tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163829887162955058.post5077193480799622003..comments2024-01-01T11:51:53.860-08:00Comments on Babbles from Scott Eagan: Answers to some writers on pitchingScott Eaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17209357682070126879noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163829887162955058.post-81395917767996602132011-07-06T09:17:06.448-07:002011-07-06T09:17:06.448-07:00As Scott is constantly saying, we need to treat th...As Scott is constantly saying, we need to treat this as a business and when you pitch or query, you are on an interview. When hunting for the "day" job, would you go in to an interview blind or would you take the time to research the company? That's what agents are asking. For us to take the time. The information is out there, it truly is. Sometimes, you have to dig for it and sometimes, like Scott's, and others, it's right out front for all to see. I was with Scott watching those pitchees as a volunteer on both Thursday and Friday and I saw exactly the same thing he did. The same people pouncing on ANY open spot and running willy nilly between agents/editors. Believe me, if Scott saw it and I saw it, others did as well.<br /><br />I get the desperation (and sorry, that's truly what it is), I do. I've felt that way before. But don't sacrifice your maybe one shot opportunity with a particular agent/editor just to get the coveted pages request.<br /><br />Because, here's the other thing. I've talked to many agents and many of them are NOT like Scott and will not say no to an author's face. They'll wait to the pages and do a form rejection. It's the nature of the industry so you really do yourself a disservice by pitching to all and sundry (I've always wanted to use that in a sentence. :-D).<br /><br />Thanks for the insights, Scott! Always appreciated.Cassiel Knighthttp://www.cassielknight.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163829887162955058.post-17151014675950239182011-07-05T10:35:42.683-07:002011-07-05T10:35:42.683-07:00It's nice to know what happens at conferences ...It's nice to know what happens at conferences and that writers who pitch are still in the same boat as writers who are just querying.Laila Knighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08430076999393883312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163829887162955058.post-83728956309810337442011-07-05T10:25:28.499-07:002011-07-05T10:25:28.499-07:00Marilynn,
I understand what you are saying. With ...Marilynn,<br /><br />I understand what you are saying. With that said, you will find that the majority of agents have very clearly listed guidelines on their websites for what they are looking for and what they don't like.Scott Eaganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17209357682070126879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163829887162955058.post-16167783479662706712011-07-05T10:19:54.688-07:002011-07-05T10:19:54.688-07:00My comment that a tip sheet should be offered was ...My comment that a tip sheet should be offered was more for your convenience than the authors. If the wannabe author learns that Agent X handles graphic novels and you don't, you won't have to listen to those graphic novel pitches, but those writing categories know that you are interested.Marilynn Byerlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16720129999636676998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163829887162955058.post-83652202858367543972011-07-05T08:14:46.346-07:002011-07-05T08:14:46.346-07:00Scott,
You've definitely enlightened me. I tot...Scott,<br />You've definitely enlightened me. I totally understand the need to make that personal connection now. I guess the bottom line is, get your butt in the chair and make that manuscript sparkle and shine. That's what serious writers do. Maybe you'll see me at a pitching session in the not too distant future:)<br />Many thanks for taking the time to give such great advice.Beth Seeber - Contemporary Romance Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13121956569320074305noreply@blogger.com