Pollyana, editors talking to agents are honest - it's in no one's interests not to be up front about their judgements - so you can absolutely believe the nice things. And I am really surprised that your agent feels that super-encouraging, just-don't-like-this-aspect rejections mean that s/he can't send a new book to them: they've proved they fundamentally like your work. I've never heard of a policy like that.

I can't WWmail you, I think, because you're not a full member, or I'd ask who it is. If you were thinking of jumping ship, the agent who'd love to look at Two (and who was obviously right about the dodgy thread in One, so that's a good mark to start with) would clearly be the place to start. I've said that agents don't poach, and they don't, but there's nothing to stop you getting in touch with her (and indeed others) and saying, 'If I were released from my contract with Current Agent, would you look at my work?'

But I would suggest that, if you can, you have a wider-ranging conversation with your current agent first: where does s/he see your future together, if she doesn't want to do anything with Two.

Emma

<Added>

"right about the dodgy thread in One" in the commercial sense, obviously, not necessarily the artistic sense - that's a whole different thing.

Pollyanna, I've sent you a PM, but, like Emma said, as you are only a Part Member I'm not sure if you'll be able to see it. Send me a reply if you get it.


- NaomiM

Come to think of it, Pollyanna, if PM doesn't work and if it would help, do get in touch with me via the contact page of my website:

http://www.emmadarwin.com/contact.asp

Emma

If conversations with them are like being in a headmaster's office, could the agent's initials be TC?

Just coming along late to offer sincere symoathies for this corner you seem to have got into, Pollyanna.

I changed agents, before I was published. But it was 'easier' in a way because the agent representing Book One didn't like Book to (a rather different genre) and gave me leave to try elsewhere. For a whle I had two agents, trying to sell to books - but I was absolutely open with both of them and it was only a little bit awkward. (Others here have changed agents, too - Sapph?)

It's a tricky one, because I can't agree with Terry about just sacking this one - and risking being out in the cold. But approaching someone else behind this one's back sems like a no-no as well. I suspect - unpleasant thought it might be - there is probably no real alternative to a frank heart to heart with this agent about how he sees Book Two and your future with him generally. Find out how the land lies. He may turn out to be keener than you imagine - it may give him the nudge he needs to become more proactive on your behalf - or you may find out that he really has cooled and then get 'permission' to try elsewhere.

Best of luck, whatever happens!

Hi Pollyanna,

If it were me I'd have a really open, frank discussion with your agent about how you feel - you've got nothing to lose at this point, so don't be afraid to speak out (I know I was too afraid with my first agent, and I won't be that shy about my own career again).

Best of luck, hope you get the answers you want.

Emily

And if you're nervous about saying what you want to say then email. I find myself being much more forthright in mails than in person when I suddenly become the queen of people pleasers.
HB x

Thanks everyone for your comments and advice. I plan to speak to my agent plus sound out the other one as she did express an interest so its worth pursuing. I will let you know what transpires........