Dancing Word Writers Workshop

with Brandilyn Collins

 November 4, 2000

 

Hosted by: Anne McDonald

Dancing Word Publisher/Editor

*This chat has been edited for clarity

AnnieM: Let's open in a word of prayer. Lord, thank You for today, and for the opportunity to meet with other writers tonight. Guide Brandilyn as she leads this workshop, and be with each of our guests. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Brandilyn, the floor is now yours.

Brandilyn Collins:  Okay. Tonight we’re discussing the 5 W’s of finding an agent: who, what, where, when and why. I’ll lecture awhile, then we’ll have question time. Then I’ll talk a bit about writing a query. Here goes:

WHO. First, who CAN be an agent? Answer: anyone who wants to be. You don’t need a degree, a license or any formal training. Anyone who wants to can hang out a shingle. This is good reason for authors to be cautious in choosing an agent. Second, who IS an agent? An agent is an author’s advocate and liaison with editors.

A good agent has: (1) strong contacts within the field of publishing, (2) strong negotiation skills, (3) a wide understanding of the business of publishing, (4) knowledge of what various houses are looking for, and (5) strong editing skills.

WHAT. What does an agent do for an author?

(1) Helps build your career: Places you in the best houses for your writing, sometimes counsels you as to what you should be writing (if you’re scattered in numerous genres, for example).

(2) Helps polish your manuscript until it’s the best it can be before sending it out.

(3) Places your work directly in the hands of an editor. A good agent calls editors and garners interest for your manuscript, then sends it upon request. This places your work toward "the top of the pile" rather than just in the "over the transom" stack of unsolicited manuscripts.

(4) Negotiates the best contract for you. This is vital, for contracts ALWAYS are written for the benefit of the publisher. Agents know how to read the fine print and know how to push. They will almost always improve the initial contract in some way.

WHERE. Where do you find an agent? I recommend a couple of books.