How not to approach an Agent

So, as some of you know, I am a part time literary agent. I have a few select clients that I have chosen to work with because I love their writing and I think that it's worth the time and effort to get their work published by a traditional publisher. I generally don't advertise my agent services because I earn a living doing publicity- which is my first love, but I am excited to be working on selected manuscripts.

Anyway, people seem to find me and send me lots of manuscripts. Some are referrals from current clients, but many are unsolicited. It's those ones that I sometimes have problems with.

Now, I have to say that for the most part I will offer up as much feedback as I can, but on occasion, when I get a manuscript that doesn't fit any of my submission requirements, those end up at the bottom of my manuscript pile and if they send me messages, I get pissed off.

In the first place I receive a ton of manuscripts a week. Coupled with my publicity business I am quite busy and I am extremely picky about what I choose to sell. It's not uncommon for people to wait months to hear back from an agent and many don't give any feedback at all. I'm usually pretty nice and will reply to all my inquiries in a timely fashion if possible.

Since I am also a writer,  I know what it is to wait to hear back from someone and then find out it's a big fat no. As an agent I waited 8 months to hear back from a publisher- and it was a big fat no. So when someone submits a manuscript that isn't even in a genre that I'm interested in I don't think it's asking too much for them to wait.

So this brings me to my small rant. I received an unsolicited manuscript by someone who dared us to read their manuscript. The first note was somewhat humorous, so I passed it to my partner because it was non-fiction.
The manuscript was chock full of spelling errors  (they spelled excerpt incorrectly) on the chapter sample so already it would have been a no. We are really picky about that kind of thing.

So, Brian didn't like the manuscript and sent a polite no thank you, best of luck, and wished the writer well.
So then I get a note that said:

"I really disagree with the assessment of my manuscript. Please read this, I think we can make a lot of money with this amazing piece."  

So because I'm nice, I replied with the following:
"I currently have a backlog of manuscripts to go through, but I will try to schedule yours in as soon as possible and give you some feedback. Please note that I don't choose every manuscript based on a monetary value. Selling a book for me is more than that. I have to love and get excited about a project. Just FYI.I'll be in touch." 
Even though I should have said no because I'm interested in fiction at the moment, not non-fiction. 

I think that pointing out my backlog ( which I do have- and I'm trying to get through them) is very fair and actually more than other agents reply back. Most of them will give you dead silence. I also wanted to point out to the person that I don't just look for sales, I look for merit, quality of writing, and I want to get excited about the project. Because, as everyone knows there isn't much money in books these days!


So, 21 days later ( I still have a backlog) I get another note from the submitter. It stated:

" I know that you are super busy with all of your work, but I really think you should take the time out to read my book. I'm not asking for much. I'm sure that once you read mine you'll see that it's the best one you've ever read. My family and friends all love it, and I really think you owe me a reading as soon as possible. I think I've waited long enough." 

Because I was in the middle of work, and hadn't found time to schedule his work in, I wrote back:
" Hi. Just a note. If I feel I would like to represent it. I'll let you know." 

Yes, it was a don't call us, I'll call you. But I didn't think that I was out of line, given the fact that it wasn't in a genre I generally deal with, it was unsolicited, and I really didn't like the angle of the submitter. I don't think this person realized how an agent works, and how many unsolicited manuscripts cross our desks. Excellent writing moves me.
So, about ten minutes later I got a reply.

" I think you are being very unreasonable. And I doubt you have that many manuscripts anyway. I'm withdrawing my request- too bad, cause you are missing out on a ground breaking book."

Well. I guess it's my loss. Now, that writer wasn't bugging me so much, but I couldn't connect with the tone in the emails, and I did actually scan the manuscript and it wasn't for me at all. But before I could tell that writer, they got pissed off with me and ended the conversation.

Unfortunately, I think that writer is going to hear a lot more of those types of answers if they continue to submit their work without reading the submission guidelines they are given, without checking for spelling errors, and without a little patience. It's these types of writers that might be more suited to self-publishing, and most likely will self publish, and then complain when they aren't selling anything.

Writing should have passion, yes, but it should also have quality, spark, something that no other manuscript has- that it quality. It takes time to find an agent that will work for you and with you to sell your work. Being an agent is a grueling, arduous task that  can take a long time with a lot of doors slammed in your face. It's one of the reasons why people ask an agent to sell their book for them. Because they want someone else to do the work while they hone their craft ( and to get them a smoking amount of money).

There are lots of pros and cons to having an agent, but if you do seek one out be prepared to be patient. Remember that they aren't getting paid for their time reading your manuscript. They don't get paid unless they sell a book, and that could mean hundreds of hours of reading unedited chapter samples and manuscripts before they find that gem in the bunch. Yours could be that gem. If you have a little patience.

( By the way- in terms of spelling and grammar- yes we have high standards,and I am the comma splice queen  in my own work, but I can pick out errors in other people's work in a second, so don't think I won't notice!)

Cheers, Rachel

Some good ones this week -some Christmas treats

Before I get to this week's flicks, I received a comment and request from a reader to post a graphic. Here is the link- it's quite fun!
http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/horror-movies

Enjoy!


Well, Christmas time is just around the corner so a couple of these have that Christmas flavour.


We'll start with The Thaw- Extinction Will Find You- by Mark A Lewis.
Here's the plot synopsis: A research expedition to the Arctic discovers that a melting polar ice cap has released a deadly prehistoric parasite.
With of course references to what a horrible planet we have and how we are destroying it. This concept is old and tired, but there are some cool moments in it. The parasites are creepy bugs, even if half of them are cgi. Of course we rarely see Val Kilmer in anything good these days- oh for the days of Top Secret. It's okay, but a bit preachy.

Wicked Little Things- Prey for Them by J.S Cardone
Synopsis: Karen, Sarah, and Emma Tunney are all moving to a small town in Pennsylvania where, unknown to them, in 1913, a horrid mine accident trapped dozens of children alive, underground. But there's a problem. They're still alive.
Hmm... well this would have worked if it made sense. And if the kids didn't look like weird kids with bland painted faces. And if the character of Ben Cross was more than one dimensional. Poor Ben Cross...I wish he would be in something decent. Dark Shadows is a long time ago. It's sad to think that horror movies are becoming the place where old character actors go to die.  The weird part of this is that the Tunney story line might have worked but the blood lust of these kids just doesn't make sense. If this had been a revenge story it would have made much more sense. Instead, it was a film that lacked any scary moments and was spent half the time running through the shadows in a field. I really didn't care about these characters, and when the bad guy gets it- I didn't care because he'd only been in the film once or twice before with zero information given about him. So...wicked little things fails as a film to see, just because it really doesn't make sense!!!

Venom- He Never Hurt A Soul Until the day he died by Jim Gillespie 
Synopsis:  A pack of teenagers run for their lives through the swamps of Louisiana, as they are chased by Mr. Jangles, a man possessed by 13 evil souls who is relentless in his pursuit of new victims. This was based on video game.

I am always a sucker for voodoo movies, ever since my favourite episode of the Hardy Boys had them waking up in coffins in a New Orlean's graveyard ( okay, the dracula one is my favourite-but it's a close second!) I have to admit I fell asleep during this one. It wasn't because it was a bad film, I was just really tired. It seemed to be the usual fare- snakes and a voodoo curse on a guy who really didn't deserve it. From what I saw, the snakes were really cgi and there was a high body count. I fell asleep and woke up at the end, so I think there was one person left standing. So i really can't tell you if this was any good, but I think it was along the lines of I Know what you did last summer- because that's the same director.

P2- A New Level of Terror- The only thing more terrifying than being alone is discovering that you're not- By Franck Khalfoun
Synopsis: A businesswoman is pursued by a psychopath after being locked in a parking garage on Christmas Eve.
Yup, that's about it. But I have to tell you I really liked this movie. The main character did probably everything I would do if I got locked in a parkade. At first she comes off as a bit of a bitch, but I warmed up to her because gosh darn it she is doing everything she can to get out of there. And the villian in this- Wes Bentley is great as the creepy guy. His fascination with Elvis is quite funny and he plays a psycho very well. I have to say they covered a lot of bases with this and I found it very entertaining. Of course part of that may be the Enormous amount of continuity and goofs in this film ( Hello!! Camera crew! You aren't supposed to be in this scene!) The fun part for the cell phone is when it says TELUS- but we are supposed to be in New York. Hmmm... But maybe that's what makes this a fun little movie. That will teach you to stay late at work on Christmas Eve!! I recommend this as a fun Christmas style psycho flick!

Wind Chill- A road many have traveled...but few escape- by Gregory Jacobs. 
Synopsis: Two college students share a ride home for the holidays. When they break down on a deserted stretch of road, they're preyed upon by the ghosts of people who have died there.
Okay, I really don't care that George Clooney and Steven Soderburgh had a hand in this as executive producers. That couldn't save the fact that I hated the main character and the movie was really disjointed. I hated her. She was such a bitch I wanted her to die.  And there are DOZENS of continuity, factual, and revealing mistakes, not to mention plot holes in this thing. The only spark of imagination is when she uses the call box on the top of a telephone pole to call an operator- but that was it. And I still don't know how a bitch like her knew that kind of information. There seemed to be such a problem with the concept of snow in this film. Like the fact that when people walk in the snow there are generally tracks- that you could follow. And the car lights were on the ENTIRE time in this movie, even though they turned off the dome light to conserve the battery- but she can listen to the car radio while painting her toenails. Everything in this film was just bad. SIgh. I'm disappointed that when you get some talented people together they just miss the point completely. Pass.

The Unborn- Evil wants to be born now -by David S Goyer
Synopsis: A young woman fights the spirit that is slowly taking possession of her.
I was told that this was bad. And it was, but it's not an exorcism film- which I stay far away from- it's a dead twin in my head film. And that would have made it interesting- if they followed that line and didn't turn it into a weird exorcism film. References to Dr. Josef Mengele were interesting, but I don't know why they just didn't say his name. EVERYone knows who she was talking about. I think that Gary Oldman only appered in this film because the co-writer - from Dark Night asked it as a favourite. In all the roles I"ve seen him in, Rabbi isn't one that comes to mind. Oh well. There are some very creepy scenes very early on in this film that might redeem it. I had a coupld of jumps, but that was it.

The Uninvited- by The guard brothers
Synopsis: Anna Rydell returns home to her sister (and best friend) Alex after a stint in a mental hospital, though her recovery is jeopardized thanks to her cruel stepmother, aloof father, and the presence of a ghost in their home.
I have to say, I liked this film. It was well acted, had some creepy moments and I didn't see everything that was coming. I liked the characters in it and it was well done. I always like David Straithern, although he's always underused, and for a Canadian film it was really well done. Except for a ton of continuity issues- but some small that you really don't notice -well except that when a boat is tied up, it's tough to just drive away, and there are a whole bunch of date weirdness going on- maybe they shouldn't show laptops when your character is reading them out loud, especially when they don't match, and maybe if someone blows up holding a bell- it might be a little tricky to find the same bell unscathed in a box.
But besides that it was a fun little movie and I actually felt bad for some of the characters. It's pretty much the Tale of Two Sisters- Canadianized but I thought it was decent for the new settting.
So I would give this one a Yes.

Someone asked me how do I find time to watch so many movies. Well, as a publicist I work all day and a lot of the evenings writing, talking to press, and booking interviews. At around 10:00pm I turn off my computer and throw in a movie just to help me unwind for the day. And what better genre than horror or thriller? To some that may not be their idea of a kickback and relax time, but for me it is. So that's how I can watch a film a night. If you have any movies you feel should join my list, by all means send me the titles. If I haven't seen it, I'll certainly watch it!

gal-friday is branching out

Well, you heard it here first, or rather second- facebook seems to always be first- gal-friday is branching out to Vancouver. Coquitlam to be exact. After residing in Edmonton for almost 25 years, it's time to move onwards and upwards into the mountains and by the sea. As many of you know my business only started in October of 2009 after the firm I was working for closed it's doors. Since then it's been months of learning curves and craziness starting my own business, but it's all coming together now. I have a great group of freelance writers and designers, and my associate Literary Agent Brian Wood is showing me the ropes as an agent.

We are now at the point where we can offer Agent services and Publicity services all in one. Selling a book is much easier if you have a media platform and if the world knows about you. With gal-friday we are able to deliver both. It's been a great partnership and is getting stronger every day.
We are the only company that is combining that service, and we are also the only people who will give you an honest (very honest) opinion about the sales potential of your book. Most agents don't give those kind of responses. But with us you are guaranteed that if we don't take your book on- you'll know why. Whether you like it or not!!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with my little business I am a freelance writer and I continue to write as much as I can on those days when I might get a little spare time. I recently finished a non-fiction nature biography and as we speak it is with an editor at Doubleday, and I am awaiting it's fate. So as a writer, and someone who worked behind the scenes at Chapters/Indigo as well as in front of the camera, our business is an excellent one to consider when thinking about the world of publishing.

As well, I handle several businesses, some of whom I've worked with for years with their marketing and publicity.

So, by the fall I will have relocated to Vancouver and Brian and I will be all set to attack the United States with our publicity and selling talents. We hope you stay along for the ride!

Ottawa Author Brenda Chapman plays Bad Girl for Bloody Words X

Ottawa, ON- For those interested in murder, thrillers, bad girls, and yes, even forensic dentistry, the Bloody Words X Mystery Conference will be just their cup of tea. Canadian and U.S Mystery authors are converging on Toronto to celebrate 10 years of top notch mystery books and their authors.

 The conference, being held May 28-30 at the Hilton in downtown Toronto, has attracted special guests Giles Blunt, Deon Mayer and the Master of Ceremonies, Lynwood Barclay. Ottawa author Brenda Chapman will be sitting on the Bad Girls panel to discuss the characters in her new book In Winter’s Grip.

 “The character of my book, Maja, is a female protagonist who really pushes boundaries. That’s why I was thrilled to be asked to be part of the Bad Girl panel. It’s a chance to talk about what really makes women tick and how their roles in mysteries are gaining strength in the genre,” says Chapman, whose mystery In Winter’s Grip from RendezVous Crime is due out this September.

Brenda is no stranger to mystery conferences, and attends at least a few each year both in Canada and the U.S. She is the author of four books in the Jennifer Bannon mystery series for children. In Winter’s Grip is her first adult mystery and is already garnering accolades from other authors in her genre.

 “It is exciting to be part of the Canadian mystery writing scene during a period when our work is gaining national and international prominence,” says Chapman.

For more information about Brenda and her books visit: www.brendachapman.ca
For more information on the Bloody Words Conference X visit: http://www.bloodywords2010.com/

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To book an interview please contact:
Rachel Sentes -Publicist
 780-270-1211   rachel@gal-fridaypublicity.com                                 

Do you have a Publicity Platform?

I recently returned from a whirlwind trip to Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto, to meet with people in my industry. It was an eye-opening and inspiring trip, and I am very glad that I was able to connect with key players in the Canadian publishing industry. My associate Brian Wood was gracious enough to invite me along on several meetings with editors at the major publishing houses, including McLelland & Stewart, Doubleday, and John Wiley, to name a few. And I also met with a few clients and freelance sub-contractors.

One of the common themes I heard about on my trip was the vital need for authors to have a publicity platform. If you want to play with the big kids, they need to know your name. When you submit to an agent or publisher, you need to have some media backing to boost your creditability. If you say you are an expert in the field, but you have nothing to show for it, why are they going to publish your book?

This is especially relevant in non-fiction. It's not just about the words anymore. It's about name recognition. Build your brand, publish the book. The two go hand in hand.

I receive many inquiries about proposals and query letters that are being sent to agents and publishers. Many of the notes I receive mention that they have been rejected anywhere from 20 to 200 times with little or no feedback on why they aren't getting anywhere.

One of the reasons I started my business was to make sure that writers had a place to go to have their questions answered when they submit their work. There is nothing more frustrating for a writer when after months or years of writing and submitting, you get rejection after rejection with no reason why.

Most literary agents and publishers simply don't have time to comment on any queries that are sent to them. Some agents only deal with A-list writers ( those that are in the media all the time), and publishers are limited on the number of new first-time authors that they can take on.

It's important to note that when you are putting a query letter and proposal together that it is not just about the book. It's about SELLING your book. You need to talk about all your media appearances, include links to your publications, MP3's, and PDF files so that the agent or publisher can get a clear picture of your work, and how much work you are willing to put into selling your publication. 

A Publicity Platform includes all the blog sites, websites, print media, and target markets that you have either appeared on/in, or that you plan to include when your book is published. Publishers aren't able to give every new author a publicist to get them started, so either it's up to you to do all the marketing, or you can hire a publicist.

Either way, you won't sell books if no one knows who you are or where your book is selling.

If you have a question about your proposal, I would be happy to give you some tips. If you are interested in putting a publicity platform together, consider hiring gal-friday publicity to get one done for you.

Feel free to email me at rachel@gal-fridaypublicity.com

The Old Process of Writing

Image via Wikipedia

Today I'm at home and not feeling very well. I'm fighting off a cold. I hate getting sick. It's very annoying. But it does give me an excuse to watch DVD's of my old favourite television shows. Today I chose to watch Columbo and some Murder She Wrote. Yes, cheesy, but I like mysteries. And it's amazing how many big television stars had guest appearances on the show.
What I always find interesting is the use of technology in the shows. I love it when William Shatner shows Columbo the brand new VCR he has. It's the size of a small fridge, taking up an entire counter. And the new room size computer systems -cutting edge technology that everyone will soon have.  I love it in one episode where a new answering machine  is stuck in a desk drawer. When a call comes in the secretary opens the drawer, switches on the reel to reel and then answers the phone. I also loved the one with the new fangled typewriter with the ball instead of a carriage. Columbo is fascinated by carbon paper. It's so funny when you look at how far we've come.

Today on Murder She Wrote Jessica Fletcher is introduced to a new computer. You know, the ones with the really loud keyboards with the green writing, with every file listed as A> or C>. And of course the floppy discs, the ones that looked like 45's.  She bemoans writing on a computer, scared to lose her story. But I think a few seasons later she makes the transition because she knows that she has to keep up with the changes in publishing.

I have to say I am an old style writer for the most part. I love fountain pens and journals, writing long hand for first drafts, and then a Smith Corona typewriter for the second. And then finally I will go to the computer for the third draft. I think it has something to do with that hands on feeling. I was always told to cut down on the time it takes to write by writing directly into the computer, but for my own writing I've never been able to make the complete shift over to that method. I write straight onto a computer for my clients, but for my own creative style, it's the old process of writing all the way. I even downloaded a typewriter sound for my keyboard to connect me with the feel of the old keys, but that didn't quite do it. The only thing that is a problem now, is that ribbon for my typewriter is getting more difficult to find. But as it was with vinyl, it will never completely go away.

I know that many writers are of the same ilk, and that I'm not alone, but it's nice on a Sunday afternoon to relive those good old days before CSI and all the DNA mystery shows,

gal-friday publicity welcomes Author and Illustrator Mike Boldt

I'd like to extend a warm welcome to new client, author and illustrator Mike Boldt. Mike is very active as an illustrator of children's books, and his latest is titled The Gophers in Farmer Burrows' Field. He has plans for a second book and are excited to be working on this project!
Check out his work at http://www.boldtmanstudios.com/

It's a Dog eat Dog World- do I get a treat now?

So. I had finished the first draft of my book. It had taken forever to write, but it was done. Now what? Well after thinking it over I gave it to my sister to read. She liked it, but I was pretty sure she would because it was about her dogs as well. Why wouldn't she like it? But she gave me points and areas to work on as well. If there is one thing I can count on, it's that my sister won't hold back if she dislikes something. For a family member she's pretty honest.
Now, if i was a lone writer without any publishing connections I would have started that process of trying to find an agent to sell my book, or I would have just started shopping it myself. But fortunately, I chose a career in publicity, and as a result I have dozens of amazing authors as friends, and one in particular who is a literary agent.
Now, my type of book isn't really his style, but because we had worked in the same circles, he agreed to be my agent and try to sell my book.
Success!! I was half way there- how much harder could it be?
So I sent my manuscript to my agent and Lucy and I waited for his reply. And when it came it wasn't exactly what I had expected...

Less Business- More Blogging!

Image by lunaweb via Flickr

With all the research that I do on publicity and social media, I realized that I was committing a cardinal sin on my blog. I was reprinting articles for the sake of saving time, but not actually giving my thoughts to them. That's the whole point of a blog. So many people find me and my business through my blog that I really should be a little more aware of the social aspect of this site. I have my website to update and talk about articles- and it's fine to reprint them here, but I really shouldn't be afraid to weigh in with my opinion.
I'm not going to lose business because of it.
In fact, if anyone goes to my website, they'll see that both my associate Brian and I are pretty laid back but very blunt people when it comes to criticizing modes of publishing books, agents, and our writing services.
I am a book publicist. It's what I love to do. I am also a business publicist. I love working in the field of media, and hearing the viewpoints of everyone. So from here on it, this blog will now be used for my  thoughts. Without a filter. Like it or lump it!
Cheers!