STATUS: I crossed the finish line on two contracts. Hooray. Only three more in process and a fourth one just beginning.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? SPINNING WHEEL by Blood, Sweat & Tears
Quite a lot actually—especially when you are at a writers’ conference! Huge smile here. I certainly got asked about the new HarperCollins imprint this weekend and so when I have time tomorrow to organize my thoughts, I’ll be happy to share them with you.
Meanwhile, this story was too good not to share. I spent the weekend with Chuck Sambuchino of Writer’s Digest (he edits The Guide to Literary Agents) and Jessica Regel of Jean V. Naggar Agency (big shout out as they were both great company and Jessica is actively looking to build her list so if you write young adult, you might want to look her up).
Because Chuck is the editor for WD’s Literary Agents book, he’s got a lot of good inside info on how to land an agent—which he was happy to share with the writers at the conference by giving a workshop.
A workshop that had one little typo in the heading. He was scheduled to give a workshop entitled “How to Shag an Agent.”
Not quite the same thing as “How To Snag An Agent.”
To say the very least…
Shoot! My agent is a man and I’ll be meeting up with him for a drink soon. I didn’t know that was a requirement now! Lol.
Goodness, what were the handouts and visual aids like for THAT workshop?
Now that’s funny! Any word from the participants and their new facility with snagging/shagging agents?
I think the agents should take a picture of themselves with those Austin Power teeth in to go along with his workshop.
FYI Jessica Regal is Jessica REGEL, spelled with two E’s (or she wont come up on agent websites. )
Hey – I’m looking up submission guidelines for Jessica or the agency, and I’m not finding them. Do you (or anyone) know if they’re posted on the Web? The agency site seems a little out-of-date, even though the sales record up to 2005 is, of course, impressive.
Is this a plug for the WD book? 🙂
Dear Ms. Nelson,
I just had to comment on this post as it made me and my husband laugh out loud.
We just returned from the Florida Writers Association conference. Linnea Sinclair was presenting a workshop on characterization. We are big fans and now friends of hers. She fondly refers to us as her “stalkers” but assures me that is a term of endearment.
She directed us to your blog as we are both aspiring writers and she felt we could learn a lot by reading it.
Today’s lesson learned? Double check for spelling errors and typos.
Lisa I. a.k.a. Cor
Do share!
We are all in uproar over your secrecy! (Joking…or am I?)
Sounds like you were ‘in good company.’ Maybe you had a cosmopolitan while surrounded by one of the finest things in life…books.
Cheers!
I love that! So funny. So was it packed?
“How to Shag and Agent”– Doesn’t that seminar usually start with a ubiquitous “Can I buy you a drink?”
On the other hand, if the workshop were held in Myrtle Beach, the title would mean you were asking an agent to ………dance!
One day at work my husband watched a visiting Englishman’s jaw drop when a Carolina Girl asked him if he liked to shag.
Some terms don’t translate well but typos can be fun.
ROTFL. That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all day!
That is hilarious!
I wonder if the attendees were more disappointed or relieved when they found out it was a typo?
Well, it was a conference after all. And what happens at conference, stays at conference. At least that’s what I’ve been told!
[my secret word letters for this were: woovetu — appropriate!]
HAHAHAHAAHA!
That’s very funny!
Did he have a full house? LOL.
My favorite typo is still a blurb in a local paper, years ago, about of a community orchestra concert that promised to feature Beethoven’s “Erotica” Symphony on the program. My husband and I still wonder if the place was packed. 🙂
JB
Love it! I laughed out loud at that one! Is there a manual for that?!
LOL!! Agents need lovin’ too. 😉
Wow! You could have so much fun with that title!
Mind if I add it to the list of possible NaNo ideas? Just picture the query letter!
That’s funny. Reminds me of Larry David’s show, where they spelled the word “Aunt” incorrectly in an obituary (they used a C instead of an A).
Glad I didn’t have any liquid in my mouth.
cmr
Yes, Anon 5:43, and her agency is Jean Naggar, not “Nagger.” What a great Freudian slip!
How to shag an agent! Well, I hear it starts with a great voice. What you’re offering has to be long enough, but not scarily long (and don’t mention if you have more than one!). Your ear for rhythm is very important. Don’t be too wordy. Sometimes a platform helps. Make it short and sweet but very exciting, and above all you must be creative and unique! And be sure to thank them when you’re done.