Great post. ASC alum Michelle Jasso appeared in a co-star role in Season 3 of Showtime's The Chi. Agreed, Sandra- I’m thinking, at the least, it’s a subset requirement of both #7 and #8. 🙂. Thanks, Leslie! Given the nature of this blog and my general advocacy of doing research and making informed decisions about literary agents, I've long wanted to do a post on THE CALL, THE E-MAIL or, What to Ask a Literary Agent When Offered Representation. (unless you live near NYC, in which case, agents will often ask to meet). If you’ve commented more than once on an agent’s blog, chances are good they’ll recognize your name when you query or meet them at a conference. And a good reminder even for those of us who’ve been published for over a decade to consider when looking for a new agent. “When you’re just starting out, you don’t really need an agent,” says Secret Agent Man. ), …and include concrete stats where appropriate. PLEASE respond to queries (especially if you ask for pages), even if it’s a form rejection. Because if they get you work, they get paid. (Click to tweet this idea. Cameron Herdt booked a part in the music video Truth In His Lies! That means to have a monologue prepared to recite at a moment’s notice and be prepared to do a cold reading from a script that the agent hands you. If your email address is associated with an account, we'll email a link so you can create a password. ASC faculty member Charles Andrew Gardner booked a McDonald's Voiceover commercial. Don’t you dare say, “There are no other books like mine” and leave it at that. If you can connect with them, stay in touch and build a relationship over the course of a few months. An agent takes a slice of your paid work (DO NOT PAY FOR AN AGENT) in exchange for getting you work. You can interview the agent over the phone, or get together at his office for the first meeting. If your agent is your listing and buying agent, they'll earn both commissions. I thought that this website was a forum to ask open and honest questions to people in the publishing industry? As for ways agents can impress writers? Maybe we can provide some content along those lines! There are many agents who are awesome, but we don’t find some of them because there isn’t a true online presence. (If an agent passes you a publisher’s boilerplate contract to sign with no changes, you may be in big trouble.) ASC faculty member Norm Boucher booked a commercial voiceover for United Healthcare. What is the term of that contract? I have a popular blog but by no means have 10,000 people on my mailing list. Selling and Buying With the Same Agent . The agent is interviewing you, but you are also interviewing them! Well, since I’m in a good mood, I’m going to risk ostracism from my colleagues by breaking the Agent Code of Secrecy. Rachelle: An agent needs, I think, to be real and to be approachable. How many actors of my type do you currently represent? Playing the role of Brandi Powell. A good representative agent letter should help you stand out from the crowd. Their goal is to get you acting work. Welcome to a writer’s life. I’m impressed with that because it tells me this agent respects all writers and knows his limits on time. I gather most agents are in the same boat if they’re any good. As another writer, I agree! Rachelle Gardner is a literary agent with Books and Such Literary Agency based in California. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, per se, but right and wrong answers for you. (I hope I’m not the only agent who does that.) It helps when I can discover that if I get my foot in the door with one genre, they might be willing to stretch a little to represent me with another genre that’s not on their list. ASC faculty member Christina Gorman performed the co-star role of Terrie Cross for Season 5 of Chicago Med. Many of us have. One of the biggest decisions a real estate agent must make is choosing a broker.  The agent has most likely been doing their job longer than you have, which means you must be educated as possible and do your research in order to remain confident when meeting these potential business partners. Or you might have some videos in other places online. 😉 Have to keep in mind an agent must be polished at all times, and chocolatey fingers don’t fit the image. You’re looking for a seasoned agent who has seen a number of housing transactions. You should be clear with the listing agent that you are buying a home without an agent.  How do you like actors to check in? Have an approximate time frame that an author can expect to hear back, instead of just ‘we will respond if interested’. My take-out - don't ask and your won't get. and got a tentative 'OK' but by the Sunday afternoon had an offer of representation from the same agent. Agents and publishers are very aware of the wide range of books out there, and they’re also extremely skilled at researching on Amazon. I’ve heard that memoir is a gray area: sometimes you should pitch your idea and sometimes you only pitch once your book is finished. You can attend an open house, or call the seller or listing agent to ask for a tour. Elizabeth. It reassures writers that their query has been received, and also saves agents the hassle of having to respond to writers who ask if their query has been received. But be aware that we’re looking for authors who are serious about the publishing journey and who are ready to commit themselves to the months and years of hard work ahead. Whatever it is, as a non-fiction author, you have the best chance of success when you’ve already built an audience of potential buyers for your book. That said, I have two questions. A good agent understands where to ask for more money or rights, and knows if a client is getting the best deal possible. He also appeared onstage and, with the Covid19 pandemic stopping live theatre, via streaming in TimeLine Theatre's Kill Move Paradise. Anyway, it’s really disheartening how secretive and elitist this industry can be- and now I need to know the special knock in order to leave a comment on a blog? This is exclusive to you and your agent. Ultimately it is you, the actor, who is hiring the agent to help guide your career, identify and advocate for auditions, and once you “book” will be the person negotiating contracts on your behalf. It makes it hard to gauge how well we would work together from a blurb and an unused Twitter handle. *sigh* another social media to conquer), but alas, no takers – yet. If you have an auto-“I Got It” response set up because I put the word Query in the subject line, points for you! Thanks for the reply! Hey Sandie — What sort of change are you hoping to make? (Oh, and what kind of chocolate do you like 😉 Kidding. 12 Questions to Ask When Seeking Agent Representation. It’s also a legal contract that binds the parties to work together so one can represent the other one’s needs. Sharing this post with my writers group! We’ve got 10 questions (and the answers) you can ask potential agents to find out which one is right for you! Query, query plus pages, query, pages and synopsis; whatever the agent wants is spelled out plainly and they even sometimes post a special, “I’m especially looking for this right now.”. But what hurt can it do to put my idea in front of someone who can bring it to life? Agents will manage your career by negotiating contracts with teams and possibly getting you product endorsements. Writer’s Market: The Most Trusted Guide to Getting Published is a great resource for writers who are ready to look for an agent and need to know what to expect. ASC faculty member Norm Boucher booked a political TV ad for Lindsey Graham's opponent Jaime Harrison - self-taped on his phone! Thanks for good, concrete tips. As well as the agents usual submission guidelines, do the occasional ‘wish list’ blog post with more specific things you’d like to see, and things you’d like to see less of. It’s almost to a point where if I can’t google you, then I assume you aren’t legitimate. She will be seen in August in a zoom theater production of 10 Rules For Pairing Potato Chips available on youTube. Agreements and Requirements Eventually, you can ask them to introduce you to their agent. ASC alum CeCe Russo was originally cast as the understudy for the lead role of Woman at Oil Lamp Theater's play Now and Then before its postponement due to Covid19. Some post a date, for example, and anything sent before that date is due for a nudge because the agent has already cleaned out their inbox up to that date. But if there was someone out there who could fill the role of writing the submission and the synopsis etc I would pay. They will also manage your image as a public figure by getting you involved with charities and the community. Maybe you have a database of 10,000 email addresses you’ve personally collected through networking, or perhaps you’re a credentialed or award-winning expert in your topic. I’m a blogger working on a travel-based memoir about a gift that was given to me before I left to travel the world. I’ve just published an illustrated children’s Kindle book. However, what else could I do to market this type of book? Get Pre-Approved For extra credit…. With non-fiction books, these are “competitive” titles, whereas in fiction I prefer to think of them as “comparable” titles because they don’t directly compete — readers are more likely to buy both, not just one. If the listing agent asks you to sign any forms, have them reviewed by your attorney first. I was simply passing along some advice. Rachel’s comments on her own blog (a must read) how she gets hundreds of inquires a week, making such nice responses oftentimes impossible. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Thanks! It’s in the right folder and I’ll look at it when I can.” Now, that was impressive to me, and I’ll give her more time before I nudge. You sure you want to take Chocolate number 10 off? This helps more than you know. For a look at the authors and books she represents, the best place to go is her Pinterest page. Oh, my, Rachelle. Please send rejections (no response at all is so frustrating) so we can keep moving forward. They can find out exactly what the agent wants and how they want it presented. One time I’d messed up on the subject line and resent with an apology for cluttering, and the agent took the time to shoot me a quick. Query Shark is a great place to learn how to query. Finding an agent to rep both was nigh impossible so I queried them separately and got different agents for each one. If you can't reschedule your court date and you can't attend yourself, you will need someone to attend on your behalf. A form-letter is nice to end the waiting, I agree. It’s nice to meet another Rachelle. Here you go: 13 surefire ways to impress an agent. You need to be aware of books from the last five years that address the same topic or are similar in theme or subject matter, even if they don’t address your book’s specific niche. If you’ve commented more than once on an agent’s blog, chances are good they’ll recognize your name when you query or meet them at a conference. We will be in touch monthly to keep you up-to-date on course offerings, industry news, tips, and discounts. But don't expect a top-producing agent to meet you at your home before you've made a selection. Networking is also important because agents are more likely to represent you if someone refers you. Have fun playing with your own site design! I find so many isolated writers that have absolutely no idea what the biz is all about or what they are in for, not only for impressing a writing professional, but for their own career mapping. By the way, I love the clean, uncluttered look of this site so much, I might have to spend the afternoon redoing my blog! I only have a draft of the first half of the book but would love to pitch to agents. I’ve found 2 agents that would represent all of my current projects. You can appoint a VAT agent using VAT online services . Sometimes agents will represent you when selling your old home and buying a new one home. You’re the only one who truly knows your book. There are so many opportunities for us. Great list Rachelle, and most of them are really just common sense, aren’t they? An agent wants to see a well-crafted and edited manuscript. April 11, 2016. It sounds like you have a fascinating story, and I wish you well with it. The call you’ve been waiting for has finally happened: an agent ACTUALLY wants to represent you! When an agent agrees to meet with you to discuss agent representation, be prepared for the meeting. ASC alum Kendal Romero booked a commercial for the New Food Company. Charlotte Weeks was recently cast in the ensemble film Off The Gryd. Great list! I think the advice to know something about publishing and the writing world is so essential. If your lawyer is going to court for you, you may not have to go to court. It’s really poor form to pitch an agent on a media site unless they are sponsoring a pitch contest or something like that. You’ve been trying to crack the code for getting an agent’s attention, whether in a query or a face-to-face meeting, right? Agent Representation: Prepare for your meetings. Some of the questions you might want to ask are: Do you offer a representation contract? With very little effort any writer can find out up to the minute information on thousands of agents and agencies. 😉. If you want to represent a builder, then it will come down to building a relationship with them. In the meantime I shall continue on with self-publishing and see where it takes me. The short version: It was a gift of money, given to me by a very special person in my life with instructions to give the money away around the world in any way that felt good and right (http://www.so-many-places.com/2012/05/the-gift-that-changes-everything/). The purpose of the meeting is to give the agent a chance to determine if you can make it as an actor, so be ready to perform for the agent. It means you should have some idea of what they represent, who their agency is, and whether they’re one of the many agents who blog. And how do you know the right answers? In honor of #9… Hello, Rachelle. Thanks for sharing — and writing your own post is an excellent idea! Regardless, it’s your work and career. Not that I wouldn’t want one but just can’t be bothered trying to find one anymore. We’re all busy, but a polite response is only professional. Everybody knows there are very few completely new ideas. I’m looking for the right agent, just as you are looking for the right client. Say a house is advertised for sale for $400,000. Sounds like a business idea to me…but isn’t it already being done? If I can’t find enough information about the person, I move on. You just have to keep trying. 😉, Nice idea Carissa, but don’t hold your breath. Then, when you find actors who seem to have similar goals to you, reach out to them online to ask them questions about the agency. Check out our Evan D. Ivory in the Season 7 finale of Chicago PD! To appoint an agent to deal with your tax, ask them to use HMRC’s online authorisation service or complete form 64-8 and send it to HMRC. Your pitch should demonstrate that you’re aware of what your audience looks for. I fear I have lost the drive when it comes to chasing agents. Once a month? Maybe it’s too much, but it’s true–especially for us younger people. 2. thx! My name is Marilyn, and I’m pleased to meet you 🙂. What questions do you ask that agent to get a sense if they are a good fit? Premiere Acting Training in Chicago Since 1981. (That is saved for private. Tekisha has been cast as Thelma Cates in a virtual production of 'Night, Mother with Invictus Theatre Co. Chicago! Giving us an opportunity to have real communication with you and ask you questions and get answers is so satisfying. ASC alum Kristin Ellis booked VO work with the Alzheimer's Association & Allstate Insurance. Please be Findable: Some agents are on agency listings or in databases, but have little to no online presence themselves. As for how agents can impress writers – keep lines of communication open and flowing. Thanks for always having interesting posts. You need to make sure this is the best fit. Thanks for the list. Required fields are marked *. But before you say yes, there are some vital questions to ask an agent and you don’t want the excitement to trip you up. If you have an open and honest line of communication with whoever you choose to represent you, there’s an understanding that a listing is simply an advertisement to sell something. ASC Alum Alexander Johnson was cast as Charles Roche in Door Shakespeare's upcoming virtual production of Rosalind. See our privacy policy for details. There is no secret knock to posting a comment here. http://www.so-many-places.com/2012/05/the-gift-that-changes-everything/, How to Write a Synopsis for Your Book: A Guide for Fiction and Nonfiction Writers, 55 Incredible Writing Retreats to Attend in 2021, A Complete Guide to Understanding, Obtaining and Using an ISBN for Your Book, Write About Your Furry Friends: 18 Pet Publications That Want Your Stories, Tools, ebooks and courses, all vetted by our team. Solid suggestions which I always try to follow (except the YouTube thing…seriously?! If you want to be represented by an agent or agency, you may have to take the first step in putting yourself and your work out there. ASC alum Tamara Bodnar booked a commercial for Feldco - it's out now on local channels, YouTube and social media! Your agent MUST know his way around a book contract. What a great and useful tip. Tom booked a voiceover gig for The Topical from The Onion! But thank you for the advice Rachelle. Great list, Juliet! TWO.). “It’s nice to meet another Rachelle. Silence leads to assumptions and we all know what happens when people assume! It’s a simple take the time to look up the agents who rep what you write and follow some very plain and easy to follow instructions. I love the clean look as well. Kinda makes you think, if you’re going to all that work – and it is – just to get an agent, why not go ahead and self-publish? I’ve noticed fewer of them do this these days partially because their taking out time to explain why gets responded to with angry rants. Now it’s your turn to interview the agent. I'd like to receive the monthly newsletter. This is how not to convince a literary agent to represent you. I have a question about Tip #7.What do you recommend as a marketing strategy for a non-fiction book on analyzing poetry? Now that you know how writers can impress agents, tell me: how can agents impress writers? Make sure you feel good about your choice. What the difference is between multi listing and being exclusive. Great list, Rachelle. I’m taking your advice on responding to an agent’s blog. When an agent agrees to meet with you to discuss agent representation, be prepared for the meeting. I harp on that to the writers in my group and always provide that kind of information at my conference. Rachelle never gets tired of talking about books and publishing, and claims that working with authors is her dream job. This doesn’t mean you have to mention their dog or their latest Tweet about Nutella. >Or you could be like me and just stalk the agent online (and dream about them…yea, I know, creepy), so when agent does happen to call to offer representation, you can just ramble and SQUEE like an idiot and know without a doubt that of course you are going to accept the agent's offer, because the agent is, HELLO, Rachelle Gardner. by Chip MacGregor. NOT THAT I AM. I suppose you can say I expect people to have a greater online presence than some do. Then writers can better match their work to a particular agent. Some of these issues may not matter to you, but you may have strong opinions about others. However, if you’re a non-fiction author, you may want to wait to query until you…. Working with a builder as a real estate agent can be a steady stream of business and it can be lucrative. You can inquire at your local colleges, libraries, civic centers, etc. Dunno. At least here, you know you’re getting the straight dope from the real deal. Lynnette booked a recurring co-star role as Nurse Nancy on NBC's Chicago Med! So timely with writers conferences increasing in the coming months. As I’m currently in the research process to figure out where to send my agent queries, I love your question about how agents can impress writers. Performed as Alina in a Zoom Play I,MIGRANT WOMAN, directed by Nora Armani from SRFF, NY, along with actors from LA, London, Princeton, NJ, Louisville, KY. ASC faculty member Sarafina Vecchio booked 3 voice over commercials for Aspire Energy Drinks! Once you find a home online, you should see it in person. Please note possible flexibility: As a cross-genre writer, I get frustrated that very few agents represent all of the things I’m working on. Ask the Agent: What are my odds of getting published? Obviously, book-signings at college, university and local libraries is a given, especially since this type of book is written for students of literature. You are interested in it, and ask your agent to help you take a closer look, and possibly help you make an offer. Build your skills while making connections and listen when an agent tells you how he or she likes to be approached (e.g., e-mail versus snail mail)—the question will inevitably come up and if it doesn't, ask. If your email address is associated with an account, we'll email you a password. 4. I’d love to make an interactive iPad version of it. 🙂, I guess chocolate melts too easily, Sandra. Maybe that means approaching an agent or agency with a portfolio of work samples, establishing a presence online so your work is visible to agencies seeking new talent, or networking with established artists. How the Buyer's Agent Learns What Commission to Expect on a House. Another tactic that impresses me is when agents post on their blog/website/social media where in the queries they are. If you are an aspiring professional athlete, it is important to find a sports agent to represent you. Even when you follow all the instructions to a tee, you may still be rejected for any number of reasons. The point is, it’s to your advantage to show yourself speaking or interacting, since this will eventually be part of promoting your book.  That’s okay — you just have to present your idea from a new angle, with a different spin than what’s already out there, and with a fabulous writing style that’s uniquely YOU. Even if your topic is one for which there are already numerous books, make sure it doesn’t feel derivative. #2 To help deal with negotiations. Speaking of YouTube, it’s always nice to have some presence there, particularly for you non-fiction writers. “No worries. Without it no one will ever see your talent. Or you may have a real-world platform in which you speak in front of audiences or write for major national publications. We want you to have a personality — professional doesn’t mean boring. One agent closed for queries so that he could catch up on them. There are all kinds of businesses that will write your query, synopsis etc and even query for you. You may be able to negotiate a reduced commission, but they might not agree. Visit the agent’s blog. That made me cringe and I’m not an agent. The length of this agreement is usually 6+ months. If you’re writing fiction, be aware of other books your audience may be reading, and know where your book fits in with them. Keep your power in your business and do your homework on the agency and decide which questions you’d like to ask, in order to make an informed decision. DARK Chocolate…nuff said. Thanks for subscribing to our newsletter!  Ultimately it is you, the actor, who is hiring the agent to help guide your career, identify and advocate for auditions, and once you “book” will be the person negotiating contracts on your behalf. Virtually all agents have submission guidelines on their websites, letting you know what genres they rep and what kind of materials they want you to send. Second of all, what do you consider an impressive platform? We have so much information at our fingertips. We’re doing “Ask the Agent” for the entire month of April, so you have a chance to send in that question you’ve always wanted to discuss with a literary agent. I thought it was informative and I’d love to start a blog of my own but don’t know how to go about it. But no harm in giving it a try. Not knowing whether your query has made it through makes authors worry! Remember to ask people in your own field about their agents. Take my free webinar "10 Steps to Start Your Acting Career From Scratch" https://hollywoodwinnerscircle.com/masterclass-liveGET 2 FREE Ebooks here! Learn how your comment data is processed. 😉 ). Thanks, as always, for your candor! These canned queries are not well received. I posted a couple of book reviews and a slideshow of my books on Youtube some time ago, and now I’m determined to get back to doing more of that. I assume this is a bot since she said she isn’t thinking of making a change. You’ll also have a better feel for who the agent is, and whether they might be a good fit for you. It would do well, to pay attention. It means you should have some idea of what they represent, who their agency is, and whether they’re one of the many agents who blog. Create a new accountwith your email address. Pitch now or wait until the book is finished to pitch? (You may want to look at this contract first before making a decision.) Anyway! Justin Mobley booked a commercial for Zyn Nicotine supplements. Sort of.). There have been times I’ve sent things and on checking in later on have found they weren’t received in the first place, so an auto-response gives everyone peace of mind. It is so easy to do but not everyone does this. mailto:deborah.dinzes@comcast.net. For extra credit… 9. Persistence will serve you better than talent. Sierra Swan shot a crossover episode of NBC's Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. I will pass on the info. In a previous life when I was querying, I had a suspense and a children’s book. I agree with “Please be findable.” I know there are tons of agents out there. Third: What agents can do to impress: Answer queries even if it’s a form letter. An agent who simply sits at home and clicks “submit” is not going to be nearly as successful as one who pushes to get you in the door.  Are all of your actors exclusive? #6 scares me cause I don’t look good on video – at least to myself. I loved the rapport I had with both, but the children’s agent was a true doll. Matt booked a guest-starring role in Season 8 of NBC's Chicago Fire. If you’re a novelist, it’s not necessary to have big numbers, but it’s still important to show you’re comfortable interacting online — you’ll need this skill when your book comes out. Your email address will not be published. “A personal manager can step in and guide you to the point where you’re ready to start working. It’s a keeper. 🙂 The publishing world is changing so quickly that I think it’s good to read this sort of fresh perspective every now and then.