Congratulations Colin, hope they do a good job for you.

Many congratulations from the other side of the world, Colin! That's great news and just shows how perseverance pays off.

Jem is quite right that it's important to feel that the agent's right for you - there's nothing worse than someone trying to make you into a kind of writer you're not - but it sounds as if you're on the same wavelength, so I'm sure it'll be fine!

Emma

Great news, Colin. Well done.

Harry

Yes congratulations Colin! Let's hope it's just the start of what you want to achieve!

S

Hi Jem,

we've talked before about the agent path, so I know you're not keen on that avenue. I do agree that agents aren't right for everyone - conventional publishing isn't right for everyone - and I really admire those who have the guts and self motivation to pursue self-publishing and e-publishing.

But if you are after an agent, then it can truly feel like you're smashing your head against a wall. This is the reason I put this thread up, not for pats on the back and congrats (though they're very nice - so thanks, thanks thanks ) but to let people know that it does happen, because it's happened to me.

if I was a would be publshed writer I'd be getting a bit fed up with these agent threads.

It has taken a long, long time to get this offer, a lot of rejections and shit-load of work, so whether you think agents are good, bad or evil, I think I deserve a little bit of cyberspace to shout "Whoooohoooooo" - and bollocks to people who are fed up with writers sharing their good news.

Colin M

Oh, Colin,

that is such, such good news and gives me hope!

I do hope you celebrated in style

Casey

A most heartening piece of news for a Sunday! Sounds like a lot of hard work on your part has finally paid off - excellent stuff!

Well done Colin, that's great news, onward and upward!

Jubbly
x

Many congratulations, Colin!

Well done you

Sarah

Yes, Colin, you certainly do and it was insensitive of me to rain on your parade. Please accept my apologies! I think what I am always trying to do when I read people celebrating being taken on by an agent is just to issue a word of caution. I just sometimes think that on this site searching for an agent becomes an obsession. getting an agent doesn't necessarily lead to getting published and getting published doesn't necessarily lead to a life-changing event and/or making money so I think maybe those on this site who don't have an agent may need reminding of that, because when people post of their success at getting an agent the readers of the thread may be imagining that now this person is set on the road to a 3-book five figure deal and we all know it's not like that.
I've had two YA novels published, but I never made any money out of it and it didn't lead to anything. I think I settled on the path I'm on now after much soul searching. I just found the disappointments of ' they were very excited by your writing but don't think is the novel to launch you with' too much in the end and decided to pursue my short stories because I think I'm a better short story writer than I am a YA novelist.

Colin, I'm sorry if I offended you. I'm a Northerner and I can't help it. Just be realistic, keep your feet on the ground, and try not to be taken in by all the agent flannel they hand out. That way you won't be disappointed if it doesn't turn out to be as exciting as it must seem to you now. I think if you've got a family and kids that's always a good start and/ or if you're a bit older because you won't obsess about success as much as someone younger/single will.

Colin,

Well done indeed. It’s heartening to hear that hard work really does pay dividends, as it’s the path I’m choosing.

Grinder

Oh Colin, that's really lovely news.

Well done!

Alexandra

Great news, Colin. I like your writing and hope to see it out there soon.

Myrtle

Congratulations Colin! that's wonderful news! Best of luck and don't forget us when you're a best selling prize-winning novelist!

Emma

That's wonderful, Colin, many many congratulations! I hope you get a lot of success from your writing.