Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Once Upon a Time...

Once upon a time I thought that finding an agent was the answer to becoming a successful writer. I queried, jumped for joy when I got requests for fulls, and cried when I got rejections. In February of 2011, I received an offer of representation, and I was elated. I accepted that offer a few days later and thought I'd have an agent for life.

Not every story has a happy ending. On the first of this month, my agency closed. What does that mean? I no longer have an agent. I'm querying once again. I cried. I really didn't see myself in this situation again, yet here I am. Is it the end of the world? No. I've come to terms with the fact that things happen. I wasn't let go because I'm a bad writer. I'm simply looking for new representation because my agent isn't agenting anymore. I can deal with that.

Of course, I'm also scared. Querying isn't fun. But at the end of the day, I want someone representing me and my work, especially since I'm now writing under two names. So I'm querying. Wish me luck, please.

66 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry to hear that.
    Good luck, Kelly!

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  2. They might each take their own clients to their new job.

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    1. Luckily, I have a full request out at the moment. I'm crossing my fingers.

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  3. I have to say, things are never dull over here on your slice of the internet. I'm sure you won't be querying long. :)

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    1. I hope not. I hate querying. I wish you liked contemporary, Sarah, since I know write both paranormal/fantasy and contemporary. I'd query you as fast as my fingers could fly across my keyboard. ;)

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    2. You're sweet. I wish I liked it more, too, since that's what every editor keeps asking for. I don't hate it, I just rarely love it.

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    3. Yes, editors do seem to want contemporary right now, so I'm hoping querying agents with one will work out for me.

      Eek! And I just saw my typo. That should be *now* not *know*. Sometimes I type too quickly for my own good. ;)

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  4. Good luck, Kelly. I'm sure you'll find the right agent for you very soon. You have a great writing cv and catalogue. All the best.

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  5. I'm sure you'll find the right agent for you, Kelly. :) Good luck!

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  6. With what you have accomplished, I'm sure you'll find a new agent in no time. Good luck.

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  7. OH, so sorry to hear that about you and Lauren. But you're in a vastly different boat than 90% of writers out there -- you have a whole stable of books and book contracts.to show new agents that your work is very marketable. Plus, bigger agents are more amenable to doing deals with small pubbers and taking authors who do business with them. I'm wishing you luck, but I'm sure you don't need it and we'll be hearing great news from you soon. :-)

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    1. Thanks, Lexa. I hope I'll have good news soon, but with the holidays, I'm suspecting I'll be at this for a while.

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  8. Bummer, Kelly! You're so prolific and in demand though, any agent would be foolish to turn you down. Wishing you the best of luck!

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    1. Thank you, Jessie. That's really sweet of you to say.

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  9. Good luck, Kelly. Hopefully querying won't be quite as painful this time around. :)

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  10. Bummer! :( I am agentless again, as well, though my situation was by my own choice. Here's to good luck for us both as we query once more :).

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    1. I didn't realize you separated from your agent, Katie. Good luck to you as you query. Feel free to email me if you need to vent. We can keep each other's spirits up while we try to find new representation.

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    2. Thanks, Kelly. It was recent--the contract officially severed just last week (after the 30 day waiting period). Onward we go :).

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  11. Oh gosh, Kelly, so sorry to hear what happened. Keep your head up, girl. :) Things will work out. :)

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  12. I've come to believe dreams come in varying sizes and shift as we live them. Quoting Fun, the band.. Carry on, maybe our path be the sound of your feet upon the group.. Imagine I am singing and carrying a tune. Dump you fear and doubt, you've lived through this once and you will get to the other side again. You know as well as I, this particular game is one by perseverance.

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    1. I know things happen for a reason, so I'm hoping things turn out the way they're supposed to.

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    2. They usually turn out much better.

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  13. Wishing the best for you in your search. I'm betting you'll have a lot of offers once the agents see all of your fabulous books. Happy Thanksgiving and waiting for your good news. :)

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    1. Thanks, Beverly. It's nice that everyone is so positive. I need some of that energy right now.

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  14. Good luck. What a kill joy. The good news this time; you are a success. Agents will be open to that!

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  15. *HUGS* I hope you connect with another agent who is as special as you are!

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  16. I'm so sorry Kelly. But as you say, it has nothing to do with you as a writer. I look forward to hearing about your new journey. Best of luck.

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  17. So sorry to hear this news. I'm in the same boat - my agent left the industry and I'm back in the query trenches. Keep moving forward. Sending all my best wishes and looking forward to hearing GOOD news again soon!

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    1. I know quite a few authors who have parted with their agents for various reasons this year. Something must be in the air.

      Good luck querying, Sara.

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  18. Best of luck, Kelly! You'll persevere and find another agent.

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  19. Good luck, Kelly! Hope you find an awesome agent.

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  20. I'm sorry Kelly I know how hard you've worked to get where you are.No worries....Its all going to work out...Stuff happens...I think you've accomplished so much since when we first met...You'll find a great agent. everyone's going to look at your work and probably be very eager to represent you....Wishing you the best Kelly..Shine on!

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    1. Thanks, Legacy. You've known me since I started out. In a lot of ways I feel like I'm going backwards, but I know this is really more of a pause.

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  21. Oh gosh! I'm sorry that happened to you. But I'm so inspired by your work ethic and all you've done and I hope you find someone amazing to work with soon. Good luck!

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  22. Kelly, As I know others have stated, you are a FABULOUS writer. Don't worry, you will find a GREAT agent. It just takes a little time and patience. Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thank you, Anita. That's really sweet of you to say. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.

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  23. Good luck to you, Kelly. I'm sure things will get sorted for you on the agent front.

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  24. Very, very, very best of luck, Kelly. You're one of the most hardworking writers I know so I'm very certain agents out there would love to take you in!

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  25. Aww, Kelly! :(

    Keep writing. You'll find another agent. I have no doubt.

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    1. Thanks, Diane. No matter what happens, I won't stop writing. This is my life. I can't imagine doing anything else.

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  26. Aw, that's lousy, Kelly. I wish you all the success in the world. Hang in there. <3

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  27. You're going to find someone wonderful to represent you and your books. You're an amazing writer and your books are great! Keep your chin up because it's only a matter of time. :)

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    1. Thanks, Chrys. I'm trying to stay positive. I'm not great at waiting for certain things though. lol I keep telling myself that patience is a virtue. ;)

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