STATUS: Office move. Chaos. Sneezing from way too much dust. Slightly crabby.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? Well, I found my iPod stereo but didn’t have my iPod with me. Knocks hand against forehead.
Last week I did an email interview for Finn Harvor’s blog Conversations in the Book Trade (I don’t think it has posted yet). He asked me an interesting question. He wanted to know if I thought there were too many literary agents working currently in the field.
Jokingly I replied that when I’m vying against several other agents for the same client, then yes, I’d have to say there are way too many agents.
Guess what happens today? I read a fab project that I must have. I have a great conversation with the author. And yep, you know it. Five other agents also want to sign her.
Five good agents. Five agents that are tough competition (I grumble to myself). I’m happy to be one of the five but lol, too many agents!
But if you’re reading (and you know who you are), pick me. Hehe
(hey, do you think this blog gives me an edge on the competition?)
I do think it gives you an edge. For many writers part of the decision is who they feel comfortable with- and this blog makes you feel approachable. It is your charm.
Yes.
I definately think it gives you an edge. It shows you are open and highly knowledgeable. Plus, a potential client has to be thinking, “Wow, if she’s this helpful with strangers, imagine how helpful and open she is as an agent.” Plus, you have a warm humor that comes across in your posts. In a scary and isolating industry, that’s significant.
Having this blog allows you to help market your clients when they have new releases. That’s a plus.
In all honesty–
I find the blog educational at best, but I do appreciate your contributions.
However . . .
Agents say: “It’s all about the writing.”
Writers say: “It’s all about your sales and a writer’s career growth.”
So, if given a choice between Steven Axelrod (or Mel Burger, or Cynthia Yost, or Lucienne Diver) and you, I’d rather have one of them.
BUT . . . keep up the good work and your record will make you every bit as attractive as them, and the blog will be a bonus.
Agents who blog definitely have an edge when plugging or promoting their authors’ work, however.
I was striving for frank not mean, but I am aware of how this comes across.
Good luck in getting that client.
I have to say, Kristen, your blog has always made you my second choice in agents even though, as anonymous noted, your record is not as long as some others. I think your enthusiasm and obvious knowledge make up for the short time you’ve been agenting (which is really not that short.)
Your blog was also a huge thing for me for getting over your non-NY location. I was uncofortable with that at first but your blog set me at ease and I saw how often you go to NY and just how often you are on the phone with NY, etc.
My book ended up not being a good fit for you (though you send me a lovely personal note!) and was perfect for my tip-top chice. So since I got my dream agent, I hope you get your dream client. (It’s only fair, right?:))
Good luck to you and I really, really hope we are reading you and this author’s “Happily ever after” soon!
Good Luck Again . . . and if the best woman wins, you’ll be getting that phone call soon.;)
Maprilynne
P.S. Isn’t it *Nancy* Yost?
Sorry, I meant Kristin with an I! I have total fat fingers tonight!!!!
Definitely gives you an edge. Of the ten agents listed for my first round of queries, there are only two that don’t have a blog, a detailed website, or any other means by which I can get a personal feel for who they are and why they might be a good agent for me. Lots of big-time agents with impressive sales records aren’t going to get queries on the first round because I don’t know much about them except that they rep fantasy; I have no idea what they’re like, what makes them tick, or whether or not they might be interested in something like what I’ve got.
And you’re on my first-round list, of course!
Axelrod? You must be joking.
(Shudders)
I believe it’s Nancy Yost, unless she has a sister.
Diver? Snort.
This is exactly one of the reasons why I will only query one agent at a time. That, and because time never seems to march on in my world, so why the hell not. And this way, you don’t get hurt, crabby or pissed, and Miss Snark doesn’t send the Hounds of Hell after you, and Ms Bent doesn’t move back to Virginia!
Leaving aside the fact that I can’t keep agent names straight to save my life, I’m also not into games,like Battleship, (I have five agents to blow up, how many do you have?) Clue, (it was Ms Nelson, with a candlestick in the editorial room; poor poor Miss Snark), Monopoly, (ten agents, five editors, one publisher, game over) Chess,(checkmate Ms Bent, so vely sorry) Risk, (the Blue Army of Trident vs the Red Navy of One Agent)etc…….
Without question, blogging helps your visibility. And as long as you don’t start singing in the middle of sentences, you’ll be fine.
I know it’s generally more favorable to the client to have multiple offers to choose from, and maybe it can be just a little bit of a teeny tiny thrill for us clients to hold agents hostage seemingly forever, but I’d really rather spend the time playing Texas Fold ‘Em! What does bluff mean again?
Good luck!
Personally, I think it gives you an edge.
In fact, it’s the very reason I queried you in the first place. It helps me see you as a living and breathing person rather than a big, scary agent behind a computer screen. I knew that you would be the first agent I queried based on your approachability.
Let’s face it, the whole agent and publishing scenario is downright frightening to a newbie such as myself.
Good luck with that client!
Oh, yes. Besides the wonderful education in this business, you’ve also introduced me to two of my favorite authors, Jana Deleon and Linnea Sinclair.
Yes, it gives you an edge. Your loyal blog readers have a good idea of your work ethic and what type of agent-client relationship to expect. Those, like myself, who appreciate your open approach, would pick you in a heartbeat.
anon 7:37: yes there are “bigger” names, but you also have to consider the whole small fish/big pond thing
–Virginia Miss (still trying to figure out this blogger-google conversion)
She should pick you! She should pick you!! And yes, the blog gives you the advantage!! Pick Kristin! She’s got her sheeet together man!
BTW, I got an agent! And another one called me on the phone today to ask if I had gone with the first one, so maybe there ARE too many out there! Hee hee.
But, thank you for when you took the time to consider my novel and thank you for also keeping this blog as it’s very informative and helpful!
Yes, I think this blog gives you an edge because it shows who you are. And you are everything an author wants in an agent–knowledgeable, hard-working, attentive, all with a sense of humor and some mid-western gentility.
Good luck on snagging the author.
If Terrific Anonymous Author doesn’t pick you, that obviously is a Sign: you should accept Christian fiction that has a moderately snarky voice.
Think about it. Then e-mail me and I’ll send you something and we’ll do lunch.
T2
Actually the blog makes you a pioneer in many ways; believe it or not there are many well known, excellent agents who’ve never even read a blog. I’m amazed when I discuss agent blogs with a friend who is an agent (with best seller clients) and he has no clue. But more than that, when he admits he has no clue it’s almost condescending, as though “that’s below me”…but this is also the same person who’s always complaining about how “no one reads anymore” and “publishing is a dying business”. You’re a new breed, Kristin, and it’s people like you who are helping to change the industry. (Can’t sign this one; you never know 🙂
I wouldn’t say there are too many agents, I would say there are too many agents representing the same material. There are plenty of good writers in need of an agent, and many of the established names don’t take on many new clients. But it seems that agents are interested in representing romance and women’s books more than any other genre. When I do a search on AgentQuery.com for Romance, I get 20 pages of agents (about 8 per page), compared to only 14 for fantasy and 13 for sci-fi. (Though some listings don’t fall in the category they claim.) So it might be better to say there are too many romance agents. However, there seems to be 35 pages for mystery, so it’s probably not the largest. But it does seem as if publishing is getting to a point where one will need an agent just to submit to a publisher.
I wish you the best of luck. I don’t know if this whole blogging thing helps. (I hope it does, otherwise I’m just sitting and talking to myself.)
I know if it were me, I’d prefer an agent who blogged because it gives me more information about the character of the person I’m entrusting my career to. But that’s just me.
I definitely think the blog gives you an edge….It gives potential clients an idea of what you’re all about.
I don’t think it’s about who’s the biggest agent (IE Axelrod etc) but who is the best FIT. I went with a young (but experienced) agent over a well-established one with over 20 years in the business, because I felt she fit the bill for what I wanted in an agent.
Axelrod is a jerk. So are a lot of his clients. ’nuff said.
Anonymous 7:37 PM here again–
I agree with maprilynne. Kristin’s blog has convinced me a writer does not need a NY agent, and Kristin’s enthusiam puts her ahead of many of her colleagues.
To Anonymous 8:32 PM:
“Axelrod? You must be joking. (Shudders)”
No. Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Julia Quinn, to name a few, are hardly hurting from this man’s guidance. And it should be noted that they thank him quite often.
“I believe it’s Nancy Yost, unless she has a sister.”
You’re right. I guess there are too many agents, and I confused the name. :o) BTW, Loretta Chase’s agent.
“Diver? Snort.”
Roberta Gellis, Catherine Asaro…
Fit is important, but I think I’d take the brow-beating of an AA++ list agent and deal.
FWIW, I think Kristin will be on that AA++ list, and practically untouchable (and way too busy to blog, or even have a need to–cause let’s face it, AA++ agents do not because they don’t need the exposure) in a few years time. In a short while, she’s contracted some great books, attacked the job with enthusiasm, energy and drive. I know she’s nice, but I also know she’s assertive. I watched her asserting herself at RWA National in Atlanta, re seating (before the awards ceremony.)
Absolutely it does – I’d pick you over someone without a blog in a heartbeat because I feel like I *know* you. :)Keep blogging!!!!
Wish you luck on landing your potential client.
Frankly, I think your blogs are a wonderful marketing tool. If you get into copy writing, one of their hooks is to give away free information. But blogs have a hidden hook of another kind — it’s hard to hide who you are.
From the writer’s perspective: they should appreciate the wealth of information you are giving them. I should think between studying your blogs and visiting your various links, a lot of wannabes can become published authors — whether or not they land you as an agent.
Girl, you rock. Keep up the good work!
Kristin,
This blog definitely gives you an edge. So does your very nice personality, which is always a plus.
witliz wrote:
This is exactly one of the reasons why I will only query one agent at a time.
Good grief, you must be very young or plan to live to 125. And are you seriously worried about fielding multiple offers??? I suspect your post is a joke. If it isn’t . . . well, I don’t get it.
aaaawwwww… poor baby. an agent competing for a spot? none of us know what that’s about. boo hoo. insensitive asshole.
Anonymous 1:47 p.m. Meeeeeeeee-ouch!
Why do you people always come in here posting such nasty stuff to an agent who is very open, honest and giving? I don’t get it.
Sarah Carmickle
Not only does the blog give you an edge because you are more of a known quantity (and seem like a great person,) but the blog is a tangible effort you are making to help others and promote your client’s work.
That would be a huge point of decision if I was the lucky author with 5 offers!
Someone said:
Agents who blog definitely have an edge when plugging or promoting their authors’ work, however.
An edge with who? Readers? What Average Joe/Jane reader checks out some literary agent’s blog? An edge with publishers? How so? An edge plugging and promoting to whom? As it stands now, this blog is a tool for the agency to promote itself and its clients’ work. (Not a bad thing.) But it’s only promoting it to OTHER writers, people who are querying and people who pretend to be writers but probably haven’t penned a thing.
Would like a further explanation of how a business blog gives one “an edge.”
Anonymous in California
“But it’s only promoting it to OTHER writers, people who are querying and people who pretend to be writers but probably haven’t penned a thing.”
Ah, but writers are also READERS.
I think the biggest advantage comes in on the fact that you accept electronic queries and that you just went completely electronic.
I’d pick an agent who accepts e-queries or one who doesn’t.
Yes, we writers ARE readers and we have LOTS of friends we just love to get excited about books.
😉
I wouldn’t buy a Linnea Sinclair book if it were a quarter. They aren’t exactly “hot sellers”. I think the blog helps her get her name in writer’s heads, as well as promoting her clients. That’s about it. I’d take a New York agent with an established agency over most of the “fast-paced, technology-embracing” out of staters.
I think you’re all simply major ass kissers who will agree to anything to earn points and favors from this agent should she see your name on a query.
Kristin – “I’ve decided you have to send a quart of plasma along with your query.”
Blog Readers – “Oh sure Kristin. Anything you say Kristin. Would you like a urine sample with that as well?”
I read simply because you brown nosers make me cackle.
“I think you’re all simply major ass kissers who will agree to anything to earn points and favors from this agent should she see your name on a query.”
Well, unless several of those authors giving compliments sign their queries “Anonymous”, I can’t see how they’re doing it for that reason. Most of the non-anonymous people posting only use their first name, or a nickname, so your reasoning hardly makes sense.
Besides, if they didn’t really think she was a great agent, why would they care how she looks at their queries anyway. Try making sense sometime!
Anonymous 6:11— Amen, brother/sister!
Anonymous 7:01— you don’t think ass-kissers like Manic Mom and maprilynne and katiesandwich wouldn’t put it in their first paragraph on a query that they’re Kristin’s cheereleaders? Get real.
“Oooh, Kristin, I know I have no logical reason for saying you’re the best, but you seem so convinced of it on your blog, even if YOU’VE ONLY BEEN DOING THIS FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND HAVE NEVER LIVED IN NEW YORK OR WORKED FOR ANY OF THE INDUSTRY GIANTS THAT RESIDE THERE!”
You all smell of cheddar cheese and ass.
“You smell of cheddar cheese and ass.” Well, kids, there goes dinner…..
Manic Mom has an agent. She said so in her post. I also have an agent.
Kristin Nelson has sold books to Penguin, Pocket, Ballantine, Bantam, Disney/Hyperion, Dutton… the list goes on and on. Certainly no industry giants there. Dis-who? Random House what?
Try again.
I’m pretty sure Maprilynne and Manic Mom have agents but why interrupt such puerile anonymosity with the facts?
Anonymous in California asked:
“Would like a further explanation of how a business blog gives one “an edge.”
I can’t speak for Kristin… but she’s building her business right? And to build her business she needs more clients, right?
So, to me, the “edge” she might get from the blog is that it lets writers (potential clients) see a bit of her personality and also a demonstration of her knowledge and industry savvy. The edge in my mine, is that more writers who would be compatible with her will query her.
and to the anonymous poster who called everyone who comments on this blog a “kiss ass”? I for one, do not read this blog to kiss Kristin’s ass. I already have an agent. An agent I’m very happy with. But I find this blog very interesting and educational.
Anonymous in California asked:
“Would like a further explanation of how a business blog gives one “an edge.”
I can’t speak for Kristin… but she’s building her business right? And to build her business she needs more clients, right?
So, to me, the “edge” she gets from the blog is that it lets writers (potential clients) see a bit of her personality and also a demonstration of her knowledge and industry savvy. The edge in my mind, is that more writers who would be compatible with her will query her.
And to the anonymous posters who called everyone who comments on this blog “kiss asses”? I for one, do not read this blog to kiss Kristin’s ass. I already have an agent. An agent I’m very happy with. But I find this blog very interesting and educational.
Anonymous in California asked:
“Would like a further explanation of how a business blog gives one “an edge.”
I can’t speak for Kristin… but she’s building her business right? And to build her business she needs more clients, right?
So, to me, the “edge” she gets from the blog is that it lets writers (potential clients) see a bit of her personality and also a demonstration of her knowledge and industry savvy. The edge in my mind, is that more writers who would be compatible with her will query her.
And to the anonymous posters who called everyone who comments on this blog “kiss asses”? I for one, do not read this blog to kiss Kristin’s ass. I already have an agent. An agent I’m very happy with. But I find this blog very interesting and educational.
Personally, I wanted to give your agency a recommended rating almost a year before it was posted at P&E because I could see where you were going. However, I had to wait until all the double-secret P&E criteria were fulfilled before that happened. 🙂
sorry for the multiple posts. Blogger was misbehaving…. Ooops.
Good Grief People! Why don’t you vitriolics hie thee to Miss Snark! She’d cut you to ribbons. Is it because Ms. Nelson is actally nice that she’s receiving such pot shots? This blog is informative, educational and if it’s good for agency business, what the hay, she’s using her valuable time to write it. Honestly, a good deed never goes unpunished.
Hey, Diana Peterfreund-
“This is the first in a series; let us hope Peterfreund polishes her prose and educates her heroine before the next installment. The impressive plot earns this project a B, but the banal dialogue and wimpy heroine downgrade it to a C.”
-Kirkus Reviews.
Stop defending Nelson and go polish your prose.
Geez, folks…what fascinates me is how some of you need to get nasty to express your viewpoint. Sure you have the right to your opinion; but can’t you express it without attacking the subject under discussion…let alone those who are not?
>>Hey, Diana Peterfreund-
Stop defending Nelson and go polish your prose.
Now was that really necessary? Jealousy radiates even from your anonymous cloaking.
pt
Yes, I think Kristin’s blog gives her an edge, particularly in informing new writers how the game works, where to start, and how important it is to educate oneself in what kind of submissions specific agents are looking for. That makes her job easier as well as ours.
As to the rash of nasty anonymous opinions expressed here, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and the rest of us are entitled to skip over or filter out anything starting with the word “anonymous.”
As to the rash of nasty anonymous opinions expressed here, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and the rest of us are entitled to skip over or filter out anything starting with the word “anonymous.”
So you’re saying that just because people don’t choose to reveal who they are and what their true thoughts are, it makes what they’re saying irrelevant and people should skip over those? Maybe I’m a client who doesn’t want my name to show up. Maybe I’m with another agent. Maybe I’m an editor. Maybe I’m one of Kristin’s family members. Maybe I’m an aspiring writer who wants to query one day. Maybe I’m in the pipeline? There’s nothing wrong with anonymity. It is America after-all and from what I remember we still have freedom of expression until Bush takes that away too. I have the right to not only express my opinion, but not to list my name. And for you or anyone to say that something posted by” anonymous” is skippable is wrong. Opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one and no one thinks theirs stink. Even anonymous people.
Wow. What an ugly list of comments on here. I’ve listened to her in Atlanta. I’m grateful she has this blog, and yes, I do believe it’s an asset.
Obviously some (not all) of you hiding behind the anonymous feature think it gives you the right to ignore basic manners and human decency. Absolutely amazing.