Pub Rants

STATUS: Where has this day gone? I’m a little stunned that it’s already after 7 p.m. Feeling perky though. Two contracts are almost complete. A new contract came in this morning though. I’ll have to devote the tomorrow morning to that one. Sigh. So close to finishing all the contracts for all these deals. Best news? New assistant starts on Monday.

What song is playing on the iPod right now? DON’T ASK ME WHY by the Eurythmics

When I first started my agency, I had a very nice standard rejection letter that I used to respond to my email queries. I would inject the writer’s name and the title. Ah, those were the days. I only got 10 or 20 queries a day. It wasn’t a big deal.

I felt wretched when I had to switch to a really standard form with no personalization (and I even apologize for it in the letter) because the number became overwhelming when my agency was successful.

That letter is obviously standard.

In truth, so is my letter that I use to respond to 30 pages that I have requested. Why don’t I include a line or two about the manuscript? How much time can that really take?

A lot actually. Do you know how difficult it is to sometimes create a succinct line or two that will really encapsulate why I passed?

I actually did that the other day. It was a YA project. I occasionally do include a couple of lines of feedback because I thought the writing was strong enough or whatever. I feel compelled to encourage the writer even though I won’t be moving forward by requesting a full. Not often, but if something captures me but I didn’t think it was quite right for me, or strong enough for the market, I’ll let the writer know.

But for this YA, it was rather complicated on why I passed. I thought about a couple of lines that I could include. Then I realized, ten minutes later, that there was no easy way to sum up why I was passing. I ultimately threw my hands in the air and just sent the standard letter. It was too hard and taking too much time to organize my thoughts.

So, I won’t do it because

1. it might signal to the writer that I’m open to a dialogue about the work and the reality is I can’t spare the time.

2. sometimes the writing is so bad I’m not sure what in the world I would say and I’m not into crushing people’s dreams—even though a NO from me might feel crushing but I hope not.

3. sometimes it’s just my opinion and the project might very well work for another agent without him or her blinking an eye. (Every once in a while I’ll get a triumphant email from a writer that will say, “you passed but so-so took it on so you were wrong.”)

4. invariably I’ll get a reply from a writer saying that I’m wrong or I didn’t get it or whatever.

5. the extra minutes times 100 (or 200 or 300) adds up.

I know that writers would really like some feedback. You need to rely on your critique group, writer discussion boards etc.

Don’t agonize over whether a letter was personal or not (and how can you tell). Trust me, you’d know.

I’m asking a favor. Don’t email me back asking for more info on why I passed. Chances are good I don’t remember the partial well enough (between when I read it and when the email letter actually got sent) to give any feedback.

I end up just feeling mean when I have to delete the inquiry. That’s an icky feeling.

STATUS: Grumpy! First day back in the office after being gone a week is always terrible.

What song is playing on the iPod right now? IT’S TOO LATE by Carol King

Honestly, I don’t think my black mood would have descended if it weren’t for the mail. As y’all know, I’ve been interviewing a new assistant and plan to have that person in place by next week (OMG I cannot wait).

So guess who has to open up a week’s worth of mail? Yep, yours truly. It was creating too big a pile that needed to be handled so I tackled that first thing this morning.

First, there were 10 snail mail queries. Why? I clearly state on my website to query by email only. Even if you look in the Jeff Herman guide, it says that. Where do they come from?

Then, and I had to roll my eyes (because I’m grumpy), someone sent me a full manuscript. In the mail. Hundreds of pages.

Now y’all know that if I’m interested in looking at a full, I’m delightful and I actually have that person send it to me electronically so I can read and make comments right into my tablet PC.

So, I really do know when I’ve requested a full. It’s easy to keep track of because it’s in my requested manuscripts queue folder on my computer.

The temptation was to simply write NO on the cover letter and return it today. I didn’t though. I was nice. I simply extracted 30 pages from the full to put into the partial inbox.

Which reminds me, I’ve been getting lots of unrequested partials as of late. Please don’t. We really do ask for a query by email first. If we want to see it, we’ll ask for 30 pages and send you an email on how to send us those sample pages.

Right now, my reader will give a quick look to the cover letter. Most of the time, it’s not right for us so we don’t read the sample pages. I’m just trying to save you the postage.

Not to mention, if we start getting overwhelmed by this trend, we’ll just have to recycle them without answering. I’d rather do anything but that so please, follow my submission guidelines.

Okay, now that’s off my chest, I can stop being grumpy!

STATUS: Happy. I officially didn’t really work today.

What song is playing on the iPod right now? CNN—my husband is watching while I write this blog.

I had lunch with a good agent friend of mine. We were lamenting the tough market in the UK and why we couldn’t seem to break into that market with our U.S. projects.

I just heard news a couple of weeks ago about a hot project of mine getting some attention from the Publishers across the Pond. This project had gone to second reads, to ed. Board, and many a furious email had passed between all parties involved.

Ultimately, a pass.

In actuality, a UK sale (or non-sale) is no indicator of how well a project will do. The British market is tough and very tight. A break-in there just wants to feel like a big step.

Sometimes though, a UK sale is last (after a project has succeeded in the U.S.) rather than first.

Yep, short and sweet because it’s Friday.

Off to happy hour and then dinner at Bobby Flay’s restaurant near Union Square. Back in the office on Monday.

STATUS: Another late post so I’m a little tired. This one will probably be a little short but sweet.

What song is playing on the iPod right now? Baseball highlights on the Telly.

Wrapping up my whirlwind New York Tour today. Since Friday is Good Friday, I’m playing hooky and doing some un-publishing related stuff. The weather has been so gorgeous this week.

Today and (most of yesterday) I hung with the children’s editors. Discovering the world of teen fiction is something I’ve been actively exploring since my adult trade authors startedd making forays into the realm of YA—Jennifer O’Connell, Ally Carter, and Kelly Parra.

And boy I am so glad. First of all, teen fiction is just downright fun. There is so much great stuff being published and unlike anything I remember from my tween years. Dark fantasy, edgy, bordering on horror stuff. Terrific, witty chick lit voices. Emotional packed dramas (keep an eye out next year for MTV/Pocket’s ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS. Gee, even the title sounds just a tad creepy.)

Hell, I would have read teen fiction for much longer if the cool stuff being published today was available way back when.

The Children’s editors are just great as well. It takes a special sort of someone to solely handle children’s literature. One editor had an enormous life-size Glinda the Good Witch cardboard stand up in her office (and no, I wasn’t able to concoct a plan to steal such a gem without her noticing.)

But of all the things I’ve heard this week, what is most clear is that this genre is hot (even if film stuff is a little lukewarm at the moment).

And for the record so I don’t get a strange flood of queries, Nelson Agency does not rep children’s picture books or even middle grade books with illustrations. We do YA and what I call older middle-grade (cross-over stuff).

Editors, and at a variety of houses, are open and game to seeing all kinds of terrific new ideas, concepts etc. for this genre.

And yes, I’m beating that dead horse, but it’s all about the unique and stunning voice that will open the door to this world. If you are an already published author and have toyed with the idea of doing YA, get on the phone with your agent. Find out whether she is open to you exploring some ideas. Editors love established adult writers dipping their toes into this field.

If you just write YA, the time has never been better to try and break in as a debut.

Since you can’t read as much as we agents and editors do, I strongly suggest taking an afternoon at your local bookstore and really dig in to read the back covers of what is out and what’s selling. You’ll get a good feel for it. Another thought is to cruise the YA catalogs online at the various publishers. Check out Teens Read Too review site (or your favorite teen site) and read.

If you want to write the book of your heart, fine. I support that. Just remember that it might not be marketable enough to sell.

STATUS: End of the day. Just got back from Mario Batali’s restaurant Casa Mono where my husband and I met Linnea’s editor Anne Groell and her husband.

What song is playing on the iPod right now? Actually nothing at the moment.

I’ve been all over today and yesterday so I thought I’d share a quick summary of info passed my way.

While talking to my film agent, YA is a little harder to sell lately since SISTERHOOD didn’t do as well as anticipated in the box offices. Now we have to pray for the next Lindsey Lohan movie to break out to get the folks excited about YA material again.

What’s being asked for? Male-driven comedy and family stories. Interesting. (And please don’t send me screenplay queries. I don’t rep screenplays. I only do book to film.)

Women’s Fiction
Some editors made it very clear that they didn’t want Lifetime TV soap opera drama but
but more reality-based yet commercial stuff (think the movie FRIENDS WITH MONEY).

Several editors expressed a lovely wish to find the next Jodi Picoult (and let me tell you, I’d love to find that too!).

One editor wanted mature chick lit with tough, acerbic heroines.

Another editor wanted a smart young voice (a la PREP).

Paranormal Romance
Paranormal and romantic suspense are still hot. Would like to see some different elements tackled in paranormal rather than the same-old (so think beyond vampires and werewolves).

A ghost-hunting series would be cool. Urban fantasy and more urban fantasy.

Thrillers and Mysteries
Thrillers were mentioned (but since I don’t rep them, I didn’t pay too much attention—sorry). The emphasis seemed to be on Templars and the like. Cozy mysteries of all stripes.

One editor was avid for thriller/horror hybrid.

YA
Market is wide open to anything as long as the story encompasses an intimate point of view. Genre can be contemporary, fantasy, horror, wry chick lit, multicultural. Voice is everything.

Lots of folks looking for big historicals (a la THE HISTORIAN) or even women’s fiction historicals.

Several editors expressed interest in some new literary voices.

Lots of room for a debut author to break in. Just remember, the editors aren’t expecting your call, but mine. Big smile here.

STATUS: Relaxed. I have just a few minutes before I pop out to meet my evening appointment—Jaime Levine at Warner Books (or should I say Hachette Books USA).

What song is playing on the iPod right now? Well, CNN Headline news is on instead.

As an agent, I’m sure that writers have heard us say many a times that we are open to any story as long as it is fresh and original. Funny enough, the editors feel the same way.

Now I’m positive that most writers do believe their novels to be fresh and original and sadly, that is the point that is most often missed (and usually the reason why queries or partials get passes).

At least once a day I receive a fantasy query letter that has a quest-oriented plot or dragons, or is a battle of good and evil and at the end of the query letter, the writer will state that his/her story is original because the focus is on character development.

Well, all good fantasy has strong, developed characters. I’m sorry to say that character development in itself cannot be the “original” aspect of your story. It’s standard and what you really need is a story approach, hook, or plot that’s revolutionary in its uniqueness.

What creates originality is taking a concept that is done to death (because there are no new stories under the sun) and envisioning and creating a whole new possibility that reinvents the known fantasy world. As a reader, it makes you gasp with a wow, what a brilliant idea. Why has no one thought of that before?

Then you have fresh and original.

Let me give you a great example. This author is not mine by the way so there is no self-interest in giving this example. Betsy over at Ballantine Del Rey gave me a teaser for HIS MAJESTY’S DRAGON. She thought she had seen everything possible in dragon fantasy. What is left to invent?

Quite a lot actually as debut author Naomi Novik demonstrates.

Here we have an alternate-reality historical novel of the Napoleonic War where a 18th century naval captain captures a Chinese dragon, becomes a dragon master in the British aerial corps to defeat Napoleon in the war for the continent. Patrick O’Brian with Dragons.

If you’re thinking, “how cool is that?” then you are starting to get the idea of what I’m trying to explain. Now your work might not be an alternative reality historical novel but when you explain your concept to someone, it should incite that same reaction regardless of whether it’s epic, urban fantasy, or whatever.

Get the picture?

STATUS: Tired. It’s late here in New York City—after 11 p.m. and let me tell you, the city might never sleep but I’m more than ready.

What song is playing on the iPod right now? Well, the iPod is back in Denver (probably sleeping soundly). I do have the radio on to some smooth Jazz. After the hectic day, it’s about the right pace.

I spent the morning at the Random House building on Broadway at 56th Street. Can I just highlight here my moment of joy that RH has moved up Broadway out of Times Square? No more wading through hordes of Justin Timberlake fans to fight my way to the Bertelsmann door. (Those fans are rabid and dangerous I tell you.)

I had a perfectly safe trip up Broadway.

My favorite part of the day was meeting with Allison Dickens who is the editor for my author Shanna Swendson. The countdown has begun. Only 15 more days before you can scoop up your copy of ONCE UPON STILETTOS—the sequel to ENCHANTED, INC.

Our meeting was totally hijacked by a discussion of our favorite blogs to visit. (Hey, we can’t talk business every minute of the day). But don’t worry, the launch of STILETTOS is ready. Get your frog pins ready.

For all you writers out there, the word on the RH street is erotica and more erotica. Hot, hot, hot. In more ways than one.

If you write for Ellora’s Cave or some of the other erotica e-publishers, now is probably the time to concoct bigger stories, polish off that tightly written erotic novella, land an agent, and formally make the leap if that is of interest to you. You won’t find better market timing for this genre.

I spent the afternoon at the Penguin Group and it was the same word on Hudson street.

Outside of romance, urban fantasy is also something editors ain’t got enough of on their lists.

SF still open if it can hybrid with something else (Military SF, Romance SF, Paranormal SF etc.) Much harder for the straight SF work. Epic fantasy a tough go unless it has a really original voice and storyline (so no queries on a group of friends on a quest. Need to make it stand out more.) And just so you know, I only talked with two editors today for the SF&F genre so this isn’t the word for every house so no comments about “that’s not what I heard” etc.

Now tomorrow, Anna Genoese (TOR) and I should have some fun conversations whilst we drink our coffee.

G’Night.

STATUS: Busy. Aren’t I always? I can’t wait until the assistant is in place so I can write slow, fat, and eating bon-bons as my status. Ha, ha. Speaking of, I have my other set of interviews this afternoon so will be out for the rest of the day

What song is playing on the ipod right now? YOU’VE MADE ME SO VERY HAPPY by Blood, Sweat & Tears

Just a heads up to all the readers. I plan to blog every day next week but cut me some slack if I miss, okay. I’m out in New York and will be doing crazy back-to-back editor appointments. My guess is that when I do blog, it will be around 10 p.m. (Eastern Time).

One thing I’ve noticed, after reading four years worth of partials, is that certain manuscript titles keep popping up.

One that sticks out in my mind, and it’s certainly not a bad title, is this one: THE SOUND OF ONE HAND CLAPPING.

Seriously, we’ve received enough partials for this one title to really stick out. And I must really like it because I keep asking for the partial to be submitted (insert ironic laughter here). I’m thinking some of these partials were not requested at least.

Titling is tough. And I’m not any good at it. When we had to rename Paula Reed’s first pirate/puritan historical romance (INTO HIS ARMS), Paula and I spent days coming up with lists. In desperation, I met my friends out at the Wynkoop Brewery to help out.

Not one of my brightest ideas to have beer, margaritas, etc. involved in the naming process. We were way thrilled with BENT OVER THE POOP DECK and spent many a minute in joyous laughter at our own creativity over that one—and don’t worry, I apologized to Paula already for that one. In the cold, stark light of the next day, I didn’t add it to the list to send to her publisher.

So here’s a thought. When you’ve got a great title and feel it’s original, plug it into Amazon.com. I think you’ll be amazed at how many books with the same title will pop up.

You might want to play with it some more.

On the opposite end, a title too strange (and long for that matter) can be equally off-putting.

If I see some repeat titles, I’ll post ‘em here.

As for the Katie as heroine count, haven’t been seeing many lately.

STATUS: Strangely elated and exhausted at the same time. I had forgotten how hard is to interview people. I want to make a good impression just as much as they do. I’m elated because it’s so much fun to chat with people who are excited about books and reading. I can’t wait to see who comes aboard as my new assistant.

What song is playing on the ipod right now? P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing) by Michael Jackson

I have to admit that this song takes me back to gym aerobics classes in 8th grade. Never doubt the power of association a song can bring—for good or for bad. I’ve never been overly fond of aerobics (or 8th grade for that matter). Still, the most danceable record ever made in my book (and yes I do mean record—there were no such thing as compact discs then).

Just recently I was reading Anna’s blog about not being stupid in public. She’s a little more blunt than I am (bless her soul) but I’m thinking not enough people read this journal entry and really should.

The internet seems like a big, wide open space where one can be free to write one’s opinions.

Just remember, it’s not so big a world when you are using your real name. As Anna mentions, you are not hard to find. She can see you (or a quick google search will find you easily enough). It serves no purpose to diss her publicly with your name attached with hers.

Hence the title of her blog entry.

I have to agree. I’ve been reading some discussion boards recently and perhaps it’s not the poster’s real name (although it sounds like one), but folks have been posting about how awful agents are. How they have no taste and couldn’t spot a good project if it hit them in the head, how if they just took the time to read this great query, which they’ve included in their rant, then agents would get wise (you’ve heard this whining before).

Yes, publishing is hard.

Hold the presses on that one folks.

But this is nothing but whining, in a public forum no less with your name attached. I’m too polite to say it so thank goodness Anna has already said it for me (see above teal text).

Agents visit these forums. I post but many agents I know don’t. We like to lurk as well as the next person (and before you accuse me of having too much time on my hands, I visit the boards for about 30 minutes to unwind and because I honestly find it interesting, relaxing, and it helps me to keep in touch with the writer’s world.).

I’ve been discovering many a lurker for my own blog. Just recently, I got a final contract in the mail that I needed to vet and then forward to my author. Included was a handwritten p.s. from the contracts administrator about enjoying my blog.

Holy Cow! The contracts people are reading my blog. Maybe I really should rant about that silly option clause they always want…

Kidding.

I mention this as a reminder that you never know who’s reading and if you use your real name, think twice about what you are posting. If you need to rant, I’m all for that (because I have a whole blog to do just that). I can get behind that. Publishing is tough and writers need to express frustration sometimes but don’t be stupid in public.

Choose a good pseudonym. I hear Spaceman Spiff is available.

(Free partial read to the FIRST person who correctly catches the reference and posts it in the comments section of this entry).

STATUS: Good. Signed another new client today (very exciting). Met my husband for lunch at Skyline Park. It was 75 degrees at noon in Denver today. Could work for another four hours and get some queries and partials read but it’s not going to happen unfortunately.

I apologize if you’re waiting on me. I have read all queries through March 10, 2006. Sad, I know. You’ll be happy to know that I start interviews this week for my new assistant. Can’t wait to have that person trained and set them loose.

What song is playing on the ipod right now? MYSTERY by Indigo Girls

I tried to post this earlier but my blog was down for maintenance. Sorry for the delay.

This is part rant and part observation.

Every once in a while, I’ll get an interesting query that will say that one of my current clients recommended that this writer should contact me.

Then I’ll read the query and it’s not something I would remotely handle. I’m like, “what the hey?”

Because I usually find this entertaining, I will forward the query on to my client who supposedly made the recommendation. Needless to say, they are stunned, apologetic, and a little miffed. In most cases, this query writer emailed a question to one of my clients and that person was kind enough to answer. How that got translated into a recommendation…

Tiny word of advice. Don’t smite a kind action. It might encourage already published authors to be wary of giving their time.

If my clients want to refer a writer my way, they’ll send me an email so as to give me a heads up. Don’t claim a recommendation that really isn’t because I’ll discover the truth (and then I can’t answer NO fast enough).

Now, does an actual client referral give weight? Absolutely. I usually read those partials personally (as opposed to Angie giving it first look) and in quick order (but please forgive my lapse lately because I’m really far behind.)

Have I taken on a new author via a current client referral? Not yet, but that day will come.

The best referral is when you can get an agent with a full client list to recommend you to another agent. That’s read in a hurry. Same when an editor refers an author my way (it happens) and especially when they are referring an author for whom the editor wants to make a deal with and he/she would prefer negotiating with an agent (and yes, that happens too).

I’ve signed one author from a pitch session. Would love to sign more and I think that will happen in time (I’ve got a lot of conferences coming up).

And I’ve signed two authors who got recognition thanks to POD Girl (and that’s a referral of sorts). What a gal!

But to be honest, most of the clients I’ve signed were from cold queries sent to me by email.