Getting the Call: Querying Warning
This isn't a normal Getting the Call post. I've been debating what to say on this subject for a few days now. I wasn't sure whether to bring it up or let it lie. Then I decided that people should be warned. Other writers need to know to be cautious, as all that glitters may turn out to blow up in their faces. I'll just give the basics of the situation and leave any names out of it. Please do not mention names in any comments you may leave.
A very close friend and CP of mine recently got an offer of representation. This offer came from a new agency. This agency didn't have much experience in the publishing world. But my friend had tried many agents with no luck. She has a great manuscript. (I know, I read it myself!) It was just bad luck and bad timing because of her particular crowded genre that she didn't get other offers. Of course, she was very excited. Her group of CP's celebrated with her. Now her ms could go on submission before large publishers!
She filled out a questionnaire and waited for the agent to contact her again. Time passed... and passed. She contacted the agent and heard nothing. The person stopped discussing agent related things in their tweets. My friend tried again. Nothing. We learned of another writer also offered representation by this agent who was also shut out.
I was very upset for my friend, and more then that--angry. Sure we've all heard of horror stories before. But they were always "stories." My friend did everything right when dealing with this person. She kept her cool and used her common sense. She is now working hard on her WIP and will query again with that ms.
It's a very exciting time when you get an offer. Be cautious. Ask questions. Don't let the excitement make you forget common sense. Keep some perspective. And remember, they aren't just "stories."
A very close friend and CP of mine recently got an offer of representation. This offer came from a new agency. This agency didn't have much experience in the publishing world. But my friend had tried many agents with no luck. She has a great manuscript. (I know, I read it myself!) It was just bad luck and bad timing because of her particular crowded genre that she didn't get other offers. Of course, she was very excited. Her group of CP's celebrated with her. Now her ms could go on submission before large publishers!
She filled out a questionnaire and waited for the agent to contact her again. Time passed... and passed. She contacted the agent and heard nothing. The person stopped discussing agent related things in their tweets. My friend tried again. Nothing. We learned of another writer also offered representation by this agent who was also shut out.
I was very upset for my friend, and more then that--angry. Sure we've all heard of horror stories before. But they were always "stories." My friend did everything right when dealing with this person. She kept her cool and used her common sense. She is now working hard on her WIP and will query again with that ms.
It's a very exciting time when you get an offer. Be cautious. Ask questions. Don't let the excitement make you forget common sense. Keep some perspective. And remember, they aren't just "stories."
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