tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163829887162955058.post2169473466404814753..comments2024-01-01T11:51:53.860-08:00Comments on Babbles from Scott Eagan: Please Go To The Source Before Submitting Or PitchingScott Eaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17209357682070126879noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163829887162955058.post-25191879547561144302012-08-31T08:24:09.465-07:002012-08-31T08:24:09.465-07:00I agree research is important.
However, it's...I agree research is important. <br /><br />However, it's also important that agents clarify on their website or blog what they actually represent. <br /><br />I've seen more than a few agents whose sites state they represent fiction or nonfiction, and then complain on Twitter that no one reads their guidelines, and writers keep submitting projects they don't represent. Those seem awfully broad categories to me. Once you only represent fiction or nonfiction, or both, how does the author play the guessing game as to what the agent intends? <br /><br />Sometimes, their published clients are listed. However, unless you know every single author known, guessing their genre by title, unless a picture book, is highly unlikely.<br /><br />How are writers supposed to mind read the guessing game agents often leave on their websites?<br /><br />My advice to agents: Ask someone who is not in your agency, or a family member to read your website and recite your submission guidelines to you. You might be surprised what isn't picked up by the average reader. It's easy for anyone to add those few extra words in our head, and forget they need to be on the page as well.<br /><br />Thanks so much for your wonderful advice, as usual. Now, if I ever learn to read minds, perhaps I can find an agent who is interested in my novels (which may or may not be termed by others as young adult.)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06335197799397948926noreply@blogger.com