002010-07-13T10:33:02.828-04:00I love Query Tracker! Looks like you've got th...I love Query Tracker! Looks like you've got this all under control! Can't wait to hear the results when it's time!! :)Tiffany Nealhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13843374938222817346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913682603555541882.post-28836577688482113212010-07-13T08:21:31.886-04:002010-07-13T08:21:31.886-04:00Jen - AQ & QT are amazing sites! They're v...Jen - AQ & QT are amazing sites! They're very user-friendly. And the people who run them really are terrific. Very helpful! You'll like them both.Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.com