Don’t Judge a Book, or an Agent, by her Cover
- By: Jessica Faust | Date: Nov 07 2014
While traveling the globe (this might be a slight exaggeration) speaking at writers conferences and talking with authors I learn a lot about myself.
One day I’ll hear from a writer how I don’t read Fantasy and the next day I’ll hear from a writer how I’m selling a ton of Urban Fantasy. The next week I’m passionate about YA and the next I’m only looking for dark, erotic paranormal mysteries.
Here’s the thing. We agents can be fickle. One day we’re only looking for historical romances and the next day we’ve fallen in love with Chelsea Cain and want nothing but suspense. If you’ve heard a rumor about what an agent is looking for, or especially what an agent is not looking for, make sure you take the time to find out for yourself. Check the agent’s website, Tweet the agent or simply send the agent a query. What’s the worse that can happen? A rejection. At least you tried.
There’s nothing worse to an agent than the feeling we’re missing out on something amazing because five years ago, at a conference in The Middle of Nowhere, USA, we mentioned that we’re not a fan of Historical Urban Fantasy Children’s Books and like a game of telephone we now don’t like urban fantasy, historicals, or YA.
–jhf
So true, in all regards. Also, writers shouldn't take what they read seriously on those gossipy forums about agents either. I have never once seen one of those comment threads ring true. It's always hearsay by someone who is exaggerating and never accurate information.
So you're saying that agents are people? 😉 It's a good reminder that both authors and agents are complex human beings who can change their minds–and may be misinterpreted by others.
INHO, most writer forums that discuss agents overlook the professional career focus the agent has to make a sale and assist authors on building a career through connecting with readers.
Plus, there is this genre that pops up each year about erotic alien vampire bunnies, with an inspirational twist of course, that just may be what readers could love… 😀
Don't we as readers follow the same mantra? We love and adore a specific type of book because we just read an amazing example, the next day you pick up a new read and (hopefully) fall in love all over again. If you never change what type you are really into, then life becomes stale. You have to keep the passion alive somehow.