Monday, February 17, 2014

"How I Got My Agent" stories.

I read every HIGMA story I come across and I live vicariously through those writers. I try to imagine what it will be like when I will get "The Call." And what I've learned is summed up in this short post.

1.) Persistence pays off.
     - Most stories of writers signing with an agent detail a long path, with the writer continually improving craft. Many times, it is years before a writer signs with an agent.

So, Keep working on craft and DO NOT GIVE UP!

2.) Every path to an agent is different.
     - Some writers and agents connect through conferences and workshops while many others simply query and stand out in slush. You don't know how the circumstances of your agent search process will play out.

So, as I've often read, "Cast a wide net."

3.) The writer has spent many hours revising (both query and manuscript) and researching agents to find a potential fit. (Again, improving craft is key.)

So, get help from critique partners for both your query and manuscript before the query stage.

4.) Signing with the agent is another beginning.
     - I think the pre-agent phase of a writer's life is similar to running on a treadmill. You are working your tail off and making progress, but not really going anywhere.

     - After you sign with your agent, you're on the road. All your treadmill time has paid off and now you can really go somewhere. But be ready to hurdle a few obstacles and dodge a few potholes, because you're in new territory now and from what I've read, the race gets faster!


So, be ready for obstacles, and continue chasing your dream agent!




Photo of my niece and son at a local park.-R. Polk

8 comments:

Michelle 4 Laughs said...

You've got it right. Don't give up and keep improving your writing.

It absolutely doesn't end after getting the Call. :-)

Janet Johnson said...

Pretty much. Great summary! :) (And I have an agent now, and I still read every HIGMA post I come across. I just love those stories!).

Stacey Trombley said...

I love reading success stories too. Helps me feel like, even if I'm not there yet, I know its not impossible. Feels less like a cycle of dissapointment and failure and more of a "just not yet". So mostly, they encourage me. :)

Robert Polk said...

Thanks for the comment and encouragement!

Robert Polk said...

Congrats on finding an agent! Thanks for the comment!

Robert Polk said...

I totally agree with your comments. We will improve until we are agented, then published! In the meantime, I will continue to draw inspiration from those who've gone ahead of me. Thanks for the comments.

Mirka Breen said...

Congratulations on this milestone and "getting on the road."

Robert Polk said...

Mirka, Thanks for the encouragement and dropping by the blog for a comment, but I'm still working toward the day my bio says "Represented by AgentWhoHasYetToBeNamed."