Hi folks,

I'm starting to hate the word 'lists', which I get in every letter from an agent. And to make matters worse, it doesn't help when I get 'very interesting', 'fresh approach', 'new style', and even 'unputadownable'. But, as normal, it's the big publishing houses that are calling the shots on the block like some NY gang, with don't want anyone new muscling in on there turf because what they say - goes, and we've got a list. If I sound bitter, then I am, like so many others out there in the world. I can't stop myself beating my head off the brick wall any more. Frustration, and feeling down-trodden, is turning to anger.

But I won't be beaten!

Hi Steve,
You are so right and your feeling of anger and frustration is very understandable. Try to put yourself in their situation. Ignore the Vanity Printers and others who prey on writers with honeyed words and 'promises' and think of the publishers who are genuine. Publishers will receive many hundreds of submissions every week. However their first aim is to make profits so they will look at any new work from this point of view.

I am fascinated by the 'yardsticks' that are used in assessing the work of any writer for I am of the opinion that a great deal of poor writing appears on our bookshelves and certainly in the general media, particularly TV.

Have you tried to find yourself an agent? (Make sure that you avoid the many con-agencies). This can also be a frustrating business but it could provide a very strong indication as to the 'commercial value' of your work for, with agents, money is the name of the game.

If all else fails then self-publishing may be an answer. However this is a battle that you cannot give up! If you know your writing is very good, then NEVER give up.

Len

Hi Steve,

Following on above I meant an agency that specialises in the type of work you write.

All success!
Len

Len,

I'm doing my hardest in the agent area; I think it's a case of fire enough bullets, so to speak, and one will hit the target.

Steve

Could somebody please enlighten me about these lists?

Also, what is good writing?

Maybe I'm the cynic in this, but I would have thought that any information which a publisher / Agent provides would be most useful ( assuming we wish them to pay us, that is).

Hilary.

In the letters I have received back from agents, most refer to 'lists'; I presume this is a list they have, stating what books they require. This in itself is frustrating especially when you've done the foot-work to find out what an agent is looking for, only to be told the work you've done doesn't match their list.

Hope this helps

Steve

It sounds to me that good isn't so much the issue here, as appropriate; or have I missed something here?

Hilary.

Steve, Hilary, when an agent refers to a 'list', they mean the writers they currently have on their list. So they sometimes use this as a way of saying no thankyou, as in, 'my list is currently full.' or not, as the case may be. Best of luck- keep firing those bullets.

Hi Hilary,
'Good' is a very subjective word. In this context of agents I am sure 'good' reflects the agent's assessment of its commercial value. That is not to say that the agent may think the work is excellent but considers it without commercial value.

I have asked this question on many occasions and particularly in the past where it was 'commercially relevant'... I still do not have an answer, except one that is subjective, unless one has preset yardsticks against which the work can be 'measured'.

However a writer, such as Steve, must feel that his work is 'good' to act as a constant spur to his efforts of finding an agent; the point being that Steve must never lose heart and confidence, in spite of what the Agents may say. There is a world of difference to any writer between an Agent saying 'Yes' to one that says 'No'.

I do agree that everything a publisher or an Agents may say must be taken on board but if the end result is still 'No Thanks' the last thing any Writer should do is to give up because of this.

All success, Steve.

Len

Hilary,

Thanks for the enlightenment on the 'list', is was beginning to sound like the Holy Grail )

Steve

From what I hear, agents and publishers are looking for saleable work from flexible writers who have more than one novel in them. I can't over-emphasise how important those two last points are. Agents and publshing houses invest a great deal of time - and therefore money - into launching an unknown writer. They often see the first book as a loss-leader and don't expect to make a profit until the second is in the shops. No matter how wonderfully you write, if they get the impression you're a one-book-author, they won't invest that money. So make it clear, when you are submitting work, that you already have another novel underway... just a few words: 'I am already working on the sequel.' or 'I am very pleased with progress on my second novel.'...what am I doing? You are writers... make it up yourselves. I'm sure you can see what I mean.
Also they are looking for writers who will accept editorial suggestions and be willing to re-write, several times over if necessary. There is no point in being too stubborn and precious about your work. It's not simply that publishers know what is selling - they know what they want to publish and they are looking for authors they can comfortably work with.
When I started the search for an agent, eighteen months ago, my query letter told them that I had two novels finished and another two three-quarters written. I also told them I was willing to do whatever it took to achieve my ambition of seeing my novels published - and I meant it.
I signed up with my agent last Friday and, less than half an hour later, he asked how soon I could deliver the second novel. There's no let-up in this business. Finishing a novel is only the start.
Dee.

Well written Dee.

Steve,

I think it was Anna who did the enlightening -not me!

Thanks, anyway.

Hilary.

Thanks, Becca. A comment like that, from you, means a lot.
Dee.