Why an agent

People have asked me why I chose to go with an agent. Believe me when I say this was something I weighed a long time before considering. After all, I was targeting Silhouette, whose contracts are pretty basic, I had a good relationship with an editor there who always asked for more work.

But when Hot Shot was rejected again, I felt like I’d run out of options on that book, and I still really believed in it. But the only choice I had was single title, and the places that request unagented work are few and far between.

The other reason I wanted an agent was to have a first reader in the market, someone who would catch things before the book got to the editor. I wanted someone who I could submit partials to, to see which book would fly. (I’ve since revised this desire – too much pressure to write the book after that!) But while an editor will only read a story once, an agent will be more likely to read it a few times (not saying that I’m lazy, but why waste that one chance?)

So other people have other reasons for getting an agent. These are mine.

Lovely pic of Gerry, yes?

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10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gerard is always, always lovely, Mar. :) I'm very glad you have an agent now. Most of all because I think it is what will work to get you where you deserve to be. The market is ever tightening and changing...having a professional that's 100% on YOUR side is not a small thing. You go, girl.

JoAnn

Amie Stuart said...

Mary I think those are GREAT reasons!

Trish Milburn said...

Very similar reasons to mine. Plus, I was at a point where I felt like I wasn't getting any farther up the ladder and needed an advocate that editors respect in my corner.

Anonymous said...

I think it's absolutely GREAT that you have an agent now! Major congrats! And I agree with all of your reasons!

MJFredrick said...

Trish, you're the main reason I decided to do this. I saw what a great advocate you have, and I wanted that for me!

Thanks, Olga!

Trish Milburn said...

Well, you know I'm incredibly happy that an agent finally realized what a catch you are. I hope you make her and you tons of money. :)

Anonymous said...

Here's hoping a single title contract is in your future soon!

Anonymous said...

All good reasons, Mary. And I can't wait to see what wonderful things happen for you as a result.

Anonymous said...

yep. gmta. Really, just not to have to wait soo dang long on the ms answer!

Good luck Mary

MJFredrick said...

Thanks, Michelle and Bonnie. Kendra, for the most part, I've been lucky with quick responses, and the one instance I didn't, having an agent wouldn't have helped (right, Trish?)

I hope I get the author agent papers today!

Goodreads

M.J. Fredrick's books on Goodreads
Breaking DaylightBreaking Daylight
ratings: 11 (avg rating 3.33)

Beneath the SurfaceBeneath the Surface
ratings: 11 (avg rating 4.00)

Hot ShotHot Shot (Samhain)
reviews: 2
ratings: 10 (avg rating 4.00)

Where There's SmokeWhere There's Smoke
ratings: 6 (avg rating 4.00)

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MJFredrick
I'm a mom, a wife, a teacher and a writer. I have five cats and a dog to keep me company. I love bookstores and libraries and Netflix - movies are my greatest weakness.
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