Revised Post...
After serious consideration today, Greyhaus will remain open to submissions. Updated guidelines are found on the website. Please make sure to review the guidelines.
Again, remember that Greyhaus focuses exclusively on romance and women's fiction. Please also remember that Greyhaus does look at both single title and Harlequin!
Whoa! I hope this is temporary indeed, as I highly respect you as an agent.
ReplyDeleteI don't write women's fiction, or at least the one's I have written, I don't think you would be interested in. I also don't write romance.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do value your blog posts, and see them as a light and full of information for writers regardless of the genre they choose to write.
In fact, I frequently retweet, and recommend your blog in a few Facebook groups.
Don't be too discouraged. Women's fiction should make a come back in the next few years, though often, one person's definition is vastly different than another's. In fact, I really don't like the term, because I have no idea what it is supposed to mean, especially since agents say it doesn't mean just female main characters.
Then again, I never have been good with the genre guessing.
Best wishes.
Sorry to hear that, and sorry to hear that you feel that you're the go-to when someone can't get the agent they really want. For what it's worth, I queried you because I thought you would be perfect for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm so disappointed. And frustrated to hear those comments from others. I have 2manuscripts I'm trying to complete to send you. You are my first choice because it's what you specialize in. Also you're into US swimming and I was a US diver for many years. I'm crushed!
ReplyDeleteWow. I didn't see this coming. I've met you a few times in the past and conferences/chapter workshops. I also read all your blogs posts.
ReplyDeleteSo I'm going right over to your submission guidelines to beat the 8/1 deadline as I write contemporary romance and have a proposal currently at Harlequin...
Sorry to hear you had such an awful experience! I don't blame you for taking some time to re-evaluate how you and the agency are perceived, and how to make sure the right people are still getting to you. All the best!
ReplyDeleteI hope you re-evaluate this decision perhaps made out of frustration and anger. Your work is much appreciated by writers. I hope you open to submissions. I write romance and women's fiction and believe they are the genres of hope today, also. Unfortunately my mss aren't complete or I'd be racing to meet your deadline.
ReplyDeleteBe encouraged. Perhaps you picked up on some unfortunate attitudes.
Your blog is full of helpful craft posts.
Denise
I'm sad to hear of your recent experiences and disappointments.
ReplyDeleteI don't write in your genres, but if I did you would have been one of my top tier agents to query when I was seeking an agent. Regardless, I follow your blog and have commented several times because I've gotten useful and timely information. I appreciate the time and energy you take to provide writers with well-thought-out content when I'm sure there are other things you could be doing.
I think you are making a good decision to take a break from accepting queries and perhaps from judging contests, attending conferences, and visiting chapters FOR A LITTLE WHILE. But, once the sting has healed, I hope you'll make yourself available to those who do respect you and want to work with you.
I guess this shows us it's not only writers who are vulnerable in our industry.
Scott, I'm truly sorry to hear this. I had pretty much the opposite experience at RWA - when I told people you were my agent, they seemed uniformly impressed. I submitted to you when I wasn't even looking for an agent because I knew you would be an excellent match for me. I agree with the others who hope you'll feel liking taking new submissions again soon.
ReplyDeleteEEK! Wow! Whoa! I think you and Greyhaus are at the top of the list. People are obviously acting out of ignorance. Perhaps some people are acting out of fear and don't think they'd have a chance with you. I would indeed be impressed if you were my agent. Wish I could get in there to beat the 8/1 deadline. This oddity of "no real interest in agency" will pass..You constantly tell us not to give up, but to evaluate and work harder. Want to see your doors open again.
ReplyDeleteI frequent this site often and have learned so much about the publishing industry. I do hope you will open your doors soon. I'll keep returning because I value what you have to say. I would also love to have you represent my work. I agree with Darlene. Never give up.
ReplyDeleteThis is awful! I've been following your blog for months now. Reading everything and learning so much. It's been my education and my inspiration to keep writing, writing, writing when I wanted to do it so badly but feared I wasn't any good.
ReplyDeleteThank-you! So, don't close the door until I can catch up and I'm good enough to send you a query.
But seriously, if I can play analyst (which I'm not) and read between your lines, which I'm usually good at, I think you suffer from GIAGW. Normally, that is Gal in a Guy's World --in your case, Guy in a Gal's World. A lot of women are well-acquainted with this syndrome (fewer men are) and it stinks. You know your stuff, you're good at what you do, and while the "others" generally respect you, they don't know what to do with you because you're not the norm. And because they can't relate to you, you get pushed aside.
A guy in the romance world. It is different. Surprised me. But I've learned that being different than the norm can hide pure genius. (Too bad genius is seldom born with armor-plated skin.) So, passing along advice given to me. Don't stop being you and doing what you love. Just make the others sorry they didn't relate sooner and grab you while they had the chance.
Again thanks for writing your blog. I hope it continues. I am one reader, would-be writer, it has truly inspired.
Kate
As I stated, Greyhaus is now closed but will likely open again. I will certainly continue working with the blog and will certainly be there to promote romance and women's fiction. Just stay posted.
ReplyDeleteScott, I visit your blog daily and really have learned a lot. I do hope you start accepting submissions again soon!! I was really excited when I read that you were looking to represent authors wanting to write for HM&B. I'll keep checking in.
ReplyDeleteThe revised post didn't show up as unread in readers. You might want to post it as a new post. I came to check comments, and am thrilled to see your revision, but there are probably others that didn't see the revision too.
ReplyDelete