The lovely T. Anne asked: Do you need to run future story idea’s past Rachelle? I’m not sure how that works once you’ve got an agent, but I’d love to know!
What a fabulous question. I wondered the same thing before I had an agent. The thought of having somebody entrenched in the business guiding my steps, for me, was one of the most alluring aspects of representation.
I’m sure every agent-client relationship is unique. The answers are bound to vary. With that said, here’s my experience.
I submitted my third book to Rachelle. This was the one that led her to offer representation. I’d planned, from the very beginning, to make this book into a series. So soon after Rachelle officially became my agent, I emailed her the back cover blurbs for books 2 and 3. I have lots of ideas floating through my head. If these two books weren’t going to sell, why waste my time writing them when I have other ideas waiting to be told? I didn’t want to dedicate six months of my life writing a book that has zero appeal to publishers. Thankfully, she really liked both my back cover blurbs and gave me the confirmation I needed to move forward.
One of the biggest things I wanted in an agent was career guidance. Rachelle expressed during our phone conversation (the one where I rambled like an idiot and told her I had dreams about her) that career guidance is one of her favorite parts of agenting. After she said that, I was sold (like I wasn’t already).
I think, if you have an agent, it would be silly not to run future ideas by him or her. It’s nice knowing I’m working on a book that at least has a solid, saleable premise.
Question to Ponder: Do you have people you run your ideas by before you commit to writing the story?
I usually write what I feel, but halfway through the process, I ask my husband about it. He is a good soundboard. My problem right now is that I'm finishing up my WIP and will hope to query it soon. I have an idea of a 2 and 3rd book in the series, but don't want to start writing them until I have an agent for the first one.
I do, and it really helps. The ideas sound so great (or lousy) in my own head that an outside perspective helps a lot. It's also great for brainstorming.
Blessings!
Great answer to my question! Can't wait to have that guidance.
Good to know more about all the facets an agent helps with. Good post. :O)
I think things are always clearer in my head after I have sorted through them with someone else- depending on who that someone else is…. Being able to run things by your agent sound like heaven-both of you working toward a common goal…
Love reading about your experiences
Thank you for answering these questions for me;) I love to hear about how it really is!!!
I'm glad you answered this question, I've wondered about it myself. Career guidance definitely sounds appealing and is something I'm going to keep in mind when looking for an agent.
When I have an idea, it's so fleeting I feel like if I speak it'll disappear. I usually wait until things are more concrete and I'm several chapters in. Then I also have an idea of where the story is actually going. :0)
I enjoyed looking over your blog
God bless you
This was a great post. I've wondered about this myself, as I'm sure MANY of us have. It's great to have some insight. Thanks, Katie. 🙂
How inspiring! It must be a great feeling to know you're on the right track with your next two books!
I never have in the past. But I asked my agent this, and she said she'd love to discuss my ideas before I commit to a project. And I was like, "Phew." Because who wants to spend a year writing something their agent A) hates B) doesn't think will sell or C) both?
So yeah. I asked. Great answers, Katie!
Katie, Natasha likes to read my "frame" and a few chapters before I go "too far" on a project. It's a wonderful mentorship tool.
In fact, I'm about to send her that "frame" now. Shiver. Hope the structure doesn't collapse!
Great post as usual.
Patti
I usually just go with my gut instinct and write what comes to me. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I felt exactly the same as you. Career guidance is invaluable. It's all part of building that teamwork between author, agent, and publisher where everyone wants to produce the best books possible.
Katie, I'm so glad Rachelle liked the ideas for the other two books in your series and hope you have fun working on them.
Great question. Yeah, my husband. Hehe! Thanks for sharing. T Anne asked a great question and it's nice to hear from someone who's been there.
I run ideas by crit partners, but I'd love an industry insider to run my stories by. Once I get that agent… 🙂
Career guidance–that is something I'm looking for in an agent too someday.
I have a wonderful friend who reads and writes that I bounce ideas off of and now my critique group helps with that and of course…my mom. 😉 But someday I hope an agent will help me to navigate the road ahead.
Someday. Can you hear me singing?
My stomach doesn't hurt anymore,
Wendy
Hi Katie –
I ran my original ideas by my late husband. Now, I have a couple of crit partners. We talk, brainstorm, and encourage each other.
Blessings,
Susan 🙂
I love the rambled like an idiot. Too funny Katie. I imagine me doing the same thing.After I wake up in the hospital, from the hit on the head I got when I passed out because an agent phoned ME.:0)
I can't wait to have an agent to run ideas by. What a super post. I love it here. With my coffee and conversation with you. 🙂
I've never thought to run ideas past anyone, but I love the thought, and I see why it could be wise to do so for your agent! Great view! Thanks for sharing!
Sometimes I run ideas by my crit partners, and sometimes I'm really confident about a story and don't.
It does help before you write to do that. Otherwise, you're right. Why waste your time writing a book no one wants to read? LOL
My husband. On my latest one, he kinda went, "Um, okay, sure. That might work."
It didn't bolster my confidence at ALL! But, you have to realize what I told him was VERY rough, but it also tells me that I have a lot of work to do to make him nod and say, "Yeah, honey, that's good."
I wouldn't advise that to everyone though… it could be the downfall to some marriages, ha!
So funny, because I remember your post about dreaming of her! *grin*
I would want career guidance too. Right now, I don't run ideas by anyone, but when I have an agent, that's definitely something I'll do. Thanks for sharing about this! My friend has a reputable agent but she doesn't run things by said agent. So I wondered…
Having an agent brings so many alluring points, book ideas right up there at the top. They will always have a better idea about market, in my opinion.
I really don't run my ideas by anyone, now that I'm stepping into the critique world maybe that will change.
Hmmm… great post. It has never occurred to me to run ideas for stories past anyone. But maybe I should think about it. If I had an agent I would do exactly what you did. Career guidance is something I am really hanging out for too. And I would want to know if it was worth writing the next books too.
All the best with those books Katie 🙂