 For Authors: December 24, 2008 Issue [#2786] |
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This week: Edited by: Vivian  
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Many writers think an agent is necessary for publication. Perhaps one can be used to help get the best deal for an author. However, a few myths exist that an author needs to consider and discover what's true and what isn't.
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Agent Myths: True or False? Six to Start
Some of the publishing myths circulating scare authors enough that they are unwilling to try to have their work published. Some of the “myths” have a little truth mixed with the fallacy; others have a large amount of truth; and the rest are completely false. Let’s examine six of those myths and see what is true and what isn’t.
Myth 1. A writer has to know someone in New York City to get published.
First of all, not all publishers are located in New York City any more. Every state has small or university publishers. California, Texas, and Utah have some rather influential publishers now. They may not be one of the giant four, but they are gaining in stature.
Secondly, the idea of only celebrities being sought by publishers isn’t exactly true. Of course a major publisher may better promote a celebrity’s book or even read a manuscript by one first, but the work still needs to be well-written – most of the time.
However, the idea that an author must have a personal connection to a publisher, if he isn’t found on Entertainment Tonight, isn’t so. Yes, having a next-door-neighbor who is the aunt of an editor with Doubleday may get a manuscript read sooner, but that doesn’t mean anything else. If the writing is poorly done, it will be just as rejected as something off the “slush” pile which wasn’t good. Nancy Kress, in Writer’s Digest June 2001, says, “Connections will not close the sale if the manuscript is no good.”
Myth 2. An author needs to be represented by a mega-superstar agent.
A good agent can help writers make their way through the legal mazes, presenting material to publishers, finding the solution for different aspects of the publishing field. That doesn’t mean that a writer should either get the best-named agent in the world or not try to get an agent.
The key to finding an agent is to find one who knows the business, who is interested in promoting his/her clients, and who wants what is best for the client. That doesn’t always mean the “top” agents in the field, who have many clients and obligations.
Now in the days of instant communication, excellent agents can be found everywhere, but California has become second in importance to New York. The main thing to look for is experience, other clients, successes in author clients. Finding whether the agent is a member of the ethical organization, AAR, is one step to discovering a competent, honest agent. Finding an agent who works well with the client helps for a successful partnership.
Remember, though, a bad agent is worse than no agent. And, an agent isn’t always necessary, but that’s an entirely different subject, maybe to be covered another time.
Myth 3. Writers must start small and write what they know.
Let’s break this down into two parts. First, writers must start small: No, they should start with the best they have to write. Sometimes, an author can take a short story and expand it into a book, but that doesn’t mean that all writers have to write flash fiction and short stories to start. If a book is what a writer has inside, then a book should be written.
Yes, at times a nonfiction writer does better submitting to local and regional magazines and newspapers, but not always. If a topic works for a major newspaper or magazine, a writer should submit a proposal to that paper or magazine. The only real limits on an author are the ones that talent, lack of effort, or fear create.
The second part of this myth is writing what a person knows. Actually, according to Daniel Lazar, an agent from Writers House agency, says, “Writing what you know should actually be write what excites you.”
Of course research increases what people “know.” Also when anyone writes about anything, bits of knowledge are used. For example, I have never traveled in space. If I decided to write about traveling to another galaxy as a colonist, I would have no personal knowledge about the topic. However, I could take the experience of going under anesthetic to show how a person being put into suspended animation might feel as a drug takes effect. Writing such a story or book would excite me enough to allow me to use a little of what I know, what I research, and what I imagine. An author’s interest and excitement is more important than what is already known about a subject or topic.
Myth 4. Authors have to label the exact genre of work to get an agent.
According to agents Irene Goodman and Daniel Lazar, at the OWFI Writing Conference, an agent is impressed with a well-written, attention grabbing pitch letter and interesting, good material rather what genre the material may be or not be. Labeling something as horror/thriller/romance/sci-fi doesn’t garner any type of interest on the part of an agent. If it’s a novel, the agents say, then just say, “My novel ...” not listing all the possible genres it may be.
Myth 5. Agents are members of a big club that’s secret and hard to get into.
What’s sad about this myth is that it is false. Anyone can call himself or herself an agent. There is no license required or test to pass. Anyone can have business cards printed up or place advertisements in newspapers or magazines calling himself an agent.
Many real agents exist all over the country. They are people who have been involved in or with publishing and have connections with publishing companies. Some may have been published themselves; others may have been editors or otherwise involved with a publishing company.
Authors need to research to find the type of agent they need, but agents don’t belong to a secret club. The secret is for writers to ask questions.
Myth 6. An author needs a member of the Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR) as an agent.
Many talented, capable and reputable literary agents aren't AAR members, according to Scott Hoffman (Writer's Digest, February 2009). However, an agent who is an AAR member agrees to adhere to the AAR Canon of Ethics and has demonstrated professional success by selling at least ten books to publishing houses in an eighteen-month period.
That ends six myths I've found. Hope you find some help in your search for an agent.
Sources:
1. Oklahoma Writers Foundation Inc. Conference, May 6, 2006, session with Daniel Lazar of Writers House
2. Nancy Kress, “ Urban Myth vs. the Truth,” Writer’s Digest , June 2001
3. Scott Hoffman, "Agent Cred," Writer's Digest, February 2008
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One request that I have when you read and review: Please don't just use the average rating as yours. Sometimes the average is lower than it should be because someone "hate rated," never reviewed, just clicked on a low rate because it seemed like fun. Let your rate be honest according to what you read and review.
I found a few items about publishing. Perhaps they will be helpful as we try to find our way through the publishing maze.
Items about writing :
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Words from our Readers
DB Cooper 
I disagree that all PODs are scams. PublishAmerica is the only POD that never ever makes $ on the front side. Thats why PA has been targeted for bad press.
POD (print on demand) is not any type of publishing, but a form of printing. Some companies use POD technology, but nowhere in my article did I say POD was a scam, nor was PublishAmerica mentioned. I believe you misunderstood or misread something.
d.s.wright
Your newsletter is very true. There are a good many scams. But I was wondering if you could suggest any legitimate agents as I have completed a novel and am looking to get it published.
I would search Writers Market if I were searching for an agent. I also hope this issue's editorial might help. I hope you find what you need.
April Sunday
On "June Bugs & Elderberry Wine" I also talk about recognizing crap writes. Best we recognize what won't sell. One may always go with the premise -- for serious authors. Namely: Don't spend money to make money. Looking forward to reading your source list. Agree, agents are kinda getting out-of-hand. If they charge for a read --- RUN!!
Good advice.
sleepy
This is a great newsletter for me, as I am one that rushes into things too quickly. I am saving this for the purpose of reading it every time I get too in a hurry about publishing my work. Also, you poets are a lucky breed. I have really never been able to tame my soul enough to put a lyrical spin on my words. If ya' got it, in the name of God, USE it!!! Thanks.
If you want to learn a few lessons about writing poetry, I have a folder of lesson plans I used when I taught: "Writing Poetry Writing Tips" .
Acme
Thanks for the top notch information in this week's newsletter, Viv. 
You're welcome.
monty31802
There is so much truth in this newsletter. I found this out with my first book, the title I will not even divulge. It was a western novel is all I will say.
I remember when I was younger and more naive. Thankfully, I didn't get caught up in a scam that cost me money, except for a high-price worthless book.
Sticktalker 
Well put, Vivian. Sadly, I almost bit on one of those "agents" who agreed to represent me on my first novel. I was euphoric for two days, then did some on-line research. The "agent" turned out to be the biggest known con artist of them all. Luckily I hadn't paid a penny and feel I became much wiser very quickly. Now, if Writing.Com wouldn't accept ads in this forum from this outfit I'd be happier.
I'm glad you researched before you paid. As any publication or media, W.Com accepts advertisers, but the site does not endorse anything an advertiser prints or states.
Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas,
and Happy New Year.
Vivian Zabel |
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