Comments on: Leaving Your Agent

By: Mary

Mary — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:07:41 +0000

Jonathan — In addition to what I’ve already said, it really depends on the teen. Some teens have tons of life experience and can distill it into meaningful fiction. Some teens should focus on writing and learning rather than getting published.

Kate — Of course, you would tell your next potential agent that you’ve had prior representation. As agents, we know that it sometimes doesn’t work out. Some writers have their prior representation, if the split was amicable, write letters of recommendation. Other writers note that it just wasn’t a fit. When I talk to writers who’ve had previous representation, I always ask about things that didn’t work and why the writer felt it was a bad relationship — lack of communication, for example — so I can see how to possibly avoid these problems in the future.

Mary Z — If you seriously want to pursue multiple genres, I would strive to find an agent who does both. However, if you find an agent and they love your projects but haven’t technically sold any of that type of project before, some agents will branch out to serve you better as a client. If they sell a MG for you, for example, it might not be too far to bend for them to also try and sell your PB.

As for writers of a more advanced age, I will never say “no” because of the age. Like the Big Glass Cases agent says, it’s all about the writing. But if the usual problem with teen writing is that it shows a lack of life experience, the usual problem with mature writing is that it shows a distance from childhood that might not be relatable to modern readers. But, sure, a teen could write the most worldly book I’ve ever read or a retiree could write the most fresh, modern tale. Point is, neither youth or maturity mean automatic disqualification.

By: Susan James

Susan James — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:44:09 +0000

Sigh. I wish I had this problem.

By: Lynn Rush

Lynn Rush — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:27:40 +0000

Great advice, Mary. You’re spot on. I think communication is so important. So many problems could be worked out before a split, but then, sometimes, it’s just better to part ways.

Great post!

By: MaryZ

MaryZ — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:05:56 +0000

Your post dovetails with a question I’ve had about agents. I have picture book manuscripts and a middle grade WIP. So I would need to find an agent who handles both genres, yes? Not two different agents? or two agents in the same agency? I had a critique with an agent I feel would be great for my novel, but she doesn’t handle PBs.

Also thanks for the link to big glass cases. Age has also been a question in my mind. Do agents shy away for “more mature” novices because they may not have a 20-year career ahead of them? From the blog, I hear “no.”

By: ChristaCarol

ChristaCarol — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:00:27 +0000

Great stuff as always. Wish I lived or was at least visiting in NY! Would love that class.

By: Mary

Mary — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:06:45 +0000

Re: teen writers, look at this one, too:

http://kidlit.com/2009/11/18/when-is-a-manuscript-finished-when-to-query/

By: Weronika Janczuk

Weronika Janczuk — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:00:03 +0000

Jonathan, if you see this, age was another agent’s topic today:
http://bigglasscases.blogspot.com/2010/07/age-aint-nothin-but-number.html.

It’s a good post.

And thanks for another great post, Mary.

By: Candyland

Candyland — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:13:23 +0000

Very informative, Mary. I think yes, we do have stars in our eyes, so the reality might not live up to the dream.

And I SO wish I could get to that class:(

By: Ladonna

Ladonna — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:43:07 +0000

I had an agent for track and field, and I see it’s not much different in the writing world. When my agent decided she wanted to leave, I was a bit hurt even though I didn’t want to stay with her. However, in the end it worked out for the best, because the stress no longer existed. In the end, I found another agent and it worked out well.

I guess you have to remember this is a business, and you can’t take it personally.

By: Kate B.

Kate B. — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:57:58 +0000

I’m trying to imagine having an agent and making the choice to leave them. It would be really tough.

Not that I’m anywhere near this scenario, but I’m curious. How do you handle mentioning that you’ve left an agent when you’re talking to agent number two? Do you pretend agent one never existed? I assume it wouldn’t be wise (or very nice) to talk badly about your first agent.

Good luck with your class!