When I Know I’m Offering Representation
- By: Jessica Faust | Date: Sep 22 2020
Knowing I’m offering representation is almost as exciting for me as it is for the author I’ll be calling. When I dig into my Query Manager, I’m looking for new books and new authors. So finding one makes my heart flutter. No, honestly, my heart flutters.
But how do I know when I’m offering representation? What are the signs that this is the one?
Well, it’s a lot like dating. For anyone who has ever fallen in love, you’ve had that moment when you look across the table, or a crowded room and you just know. The world slows down, your heart rate speeds up, and suddenly you see your whole future ahead of you. Weirdly, it’s a lot like that.
The Agent Brain Turns On
One of the signs, besides a racing heart, that indicates I’ll be offering representation is that my reader brain suddenly becomes my agent brain. In other words, I start making a plan.
As I read I suddenly find myself taking editing notes, little things the book needs, but often not big things.
I start preparing my submission list. Editors and houses who I know I need to share this book with.
And I start having big dreams of a long life together, bestseller lists, and a future for me and this author.
As for what makes a book get me to a fluttering heart. I’ll talk about that later this week.
Want to hear Jessica talk more about this topic with James on the YouTube Channel? Here’s a great video about How Agents Prepare to Offer Representation:
Funny how our subconscious often knows before we do. Interesting insight. Thanks, Jessica.
I hope you’ll fall in love with my story…Just submitted it 😀 Have a great day! Love & Joy, Laëtitia
That’s awesome that you get to have that “falling in love” feeling over and over and the last time doesn’t even need to end in disaster before you can have it again!
I have been following you and your agency for a while. Everything you say sounds good not just about books and querying but also about social issues. But talking the talk is one, walking the walk is another. Neither your agent profile nor author profile proves that you walk the talk.