A Guide to Talking Books with Literary Agents
- By: Jessica Faust | Date: May 10 2018
Conference season is upon us and with it lots of times to mingle and network with agents (although we prefer “mingling” over “networking”). It’s inevitable when meeting anyone at a conference that talk is going to turn to what you’re reading, in fact, it’s often the best introduction you can make. What forever amazes me is how often this basic conversation can turn sour, and how fast. To make it easy, I’ve put together some simples DOs and DON’Ts for talking books with agents.
DO: Ask the agent about what she’s been reading
DO: Tell the agent about the last book you loved, including the author name and, if necessary, a bit about the story (its great practice for your own pitch)
DON’T: Act appalled when the agent tells you she’s never read (or heard of) the book you’re reading.
DO: Ask what kinds of books the agent represents
DON’T: Roll your eyes and ask if the agent would consider representing “real” books
DO: Engage in honest discussions about reasons why you’ve liked or disliked some of the books you’ve read, or some of today’s most popular books
DON’T: Tell the agent why all romance novels or genre fiction is awful and that maybe the agent just doesn’t like or understand “real books,” “literary fiction” or “writing that makes you think”
ALSO, DON’T: Talk about why you “just can’t get into” reading books written by women, people of color, LGBTQ+ writers, or any other marginalized writers
DO: Recommend a book you absolutely loved or think the agent might like reading
DON’T: Tell the agent you can’t believe she could work in publishing having never read this book which is, of course, by another white guy
DO: Tell the agent about the book you’re writing
DON’T: Start the conversation by telling the agent your book is probably not for her because it’s very upmarket
DO: Treat the agent with respect
DON’T: Mansplain or comment on how young the agent is
I love the “Do’s”, but I think I am slightly horrified because I’m assuming you’ve listed them because you’ve come across the “Don’ts” at conferences yourself. Wowzers.
I know, right? I was thinking that too… Maybe there’s something wrong with us, that we can’t imagine anyone actually coming up to a literary agent and saying such things? It makes me want to go find a wall and headbang.
Oh dear. I hope those don’ts weren’t all from the same conversation.
If so, that person really needs a serious lesson in not being rude.
It’s just pure common sense. It’s sad people have to be reminded or taught.