Kidlitchat Transcript – December 15 (part 2)
Please click here to go to part one of the transcript.
| 8:38 pm | Jen_Cook: | @paulgreci So what can I learn at a conference that makes it worth the money aside from networking? #kidlitchat |
| 8:38 pm | EKokie: | @emilytastic AGENTS – pretty much everything about them – research, benefits, relationship, etc. #kidlitchat |
| 8:38 pm | EgmontGal: | @AudryT We look at artists reps sites all the time looking for jacket and b_w artists. (We don’t do many pic books.) #kidlitchat |
| 8:38 pm | hatbooks: | I met my agent at a conference…a lucky consequence of attending. #kidlitchat |
| 8:38 pm | skodobah: | @Jen_Cook That’s a lot of money to part with when you’re a writer. #kidlitchat |
| 8:38 pm | elanaroth: | @saratribble Within a week of getting the query, I’d say. #kidlitchat |
| 8:38 pm | bostonbookgirl: | @Brent_Watson41 I think conferences are a great tool for learning about writing–go for the sessions, agents are just a plus. #kidlitchat |
| 8:38 pm | dlschubert: | @RebeccAgent How do you decide when a ms is ready to go on submission? #kidlitchat |
| 8:38 pm | Jen_Cook: | @skodobah Agreed. I can afford to do it, but I’m questioning its worth. #kidlitchat |
| 8:38 pm | AudryT: | Agents & writer work together, not one for the other. They both have the same goal, after all: to get the book published. #kidlitchat |
| 8:38 pm | DDHearn: | @bonnieadamson If you really want to focus on writing then a literary agent is the way to go. They can help with editing. #kidlitchat |
| 8:38 pm | RebeccAgent: | @egmontgal I’m happy to talk about what we do after taking on a client #kidlitchat |
| 8:38 pm | literaticat: | @jeanie_w @DDHearn -agents generally HAVE a lot of self-confidence. We are salespeople. Artists can be shy & scared, we can’t. #kidlitchat |
| 8:38 pm | EgmontGal: | @literaticat The agents here 2night are excellent and some of my favorites. Such good advocates for your authors,and good taste #kidlitchat |
| 8:38 pm | mgbuehrlen: | Do most agents stick with authors throughout their career? Or only partner w/them on books they know they can sell? #kidlitchat |
| 8:38 pm | emilytastic: | @EKokie Thanks, other Emily! This should be good. I’m all for more info on agents. #kidlitchat |
| 8:39 pm | KayCassidy: | @EgmontGal Oh heavens, yes! I totally agree. I think my agent has worked harder since the sale than she did during submission. #kidlitchat |
| 8:39 pm | Leaheps: | @Jen_Cook AT last year’s SCBWI Friday intensive, I learned how to finish my novel–Read 2 bits–one worked, one didn’t–revised #kidlitchat |
| 8:39 pm | paulgreci: | @Jen_Cook You never know where or how you might meet the right match. Other reasons to attend conferences too. #kidlitchat |
| 8:39 pm | EgmontGal: | @hatbooks Is that a lucky consequence, or were you smart + focussed enough to meet the agent and submit? I say the latter. #kidlitchat |
| 8:39 pm | saratribble: | @elanaroth oh wow! I can’t believe something can happen that fast! That’s awesome! Now how to make that happen…LOL! =D #kidlitchat |
| 8:39 pm | Leaheps: | plus, conferences mainly just give inspiration, being around other writers doing the same–that’s worth it for me! #kidlitchat |
| 8:39 pm | EgmontUSA: | @Egmontgal Goodness yes! Agents are integral in getting great writers and their mss to the publishers who will make the book. #kidlitchat |
| 8:39 pm | skodobah: | @Jen_Cook I am on the fence about attending one this Feb. #kidlitchat |
| 8:39 pm | RebeccAgent: | @dlschubert responded to that below #kidlitchat |
| 8:39 pm | elanaroth: | Several of my clients are active in SCBWI, but I didn’t meet them there. I’ve found confs have no bearing on level of talent. #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | SheviStories: | Percentage-wise, how much of the query should be about the MS, other MSs, and publishing credits & awards? #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | EgmontGal: | @mgbuehrlen We think of @literaticat as a bouncing ball. Fickle, only takes on big hits then dumps her authors. KIDDING!!!! #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | PattyJMurphy: | RT @RebeccAgent: @egmontgal Im happy to talk about what we do after taking on a client <–Would LOVE to hear about that:) #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | MandyHubbard: | @mgbuehrlen My agent has sold projects for me she wasn’t head over heels for, becuase I advocated hard for them. She trusted me. #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | gregpincus: | @Rebeccagent Can you expound on how you see the relationship in that broader sense, rather than agent “working for” the writer? #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | jeanie_w: | One reason why we need you RT @literaticat: @jeanie_w @DDHearn -agents generally HAVE a lot of self-confidence. #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | dlschubert: | @bostonbookgirl @RebeccAgent Re: When ms is ready for sub. Tx 4 the answers! (Rebecca, I asked again b4 I saw yr answer, sorry!) #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | skodobah: | Agents – when you take on a new client, how quickly do you get their manu into shape for submission? #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | EgmontGal: | @EgmontUSA But don’t you agree an agent works hard after deal is done? We run @kaycassidy’s agent into ground, emailed her today #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | MandyHubbard: | on the flip side, i’ve retired projects at her urging, and she was 100% right. IT’s give and take, and you have to trust.. #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | RebeccAgent: | also important to sub an MS to eds before client is totally burnt out on revising b/c there is sure to be more after book bought #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | Leaheps: | RT @literaticat: @jeanie_w @DDHearn -agents HAVE a lot of self-confidence. Artists can be shy & scared, we cant.thank GOD! #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | KOrtizzle: | I’m here! Mainly observing, but here nonetheless… #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | KateMessner: | @skodobah Understand, too, that not all conferences are created equal. Some are focused more on craft. #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | DDHearn: | @MandyHubbard Good point. Just scary, is all. I mean, are agents ever scared that the authors won’t chose them? #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | susan_marie: | @literaticat Disagree with you there. Artists cannot be “shy & scared.” The work is far too demanding for that. #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | sarahockler: | RT @EgmontGal: …”talk to them all, and like a therapist, pick one you feel comfortable with” <– my agent IS my therapist lol #kidlitchat |
| 8:40 pm | lioncaller: | After a while I feel confs just say the same thing over and over abt writing. But getting feel for diff eds and agents priceless #kidlitchat |
| 8:41 pm | LisaDez: | @paulgreci @Jen_Cook I found my awesome critique partner at a conference. #kidlitchat |
| 8:41 pm | EgmontUSA: | Also brilliant w/ ideas for their clients bk. It’s as much a partnership between agent and editor as ed./auth or auth/agent. #kidlitchat |
| 8:41 pm | skodobah: | Dang, it’s almost dinner time here, folks. #kidlitchat |
| 8:41 pm | elanaroth: | @skodobah It depends. I’ve worked on mss for 6 months before subbing. But I send notes within the first month of signing. #kidlitchat |
| 8:41 pm | MandyHubbard: | @skodobah it’s going to depend how much work and how fast the writer works… days, weeks, months. #kidlitchat |
| 8:41 pm | PatEsden: | @KayCassidy #kidlitchat this agent ablity is a harder for a writer to research when readying to query |
| 8:41 pm | RebeccAgent: | @skodobah I don’t rush it. MS sub’ed to eds when client & I agree it’s ready & has best chance of selling & selling well #kidlitchat |
| 8:41 pm | DDHearn: | @KayCassidy That’s a good point, especially for the editing process. It should be a partnership of mutual respect. #kidlitchat |
| 8:41 pm | onbeyondwords: | Attending conferences is primarily for research – to be immersed in the industry – if it leads to representation that’s a bonus #kidlitchat |
| 8:41 pm | mgbuehrlen: | RT @PattyJMurphy: @egmontgal Im happy to talk about what we do after taking on a client <–Would LOVE to hear about that:)<Ditto #kidlitchat |
| 8:41 pm | literaticat: | @skodobah Well – I give notes pretty quickly. But I am not the one who actually revises, so length of time is up to the author. #kidlitchat |
| 8:41 pm | EgmontGal: | Agents,how do you decide what pub houses or editors to submit to? Do writers ask for certain places and people, ie Arthur Levine #kidlitchat |
| 8:42 pm | KOrtizzle: | @skodobah I think it depends how quickly the author works on revisions…took a couple of weeks with mine. Some take months. #kidlitchat |
| 8:42 pm | sarahockler: | Agents are kind of like patient advocates in healthcare – help u navigate the system, communicate, negotiate, cheerlead etc. #kidlitchat |
| 8:42 pm | BenteGallagher: | That’s lovely advice! RT @MyraMcEntire: My brilliant agent @hroot on being intimidated by agents:http://bit.ly/W1Aiq #kidlitchat |
| 8:42 pm | EgmontUSA: | @Egmontgal Oh yes. As my very slow tweet said, it’s a partnership. #kidlitchat |
| 8:42 pm | saratribble: | Agents-How do writers know when to close a current ms they’re querying around and move on? #kidlitchat |
| 8:42 pm | literaticat: | @susan_marie OK, how about “introverted” then. #kidlitchat |
| 8:42 pm | adamselzer: | Okay, gotta go get taco stuff. One last plug for http://www.playgroundjungle.com ! #kidlitchat |
| 8:42 pm | paulgreci: | @Jen_Cook Is it craft oriented or business or both? It just depends. Maybe a key writing/revision tip??? #kidlitchat |
| 8:42 pm | bostonbookgirl: | @DDHearn Of course! And when you decide to go with another agent it actually *is* usually personal. #kidlitchat |
| 8:42 pm | elanaroth: | @EgmontGal It’s gut, and carefully cultivated relationships. #kidlitchat |
| 8:42 pm | DDHearn: | @Jen_Cook I would agree that conferences are mainly for learning craft and meeting other authors and artists. #kidlitchat |
| 8:42 pm | RebeccAgent: | @gregpincus I think the relationship works best when agent doesn’t feel like work for hire… #kidlitchat |
| 8:42 pm | MandyHubbard: | @DDHearn absolutely! on a hot project they get excited about, it’s a bummer to lose out. #kidlitchat |
| 8:43 pm | skodobah: | Agents – thank you! That is a topic I hear frequently. #kidlitchat |
| 8:43 pm | dlschubert: | RT @RebeccAgent also important to sub an MS to eds b4 client’s burnt out on revising – there’s sure to be more after book bought #kidlitchat |
| 8:43 pm | KayCassidy: | @PatEsden True. That’s where it helps to talk to their current clients to get a feel for their strengths before you sign. #kidlitchat |
| 8:43 pm | EgmontGal: | @sarahockler Ditto all you said, also help solve thorny problems, handle writers expectations sensitively, help steer #kidlitchat |
| 8:43 pm | RebeccAgent: | …we are in it for the duration of a career. Playing ed., negotiator, therapist, etc. We need to feel we are respected… #kidlitchat |
| 8:43 pm | KayCassidy: | @DDHearn Absolutely! Something that’s very natural to you, I think.  #kidlitchat |
| 8:43 pm | EgmontGal: | @elanaroth Do many authors have a sense of where they want the book, or in most cases do they ask you for guidance? #kidlitchat |
| 8:43 pm | RebeccAgent: | …not just someone who works for client #kidlitchat |
| 8:44 pm | DDHearn: | @literaticat That’s why we need you so much! #kidlitchat |
| 8:44 pm | Jen_Cook: | So I guess the main thing is go to a conference with the intent to learn…not pick up an agent or publisher. #kidlitchat |
| 8:44 pm | bostonbookgirl: | @EgmontGal Most of my clients tend to have 1 or 2 houses/eds they are dying to submit to, and if they aren’t bad picks I will. #kidlitchat |
| 8:44 pm | skodobah: | Okay, it’s time to eat (food before chat!). Thank you! Have a good night and a great Wednesday! #kidlitchat |
| 8:44 pm | saratribble: | @literaticat Agents- What’s your biggest pet peeve when reading the slush pile? #kidlitchat |
| 8:44 pm | maggiedana: | As a reader, I know from reading 1 or 2 paragraphs if I’ll like a novel, or not. Figure agents are same way. #kidlitchat |
| 8:44 pm | lkmadigan: | My agent once said, “Over my dead body” about an issue. Luckily, it didn’t come to that … but I like her dedication. #kidlitchat |
| 8:44 pm | DDHearn: | RT @mgbuehrlen: Do agents stick with authors throughout their career? Or only partner w/them on books they know they can sell? #kidlitchat |
| 8:44 pm | RebeccAgent: | does that answer @gregpincus? #kidlitchat |
| 8:44 pm | Jen_Cook: | @skodobah I live in Nashville, so attending #RWA10 wouldn’t be difficult. But I’m second guessing. #kidlitchat |
| 8:44 pm | elanaroth: | @EgmontGal Only the ones who are conference junkies. And even then, I don’t trust those suggestions. #kidlitchat |
| 8:45 pm | Jen_Cook: | @DDHearn Thanks. That’s what I’m thinking, too. #kidlitchat |
| 8:45 pm | mgbuehrlen: | RT @RebeccAgent: We are in it for the duration of a career. Playing ed., negotiator, therapist.We need to feel we are respected. #kidlitchat |
| 8:45 pm | literaticat: | @mitaliperkins Well just because YOU aren’t shy doesn’t mean a lot of authors aren’t, babe. You are an exceptional schmoozer! #kidlitchat |
| 8:45 pm | Jen_Cook: | @paulgreci It’s a mix of both: workshops on how to navigate the business and hone craft. #kidlitchat |
| 8:45 pm | KateMessner: | @EgmontGal My agent generally makes up a submissions list & then asks if there’s anywhere else I’d like to consider. #kidlitchat |
| 8:45 pm | gregpincus: | You should go to conferences with the intent to learn, yes, but be open to the happy accidents that can occur. #kidlitchat |
| 8:45 pm | Leaheps: | going to SCBWI conference helped me learn about editors and connect names/faces so could see who might be good fit #kidlitchat |
| 8:45 pm | Jen_Cook: | @LisaDez Good to know. I need a CP. #kidlitchat |
| 8:45 pm | MyraMcEntire: | @Jen_Cook GO. DANG IT. #kidlitchat |
| 8:45 pm | sarahockler: | @EgmontGal Yep. Career guidance is one of the top things I trust & value about my agent. #kidlitchat |
| 8:45 pm | Brent_Watson41: | Thanks guys! This has been a very informative #kidlitchat My eyes are getting heavy, though. #kidlitchat |
| 8:45 pm | elanaroth: | I can be pretty firm with my clients, but I also like it when they call me to discuss concerns. #kidlitchat |
| 8:45 pm | susan_marie: | @literaticat Fair enough. But I think it must be said that it takes a lot of courage to do the work that writers and artists do. #kidlitchat |
| 8:45 pm | KayCassidy: | Hooray for RWA10! RT @Jen_Cook: @skodobah I live in Nashville, so attending #RWA10 wouldnt be difficult. #kidlitchat |
| 8:45 pm | MandyHubbard: | @EgmontGal i did– i think Prada&Prejudice went to u on my urging. #kidlitchat |
| 8:45 pm | KidCriticUSA: | RT @mgbuehrlen Do agents stick w/ authors throughout their career? Or only partner w/them on books they NO cn sell? #kidlitchat @DDHearn |
| 8:46 pm | Jen_Cook: | @Leaheps I think the workshops are a big draw for me…and the cameraderie. #kidlitchat |
| 8:46 pm | laurielyoung: | RT @gregpincus: You should go to conferences with the intent to learn, yes, but be open to the happy accidents that can occur. #kidlitchat |
| 8:46 pm | literaticat: | @EgmontGal @mgbuehrlen ACK! That scared me for a second. I thought I was gonna have to defend my own honor! #kidlitchat |
| 8:46 pm | cvaldezmiller: | RT @RebeccAgent: …in it for the duration of a career. Playing ed., negotiator, therapist, etc. need to feel we are respected #kidlitchat |
| 8:46 pm | hatbooks: | RT @gregpincus: You should go to conferences with the intent to learn, yes, but be open to the happy accidents that can occur. #kidlitchat |
| 8:46 pm | elanaroth: | I hate going to conferences and feeling like writers are bypassing me for the editors who are there, because I’m the bad guy… #kidlitchat |
| 8:46 pm | mgbuehrlen: | I’m a total hermit writer. If you meet me socially and think that’s not true, it’s only b/c I have an acting background.  #kidlitchat |
| 8:46 pm | lioncaller: | @saratribble Check out #agentpeeves #kidlitchat |
| 8:46 pm | Jen_Cook: | @MyraMcEntire LOL Well, if you insist…are you going? #kidlitchat |
| 8:46 pm | LisaDez: | @DDHearn @mgbuehrien My agents agency signs the author, not the project. Others aren’t this way. #kidlitchat |
| 8:46 pm | paulgreci: | RT @gregpincus: You should go to conferences with the intent to learn, yes, but be open to the happy accidents that can occur. #kidlitchat |
| 8:46 pm | EgmontGal: | @elanaroth yeah, some of us editors are charming at conferences but not responsive in real life! #kidlitchat |
| 8:46 pm | Jen_Cook: | @KayCassidy I assume you’re going? #RWA10 #kidlitchat |
| 8:46 pm | emilytastic: | For agents: what makes a manuscript a definite no? Or a client? #kidlitchat |
| 8:47 pm | literaticat: | @susan_marie I don’t equate shyness or introversion with weakness or lack of heart. #kidlitchat |
| 8:47 pm | KayCassidy: | Ditto. So valuable. RT @sarahockler: @EgmontGal Yep. Career guidance is one of the top things I trust & value about my agent. #kidlitchat |
| 8:47 pm | johannaharness: | @literaticat When I grow up I want to be a schmoozer. Or a schnauzer. I’m flexible. #kidlitchat |
| 8:47 pm | thebookbarr: | Hi everyone! Jumping in to #kidlitchat, better late than never! Looks like the topic is conferences and agents? |
| 8:47 pm | gregpincus: | @Rebeccagent Yes, I would see how the “shading” makes all the difference. Equals works better as an attitude….. #kidlitchat |
| 8:47 pm | DDHearn: | @susan_marie You must have a lot of self confidence. Some of us are not quite as bold. #kidlitchat |
| 8:47 pm | elanaroth: | As soon as that conference is done, those editors want to hear from me. Not the hoards. #kidlitchat |
| 8:47 pm | earth_mommy: | RT @RebeccAgent we are in it for the duration of a career. Playing ed., negotiator, therapist, etc. We need to feel respected… #kidlitchat |
| 8:47 pm | LadyHawkins: | RT @KayCassidy: @EgmontGal I think my agent has worked harder since the sale than she did during submission. > WORDY MC WORD. #kidlitchat |
| 8:47 pm | KatGirl_Studio: | oh no I forgot to check the time and missed most of kidlitchat #kidlitchat |
| 8:48 pm | crissachappell: | RT @literaticat: @susan_marie I dont equate shyness or introversion with weakness or lack of heart. #kidlitchat |
| 8:48 pm | PattyJMurphy: | @Jen_Cook: RE: Conferences: Do you homework, research houses + agents attending…and be ready for happenstance:) #kidlitchat |
| 8:48 pm | EKokie: | @elanaroth You get bypassed at conferences? Come to Wisconsin! We have cheese and love agents. LOL. #kidlitchat |
| 8:48 pm | hatbooks: | @elanaroth I love hearing agents speak at conferences bc they are in contact with so many eds, have a great sense of big picture #kidlitchat |
| 8:48 pm | EgmontUSA: | @elanaroth Eh – when we get home, we can be the bad guys, too. #kidlitchat |
| 8:48 pm | KayCassidy: | @Jen_Cook I am! I’ll be signing my debut at the lit signing, so it’s a fun occasion for me. Very full circle. #kidlitchat |
| 8:48 pm | EgmontGal: | @kaycassidy’s agent told me she appreciates we keep in communication w/her always on kay’s book. I learned from that. #kidlitchat |
| 8:48 pm | literaticat: | @saratribble Slush pile pet peeve? That 50% of people don’t follow the damn directions, which are extremely simple. Oh well. #kidlitchat |
| 8:48 pm | saratribble: | @thebookbarr Yup! Dive on in! =D #kidlitchat |
| 8:48 pm | elanaroth: | @EKokie Invite me! I’m free! #kidlitchat |
| 8:48 pm | bonnieadamson: | @KatGirl_Studio Not too late! Topic is all things “agent.” #kidlitchat |
| 8:48 pm | Jen_Cook: | @PattyJMurphy Happenstance is what frightens me. But good point. Know who’s there. #kidlitchat |
| 8:48 pm | RebeccAgent: | I would like to put out there that I am happy to attend more conferences… #kidlitchat |
| 8:49 pm | PattyJMurphy: | @Jen_Cook: RE: Conferences: Do YOUR homework, research houses + agents attending…and be ready for happenstance:) #kidlitchat |
| 8:49 pm | bonnieadamson: | @thebookbarr Agents, mainly–mini-morph to conferences. #kidlitchat |
| 8:49 pm | gregpincus: | @elanaroth Ummm… then those editors shouldn’t say they want to hear from “the hordes.” That is NOT okay, imo. #kidlitchat |
| 8:49 pm | EgmontGal: | Hey agents, is anything different in selling books now than 2 years ago? Or diff in other ways about agenting? #kidlitchat |
| 8:49 pm | EgmontGal: | And also, agents, do you ever feel daunted by so many new agents entering the field? #kidlitchat |
| 8:49 pm | mgbuehrlen: | @literaticat I’m very good at following directions. So I’ve got a leg up! #kidlitchat |
| 8:49 pm | EgmontUSA: | @elanaroth Of course we want to hear from you. You’re so very charming. #kidlitchat |
| 8:49 pm | literaticat: | @EKokie Did you say “cheese”? Invite me too! #kidlitchat |
| 8:49 pm | susan_marie: | @literaticat Again, fair enough. But the tweet said that “Artists can be shy & scared.” We can’t be. #kidlitchat |
| 8:49 pm | elanaroth: | @EgmontGal I edit MUCH more now. #kidlitchat |
| 8:49 pm | MandyHubbard: | I like that when my first cover comp freaked me out, my agent immediately calld my editor to fix it. #kidlitchat |
| 8:49 pm | RebeccAgent: | @saratribble people should do more research before querying. My submission guidelines are easy to find #kidlitchat |
| 8:50 pm | EgmontGal: | @literaticat from you and others here I have learned to always say FOLLOW QUERY GUIDELINES OR YOU DISQUALIFY YOURSELF #kidlitchat |
| 8:50 pm | EKokie: | yes, & have fun. RT @PattyJMurphy RE Conferences: Do homework, research houses+agents attending…& be ready for happenstance:) #kidlitchat |
| 8:50 pm | Jen_Cook: | @KayCassidy I’m hoping this time next year, I’ll have a rep. But I keep hearing queries are the way to go for that. #kidlitchat |
| 8:50 pm | maggiedana: | #authorspetpeeves Agents’ web sites that request 3 chapters with query but don’t specify to paste or attach. #kidlitchat |
| 8:50 pm | ElissaJanine: | RT @literaticat: @susan_marie I dont equate shyness or introversion with weakness or lack of heart. #kidlitchat |
| 8:50 pm | Brent_Watson41: | @elanaroth Yeah, I can’t believe you get bypaseed.I would stop and chat. Where are these conferences?That’s bizarre. #kidlitchat #kidlitchat |
| 8:50 pm | SheviStories: | @Jen_Cook SCBWI NJ has excellent mentoring workshops. I think I may have met my future agent there. #kidlitchat |
| 8:50 pm | DDHearn: | @Jen_Cook Yes. If you go to conferences ONLY to pick up an agent or publisher, you may be disappointed. #kidlitchat |
| 8:50 pm | elanaroth: | @EgmontGal Very much daunted by too many agents. But I feel like the weaklings will just get weeded out anyway (mwah hah hah). #kidlitchat |
| 8:50 pm | RebeccAgent: | @egmontgal not daunted. I’m confident in my client list, WH’s rep etc. It does rankle a bit that so many think they can dive in #kidlitchat |
| 8:50 pm | saratribble: | @elanaroth Why don’t a lot of agents like horror elements in fiction? None usually explain on their BIO’s, just their NO list. #kidlitchat |
| 8:50 pm | EgmontGal: | @EKokie hey, I’ve never been to a wisconsin conference. Though have travelled to theaters in your fine state just to see plays #kidlitchat |
| 8:51 pm | literaticat: | @EgmontGal My 2 year anniversary is January 1. So I have always been a “recession-era agent” – it all seems normal to me. #kidlitchat |
| 8:51 pm | KayCassidy: | @EgmontGal Awesome. It’s so helpful to be in the loop along the way, especially for those of us who are perpetual planners. #kidlitchat |
| 8:51 pm | bonnieadamson: | @elanaroth Because of competition, or because ed.s overworked? #kidlitchat |
| 8:51 pm | bostonbookgirl: | @EgmontGal I am much more picky in what I take on– and I do lots more editing. #kidlitchat |
| 8:51 pm | cheriwilliams: | @EgmontGal Follow directions when querying, be innovative when writing! #kidlitchat |
| 8:51 pm | EgmontGal: | Regina Griffin and I reminisced how key the Princeton SCBWI was in summer ‘0 for Egmont. She bonded w/Dan Lazar and Ted Malauer #kidlitchat |
| 8:51 pm | DDHearn: | @KateMessner Have you heard of an agent asking author for contacts? Isn’t that part of the agent’s job? #kidlitchat |
| 8:51 pm | elanaroth: | @saratribble I don’t know why other agents don’t like it…it’s just really not up my alley at all…not even in movies. #kidlitchat |
| 8:51 pm | EKokie: | @elanaroth @literaticat LOL. I’ll pass on to the RAs – IMO we should have an agent every year! #kidlitchat |
| 8:51 pm | rj_anderson: | Referrals from editors/other agents can also be a great way to find the agent that’s right for you. Happened to me. #kidlitchat |
| 8:51 pm | mgbuehrlen: | Hey, I was only supposed to slink in and slink out. Now I’ve been captivated for an hour! #kidlitchat |
| 8:51 pm | saratribble: | @RebeccAgent Do a lot of agents keep up their current bio’s? #kidlitchat |
| 8:52 pm | literaticat: | @susan_marie Right but I was answering a specific comment about how agents seem more confident than writers. Moving on! #kidlitchat |
| 8:52 pm | elanaroth: | @bonnieadamson Sheerly competition. #kidlitchat |
| 8:52 pm | Jen_Cook: | @DDHearn Yeah, I expect to learn, too–not just find an editor or agent. But my primary motivation was networking. #kidlitchat |
| 8:52 pm | elanaroth: | And yes, I am MUCH pickier about who I sign now. I just went 5 months between adding new clients. #kidlitchat |
| 8:52 pm | EgmontGal: | @cheriwilliams You know, I’m not that fussy about innovation if the book is good enough/well told enough/funny enough/moving #kidlitchat |
| 8:52 pm | DDHearn: | @susan_marie I agree with you. I think the point was sometimes it’s hard for an author to have confidence to sell themselves. #kidlitchat |
| 8:52 pm | literaticat: | @DDHearn I always ask if the authors have met a specific editor at a conference or something that they feel would be a good fit. #kidlitchat |
| 8:52 pm | Casey_McCormick: | Wish more agents had web presence. I think it helps writers feel more equal in querying when the decision is knowledge based. #kidlitchat |
| 8:53 pm | RebeccAgent: | @saratribble can’t speak for others. My PublishersMarketplace page is pretty up to date #kidlitchat |
| 8:53 pm | emilytastic: | I’m looking forward to meeting agents at the SCBWI conference in January – any tips? #kidlitchat |
| 8:53 pm | onbeyondwords: | Regarding referrals – Is it typical for agents not to rep members of the same family? My brother’s agent doesn’t for instance. #kidlitchat |
| 8:53 pm | EgmontGal: | @literaticat Hey, we have been in business the same amt of time. cheers! #kidlitchat |
| 8:53 pm | KayCassidy: | @Jen_Cook Absolutely. I wouldn’t go hoping to score an agent there. Networking is good, but it’s all about education for me. #kidlitchat |
| 8:53 pm | MandyHubbard: | Socialize with other writers… eventually many of them may be agented and offer you referrals. #kidlitchat |
| 8:53 pm | thebookbarr: | @rj_anderson Happened to me too – referral from an editor at an SCBWI conference. #kidlitchat |
| 8:53 pm | saratribble: | @elanaroth Truly, I love the genre, but finding a good match for my work is pretty hard, but the research WILL pay off! #kidlitchat |
| 8:53 pm | DDHearn: | @elanaroth That would be uncomfortable, and pretty silly on the part of the authors. They should be happy to talk with you. #kidlitchat |
| 8:53 pm | Brent_Watson41: | @mgbuehrlen I really need to get to bed, but I’m stuck here too. Hard to pull away. #kidlitchat#kidlitchat |
| 8:53 pm | elanaroth: | @emilytastic Don’t accost anyone in the bathroom. #kidlitchat |
| 8:53 pm | bonnieadamson: | RT @Casey_McCormick: Wish more agents had web presence. <–Me, too. #kidlitchat |
| 8:54 pm | literaticat: | @DDHearn (ultimately that is a small factor in how i make my sub list – i just want them to know they have a voice in it.) #kidlitchat |
| 8:54 pm | Casey_McCormick: | Also meaning, we appreciate all the agents that do have a great web presence. Thank you. #kidlitchat |
| 8:54 pm | KOrtizzle: | @Casey_McCormick there are SO many web sites that give us web presence: agentquery, webook, write water cooler, querytracker, PM #kidlitchat |
| 8:54 pm | EgmontGal: | @elanaroth why do you edit MUCH more now? competition tougher to get published, or editors not doing it as much? #kidlitchat |
| 8:54 pm | helainebecker: | @susan_marie I think mainly that authors are not business-oriented by either nature or training. #kidlitchat. |
| 8:54 pm | KateMessner: | @DDHearn My agent knows everyone, it seems, but may check to see if I met editors at a conference, for example. #kidlitchat |
| 8:54 pm | emilytastic: | @elanaroth I promise I won’t! That sounds terrifying! #kidlitchat |
| 8:54 pm | RebeccAgent: | @onebeyondwords I rep two husband/wife duos Sean Qualls & Selina Alko and Brian & Andrea Pinkney #kidlitchat |
| 8:54 pm | SaraLewisHolmes: | FYI: my fab agent, Tina Wexler, is speaking at the NY SCBWI conference. #kidlitchat |
| 8:54 pm | literaticat: | @EgmontGal LOL – well, at your current job perhaps. You do have a tiny leg up on me from before that though. #kidlitchat |
| 8:54 pm | jasouders: | #kidlitchat Stupid ?, but if you have an offer from a publisher how do you go about getting an agent ? |
| 8:54 pm | EgmontUSA: | @elanaroth Oh goodness yes! Happened to me at my very first conference. I think it’s a right of passage, but DON’T do it! #kidlitchat |
| 8:55 pm | earth_mommy: | RT @literaticat Slush pile pet peeve? That 50% of people don’t follow the damn directions, which are extremely simple. Oh well. #kidlitchat |
| 8:55 pm | elanaroth: | @EgmontGal Editors don’t have as much time. Ed boards are harsher with rejecting for editorial issues, rather than market ones. #kidlitchat |
| 8:55 pm | literaticat: | @DDHearn — hahaha – since @katemessner is my client — “what she said” #kidlitchat |
| 8:55 pm | mgbuehrlen: | @Brent_Watson41 That’s the case most weeks. Rarely is there a topic I’m not interested in. #kidlitchat |
| 8:55 pm | KateMessner: | @literaticat If this is what your recession-era agenting is like, I can’t wait to see post-recession agenting! #kidlitchat |
| 8:55 pm | PattyJMurphy: | @SaraLewisHolmes: What makes your agent fab? Why did you sign with her over others? Just curious. #kidlitchat |
| 8:55 pm | saratribble: | Agents-What’s the deal with E-Books? Are agents going to become a dying race? =( #kidlitchat |
| 8:55 pm | emilytastic: | @SaraLewisHolmes And you’ll be at the Austin one! See you there! #kidlitchat |
| 8:55 pm | SheviStories: | @EgmontGal My experiences with SCBWI NJ workshops have been similar. I highly recommend them. #kidlitchat |
| 8:56 pm | thebookbarr: | I work at a college & often tell students interested in pub. to research lit. agent careers, they don’t think of it. #kidlitchat |
| 8:56 pm | KOrtizzle: | @jasouders When you query agents, you tell them you have an offer and INCLUDE THE PUBLISHER so we don’t think it’s self pub. #kidlitchat |
| 8:56 pm | lioncaller: | @literaticat But agent guidelines, as @maggiedana notes, often unclear…paste/attach/format/simul? #kidlitchat |
| 8:56 pm | EKokie: | @EgmontGal I’ll pass your name on, too, though I have to say I think an Egmonter (Greg?) is coming out for our 2010 conf. #kidlitchat |
| 8:56 pm | helainebecker: | A good agent can provide the business smarts many writers lack; knowing how to write doesn’t always mean you can sell. #kidlitchat |
| 8:57 pm | RebeccAgent: | @saratribble ebooks are a perfect ex of why you need an agent #kidlitchat |
| 8:57 pm | DDHearn: | If you had an agent who didn’t like fantasy, and you happened to write a fantasy, what would you do? #kidlitchat |
| 8:57 pm | MyraMcEntire: | Our SCBWI prez sent an email warning against the bathroom confrontation before the conference last year. #kidlitchat |
| 8:57 pm | KOrtizzle: | @saratribble Funny bc I went to #ebooksummit and we were told agents will be needed to pick out the good ones from everyone else #kidlitchat |
| 8:57 pm | KOrtizzle: | @jasouders FYI: caps was emphasis…not yelling #kidlitchat |
| 8:57 pm | literaticat: | @lioncaller @maggiedana – Mine are crystal clear. “Put query in subject line. First 10 pages in body of email. No attachments.” #kidlitchat |
| 8:57 pm | bostonbookgirl: | @saratribble I’m not worried. An agents job is to advocate for authors, and authors need that no matter what. #kidlitchat |
| 8:57 pm | helainebecker: | And for writers who can sell themselves –why some opt to go agentless– an agent frees them up to create new work #kidlitchat |
| 8:57 pm | MargieGelb: | Off to bed! Good chat! Hate to leave! #kidlitchat |
| 8:57 pm | RebeccAgent: | agents/agencies should know all about ebook evolution. agents can protect clients rights in ways individuals can’t #kidlitchat |
| 8:58 pm | mgbuehrlen: | So… how do you ask a writer for a referral? I did it once and felt like a schmuck. (although I did get it!) #kidlitchat |
| 8:58 pm | EgmontGal: | @EKokie if you have greg you sure don’t need me. He is tres popular on the conference circuit, being friendly talented MAN #kidlitchat |
| 8:58 pm | DDHearn: | @Jen_Cook I think you will be able to do some good networking that could lead to things later, if not right at the conference. #kidlitchat |
| 8:58 pm | saratribble: | @RebeccAgent Oh believe me, I know I need one! But E-Books I heard can be self-published–hence no agent needed? #kidlitchat |
| 8:58 pm | emilytastic: | @MyraMcEntire This makes me wonder if there’s a terrifying bathroom confrontation story out there somewhere… #kidlitchat |
| 8:58 pm | Brent_Watson41: | @elanaroth So passing a MSS under the stall and saying, “Can you spare a square?” isn’t cool? #kidlitchat #kidlitchat |
| 8:58 pm | SheviStories: | Writers telli me a query should only be about MS being submitted, but what of experience, awards, other MSS? #kidlitchat |
| 8:58 pm | literaticat: | @lioncaller @maggiedana – Oh, and, I only rep kids/YA books, don’t send me weird erotica, thrillers, etc. Look at the website! #kidlitchat |
| 8:58 pm | cvaldezmiller: | @saratribble I just can’t see a time agents won’t be needed. I’m not business oriented & would need that buffer & go-between #kidlitchat |
| 8:59 pm | PattyJMurphy: | @EKokie You’d be foolish to pass up on @Egmontgal. She does engaging, informative (and hysterical) keynotes + breakout sessions! #kidlitchat |
| 8:59 pm | RebeccAgent: | btw pls repost ?s if I missed any #kidlitchat |
| 8:59 pm | MyraMcEntire: | @emilytastic YES. More than one. #kidlitchat |
| 8:59 pm | brianhthomas: | I’d appreciate thoughts on picture book writers sending queries or subs to agents. I hope this hasn’t been asked yet. #kidlitchat |
| 8:59 pm | elanaroth: | @Brent_Watson41 Only if you want to risk what that ms might get used for with that tactic… #kidlitchat |
| 8:59 pm | realjohngreen: | Hey, nerdfighteria: I’m going live on blogtv soon to discuss #kidlitchat (talking about books) and #yetibaby:Â http://bit.ly/ULN43 |
| 8:59 pm | maggiedana: | @literaticat If only all agents were as clear. #kidlitchat |
| 8:59 pm | EKokie: | @emilytastic Be personable, friendly, talk to as many people as can. Be ready to discuss work, but don’t walk around pitching #kidlitchat |
| 8:59 pm | DDHearn: | Does anyone have the website url for Publishers Marketplace? Do you have to pay to get information? #kidlitchat |
| 8:59 pm | onbeyondwords: | @RebeccAgent Helpful to know policy of not representing members of the same family isn’t a rule – thank you #kidlitchat |
| 8:59 pm | KateMessner: | @mgbuehrlen Honestly? I kind of feel like referrals will be offered if they’re appropriate & probably shouldn’t be asked for. #kidlitchat |
| 8:59 pm | brianhthomas: | @literaticat How about an erotica/thriller picture book? #kidlitchat |
| 8:59 pm | bostonbookgirl: | @SheviStories No other manuscripts–agents only want to consider one project at a time. #kidlitchat |
| 8:59 pm | rj_anderson: | @EgmontGal Does that emphasis mean men are more popular on the conf. circuit too? Man, when do ladies catch a break? #kidlitchat |
| 8:59 pm | mgbuehrlen: | RT @Brent_Watson41: @elanaroth So passing a MS under the stall and saying, “Can you spare a square?” isnt cool? << LOL! #kidlitchat |
| 9:00 pm | RebeccAgent: | as always the goal should be to be published well, not just published- with ebks as with any #kidlitchat |
| 9:00 pm | heatherwpetty: | RT @gregpincus: You should go to conferences with the intent to learn, yes, but be open to the happy accidents that can occur. #kidlitchat |
| 9:00 pm | bonnieadamson: | RT @brianhthomas: Id appreciate thoughts on pb writers sending queries or subs to agents. I hope this hasnt been asked yet. #kidlitchat |
| 9:00 pm | KayCassidy: | Had a great experience at RWA08 during my pitch, but that was b/c the ed had read the ms prior. Haven’t done a cold call pitch. #kidlitchat |
| 9:00 pm | saratribble: | @bostonbookgirl That’s good. I know Jenny from Rappaport Agency closed, so sad when that happens. Her interests matched me. =( #kidlitchat |
| 9:00 pm | LisaDez: | @mgbuehrlen Wondering the same thing about blurs. It’s tricky. #kidlitchat |
| 9:00 pm | brianhthomas: | @literaticat of course, just joking about that. #kidlitchat |
| 9:00 pm | NatalieHatch: | @Brent_Watson41 A writer handed over his entire 600pg mss to editor who requested a partial at a conf. Another “don’t do” #kidlitchat |
| 9:00 pm | jamieharrington: | RT @brianhthomas: @literaticat How about an erotica/thriller picture book? #kidlitchat (I send these to her like weekly) |
| 9:00 pm | KOrtizzle: | @saratribble right, but then who helps you with contracts to be sure you’re not screwed out of royalties/$? sell rights? etc #kidlitchat |
| 9:00 pm | mgbuehrlen: | @KateMessner Hm… Then how to get one? #kidlitchat |
| 9:01 pm | gregpincus: | @saratribble You might not need an agent if you do it on your own. But you have to decide if that’s the way you want to go. #kidlitchat |
| 9:01 pm | Jen_Cook: | @DDHearn Good point. But conferences terrify me. #kidlitchat |
| 9:01 pm | lioncaller: | Funny, to me, how many in publishing aren’t Word 2007 so I have to downsave. This is yr business, right?  2010 out soon BTW #kidlitchat |
| 9:01 pm | LisaDez: | @DDHearn You have to be a member to access all the data. #kidlitchat |
| 9:01 pm | SaraLewisHolmes: | @PattyJMurphy Kind, honest, funny, prompt in her communication. Excllnt editorial advice.Personal attn backed by lg agency ICM #kidlitchat |
| 9:01 pm | robertleebrewer: | RT @RebeccAgent: as always the goal should be to be published well, not just published- with ebks as with any #kidlitchat |
| 9:01 pm | EgmontGal: | @rj_anderson Greg is very good at his job, I was joking because male kid’s editors are so unusual. But executives in our biz?Men #kidlitchat |
| 9:01 pm | KateMessner: | @LisaDez If agents & editors deal w/ blurb requests (not authors), I think it’s much less awkward for everyone. #kidlitchat |
| 9:01 pm | earth_mommy: | RT @elanaroth @emilytastic Don’t accost anyone in the bathroom. #kidlitchat |
| 9:01 pm | mgbuehrlen: | @KateMessner …without pushing your writing onto someone? #kidlitchat |
| 9:01 pm | Fantasy_Author: | I don’t believe that you need and agent if you can use technology and learn how to start a wom marketing campaign. #kidlitchat |
| 9:02 pm | MyraMcEntire: | @Jen_Cook But @cjredwine and I will be there to embarrass … support you! #kidlitchat |
| 9:02 pm | jasouders: | #kidlitchat @KOrtizzle Oops, did it wrong. Thanks. So, I just query like I usually would, just mention I have an offer and who it is with? |
| 9:02 pm | lioncaller: | @literaticat LOL, roger that #kidlitchat |
| 9:02 pm | gregpincus: | RT @RebeccAgent: as always the goal should be to be published well, not just published- with ebks as with any #kidlitchat |
| 9:02 pm | jamieharrington: | @saratribble #kidlitchat I think you need an agent to get you the better deal and to watch your back. Contracts are scary! |
| 9:02 pm | spazzumgurl: | RT @realjohngreen: Hey, nerdfighteria: I’m going live on blogtv soon to discuss #kidlitchat (talking about books) and #yetibaby: http:// … |
| 9:02 pm | KateMessner: | @mgbuehrlen Go to conferences, meet other writers, join a crit group, & also know that most agents don’t require referrals. #kidlitchat |
| 9:02 pm | Brent_Watson41: | @elanaroth I’m very green and only print on recycled paper. Could be a sensitive area for paper cuts. YeeOuch! #kidlitchat #kidlitchat |
| 9:03 pm | susan_marie: | @helainebecker An author needs to have whatever “business smarts” they can muster. Having an agent doesn’t change that. #kidlitchat |
| 9:03 pm | NatalieHatch: | @Fantasy_Author Ah, but then those are few and far between, most don’t know so best to have help #kidlitchat |
| 9:03 pm | saratribble: | @gregpincus Well I’d like to get an agent first, then small publisher, I’m weary about the whole ebook thing myself. #kidlitchat |
| 9:03 pm | elanaroth: | @Brent_Watson41 We may have just crossed a line somehow… #kidlitchat |
| 9:03 pm | LisaDez: | @KateMessner I was hoping that was the case. #kidlitchat |
| 9:03 pm | KOrtizzle: | @jasouders no worries yes, you include publisher and editor name #kidlitchat |
| 9:03 pm | rj_anderson: | @EgmontGal Male kidlit editors are rare birds like male primary school teachers then — not surprising, I guess… #kidlitchat |
| 9:03 pm | indra285: | RT @realjohngreen: Hey, nerdfighteria: I’m going live on blogtv soon to discuss #kidlitchat (talking about books) and #yetibaby: http:// … |
| 9:03 pm | MyraMcEntire: | @mgbuehrlen Keep writing the way you write, yo. It’s excellent. #kidlitchat |
| 9:03 pm | EgmontGal: | @KateMessner That was brilliantly succinct advice in 140 characters. I will retweet it tomorrow #kidlitchat |
| 9:03 pm | lisa_schroeder: | Looks like we’re talking about agents, yes? #kidlitchat |
| 9:03 pm | mgbuehrlen: | @KateMessner To me, fishing for a referral as an secret goal is worse than just asking. ?? #kidlitchat |
| 9:04 pm | saratribble: | @KOrtizzle Oh I know, I was just wondering if the ebooks would affect agents jobs at all. I would love an agent! =D #kidlitchat |
| 9:04 pm | literaticat: | OK I am about to open the speakeasy for the #kidlitchat afterparty — I can’t keep up here. #kidlitchat |
| 9:04 pm | PattyJMurphy: | @SaraLewisHolmes: Thanks, Sara. Your agent sounds amazing:) #kidlitchat |
| 9:04 pm | RebeccAgent: | @fantasy_author in most cases you need to have an agent to even sub MS to eds/pubs #kidlitchat |
| 9:04 pm | Casey_McCormick: | @KOrtizzle Love all those sites, but some agents still only offer basic genre information, despite the times. #kidlitchat |
| 9:04 pm | EgmontGal: | @rj_anderson yeah, and we’re mostly girls, natural to enjoy having some men around. #kidlitchat |
| 9:04 pm | elanaroth: | Oh, query pet peeve! When someone tells me so-and-so recommended me…and I’ve never met so-and-so. #kidlitchat |
| 9:04 pm | MyraMcEntire: | RT @RebeccAgent: @fantasy_author in most cases you need to have an agent to even sub MS to eds/pubs #kidlitchat |
| 9:04 pm | EgmontGal: | @MyraMcEntire Keep writing the way you write, it’s excellent. You too, @kaycassidy! #kidlitchat |
| 9:04 pm | emilytastic: | @literaticat Woohoo! #kidlitchat |
| 9:04 pm | lisa_schroeder: | One of the advantages people don’t mention often is having someone in your corner. I LOVE having someone (an agent) in my corner #kidlitchat |
| 9:04 pm | bonnieadamson: | Agents: Do you actively target any small publishing houses? or is it not worth it, money-wise? #kidlitchat |
| 9:05 pm | KayCassidy: | Agents know who’s looking for what, how to negotiate the best deal, how to navigate the prepub waters & so much more. Invaluable #kidlitchat |
| 9:05 pm | rj_anderson: | @EgmontGal Eye candy.  #kidlitchat |
| 9:05 pm | jamieharrington: | @literaticat will there be cake? #kidlitchat |
| 9:05 pm | bonnieadamson: | @lisa_schroeder Yes! Junp on in. #kidlitchat |
| 9:05 pm | saratribble: | @jamieharrington Hey you! =D You think even with small press houses? I got a full being read by 2 now for Jacks & Spades #kidlitchat |
| 9:05 pm | DDHearn: | @Jen_Cook Maybe just try to focus on the speakers and not the social stuff. And just try to talk to a few people. #kidlitchat |
| 9:05 pm | Jen_Cook: | @MyraMcEntire Embarrass? Well, that doesn’t bode well at all. @cjredwine #kidlitchat |
| 9:05 pm | lioncaller: | Sorry for typos…. Tweetchat going verrrrrrrrrry slowwww can’t see what I’m doing #kidlitchat |
| 9:05 pm | lizontheside: | RT @realjohngreen: Hey, nerdfighteria: I’m going live on blogtv soon to discuss #kidlitchat (talking about books) and #yetibaby: http:// … |
| 9:05 pm | EKokie: | Landscape always changing. I’m a lawyer & wanted an agent. RT @jamieharrington …need agent to get better deal…contacts scary #kidlitchat |
| 9:05 pm | saratribble: | @Fantasy_Author LOL-worm marketing! Nice! =D #kidlitchat |
| 9:05 pm | KayCassidy: | @susan_marie Absolutely! Having a savvy agent just adds to the pot. #kidlitchat |
| 9:06 pm | KOrtizzle: | @Casey_McCormick Some may not want a flood of queries…I know 2 agents who have zero online presence for that reason. #kidlitchat |
| 9:06 pm | EgmontGal: | @saratribble why are you setting your sites on (and how do you define) small publisher? just curious #kidlitchat |
| 9:06 pm | amyknichols: | @literaticat Where is the speakeasy? Do we need a secret password? Handshake? #kidlitchat |
| 9:06 pm | jasouders: | @KOrtizzle Thank you. #kidlitchat |
| 9:06 pm | mgbuehrlen: | @MyraMcEntire Ha! I did push my writing on you, but only b/c I value your opinion so! #kidlitchat |
| 9:06 pm | Jen_Cook: | Who knew participating in a chat like #kidlitchat could be so helpful? |
| 9:06 pm | alexisgrant: | @elanaroth That’s my LIFE pet peeve. (lurking in #kidlitchat) |
| 9:06 pm | KOrtizzle: | @Casey_McCormick I think the bottom line is if you want an agent with online presence,don’t worry about those who don’t have one #kidlitchat |
| 9:06 pm | dpeterfreund: | #kidlitchat I never understood the emphasis that aspiring authors put on quality of agent’s rejection letters. |
| 9:06 pm | MyraMcEntire: | @EgmontGal 8D #kidlitchat |
| 9:06 pm | KateMessner: | @mgbuehrlen No- don’t fish. And do understand that referrals generally don’t come from people who are almost strangers. #kidlitchat |
| 9:06 pm | saratribble: | @elanaroth WOW! How crazy-don’t they ever wonder if that lie will backfire?! #kidlitchat |
| 9:07 pm | dpeterfreund: | #kidlitchat personally, i’d rather the agent paid attention to his/her clients. |
| 9:07 pm | literaticat: | @elanaroth Thant happens to me all the time. “SO-AND-SO recommended you…” Really? Why? I don’t know that person… #kidlitchat |
| 9:07 pm | KOrtizzle: | @elanaroth or when you know “so and so” and when you follow up they say “um, no I didn’t.” #kidlitchat |
| 9:07 pm | jimhill: | if the writing is great, do you still have to “click” with a writer in order to rep them? #kidlitchat |
| 9:07 pm | jamieharrington: | @saratribble #kidlitchat yeah I think we hafta have an agent |
| 9:07 pm | MyraMcEntire: | @mgbuehrlen Listen. It’s a gift you have, and it would be a sin not to share it. Beautiful words, beautiful story. PRESS ON. #kidlitchat |
| 9:07 pm | elanaroth: | @saratribble Stupidity knows no bounds. #kidlitchat |
| 9:07 pm | Jen_Cook: | @DDHearn It’s the pitching part that has me frightened. I’m such a social wallflower. #kidlitchat |
| 9:07 pm | elanaroth: | @dpeterfreund As opposed to…? #kidlitchat |
| 9:08 pm | EKokie: | Landscape always changing. I’m a lawyer & wanted an agent. RT @jamieharrington need agent to get better deal…contracts scary #kidlitchat |
| 9:08 pm | KateMessner: | @mgbuehrlen Most people I know who were referred to agents (I wasn’t, btw) got referrals from a crit partner. #kidlitchat |
| 9:08 pm | EgmontGal: | @literaticat We get “you requested I send this to you” all the time. Well, no we didn’t. You asked if you could send. #kidlitchat |
| 9:08 pm | mgbuehrlen: | @KateMessner Ah. So really you just need to get in the writing community and thrive. Referrals will come. ? #kidlitchat |
| 9:08 pm | saratribble: | @Jen_Cook I know! I stumbled in for this and have before to chat with agents–it’s so insightful and great! =D #kidlitchat |
| 9:08 pm | earth_mommy: | RT @RebeccAgent as always the goal should be to be published well, not just published- with ebks as with any #kidlitchat |
| 9:08 pm | KayCassidy: | @EgmontGal Thanks, Editor Extraordinaire! #kidlitchat |
| 9:08 pm | laurielyoung: | This has been so informative, but I have got to go  Thank you Bonnie and Greg (and happy birthday!) #kidlitchat |
| 9:08 pm | DDHearn: | Question for agents of pbs. How many editors will you submit a pb to before giving up? #kidlitchat |
| 9:08 pm | Brent_Watson41: | @elanaroth Yeah…best not to mix business with the bathroom. #kidlitchat |
| 9:08 pm | KOrtizzle: | @jimhill yes! for me, at least. Or else it might just be a miserable partnership. #kidlitchat |
| 9:09 pm | mgbuehrlen: | @MyraMcEntire Awwww! *sniff* #kidlitchat |
| 9:09 pm | EgmontGal: | @MyraMcEntire 8D? 8D? what is 8D? Life is a secret code that everyone knows but me. I knew that was it! #kidlitchat |
| 9:09 pm | Fantasy_Author: | @KayCassidy But are agents any better than a good industry lawyer? Unless you have leverage you have to agree to terms anyway. #kidlitchat |
| 9:09 pm | bostonbookgirl: | @jimhill Am generally predisposed to like writers who write well but I wouldn’t rep. someone who is a jerk, good writing or not. #kidlitchat |
| 9:09 pm | LisaDez: | @KOrtizzle I love that my agent is on-line (blog, twitter) because I can stalk her easier! #kidlitchat |
| 9:09 pm | RebeccAgent: | chances are- if you can write a novel worth pub’ing, you can write a query letter #kidlitchat |
| 9:09 pm | dpeterfreund: | @elanaroth How they treat clients! Good deals, firm support, easy communication… #kidlitchat |
| 9:09 pm | KateMessner: | @mgbuehrlen Yes. Or referrals may not come. You can query anyway. But being part of the writing community is good. #kidlitchat |
| 9:09 pm | literaticat: | Come one, come all to the speakeasy for #kidlitchat afterparty:http://www.chatzy.com/154761931299 – Not for the meek. |
| 9:09 pm | KarenCollum: | Sorry to jump in late. Have been out with my tribe of kids all morning So, what’d I miss? #kidlitchat |
| 9:09 pm | Jen_Cook: | @saratribble No kidding! I had no idea. #kidlitchat |
| 9:09 pm | lisa_schroeder: | RE: referrals, it’s still going to be the work that matters, and whether it’s the agents thing. A referral does NOT = auto yes #kidlitchat |
| 9:09 pm | PattyJMurphy: | @mgbuehrlen Hey, M.G. You really don’t need referals:) #kidlitchat |
| 9:09 pm | saratribble: | @jamieharrington lol! I hope I get there! No news on the partials/fulls for either ms! I’m waiting for my query to crit’q by KT #kidlitchat |
| 9:09 pm | SillyJaime: | @realjohngreen is live on blogtv to discuss #kidlitchat (talking about books) and #yetibaby:http://bit.ly/ULN43 |
| 9:09 pm | MyraMcEntire: | @EgmontGal It’s the extremely enthusiastic version of this: #kidlitchat |
| 9:10 pm | KOrtizzle: | @LisaDez haha I like your agent, too! #kidlitchat |
| 9:10 pm | DDHearn: | @Jen_Cook Yes. That would scare me too. Maybe a conference isn’t the best place for you to pitch your manuscript. Query later. #kidlitchat |
| 9:10 pm | EgmontGal: | RT @RebeccAgent chances are- if you can write a novel worth pub’ing, you can write a query letter <— here, here! #kidlitchat |
| 9:10 pm | saratribble: | @elanaroth LOL-I need to quote that from you on my blog! It’s so true though. #kidlitchat |
| 9:10 pm | elanaroth: | @dpeterfreund Gotcha. Wasn’t sure if I missed something in there… #kidlitchat |
| 9:10 pm | EgmontGal: | Ooops, I mean hear, hear! I am still sleepy. #kidlitchat |
| 9:10 pm | AuthorTaraKelly: | Hey all! #kidlitchat |
| 9:10 pm | heatherwpetty: | @lioncaller I’ve always found that agents who are picky about submission guidelines have really clear guidelines. #kidlitchat |
| 9:10 pm | kaerfel: | Tempted to join in #kidlitchat tonight, but I only have so long before I’ll need to eat, and must work on novel… |
| 9:11 pm | EgmontUSA: | @MyraMcEntire I learn something new every day. #kidlitchat |
| 9:11 pm | KayCassidy: | @Fantasy_Author Yes. Most agencies have boilerplates already established that can give even a baseline debut author a leg up. #kidlitchat |
| 9:11 pm | saratribble: | @Jen_Cook So you working on your pitch then? #kidlitchat |
| 9:11 pm | PattyJMurphy: | RT @DDHearn: @Jen_Cook: If asked, you could say…well, I have a story about such and such…may I send it to you??? #kidlitchat |
| 9:11 pm | EKokie: | @mgbuehrlen I queried my agent – no referral. Research agents, polish ms, draft serviceable query, and query wisely. #kidlitchat |
| 9:11 pm | EgmontUSA: | @kaerfel It’s ok. We understand. ::Waves anyway:: #kidlitchat |
| 9:12 pm | mgbuehrlen: | Re: referrals – In Writer’s Market, tons of agents say they only take on referrals. May be where the worry comes from? #kidlitchat |
| 9:12 pm | literaticat: | @EgmontGal @RebeccAgent – Yep, yep! – Chances are- if you can write a novel worth pub’ing, you can write a query letter #kidlitchat |
| 9:12 pm | gregpincus: | I am off to have cake, y’all. Transcript will be up tonight. HUGE thanks to the agents here tonight (and other nights, too)! #kidlitchat |
| 9:12 pm | jimhill: | @bostonbookgirl @KOrtizzle Do the first impression at conf. make the difference for you or your calls after a submission? #kidlitchat |
| 9:12 pm | elanaroth: | @sarahharian We’re just people. Smile. Be nice. The rest is easy. #kidlitchat |
| 9:12 pm | KateMessner: | @AuthorTaraKelly Tara! One of my picky-reader students has HARMONIC – kept ogling the ARC on my desk until I loaned it to him. #kidlitchat |
| 9:12 pm | sarahharian: | Agents/Authors/Editors–any advice for conference goers with slight social anxiety? =) #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | PattyJMurphy: | @gregpincus What kind of cake? Please share:) #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | RebeccAgent: | ok. need to sign off & clean! This has been a great way to procrastinate! #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | DDHearn: | Happy birthday, Greg. Enjoy the cake, and eat an extra piece of all of us. #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | jimhill: | For the record, I am NOT a jerk. I have it on good authority. #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | KayCassidy: | @gregpincus Happy birthday, Greg! #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | Brent_Watson41: | @gregpincus Happy Birthday. Thanks #kidlitchat #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | amyknichols: | @gregpincus Thanks you, Greg, for being here on your birthday. #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | bonnieadamson: | Greg has gone to have cake, and I must away, too–goodnight, all–great chat! Carry on, please, if so inclined! #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | EgmontGal: | @sarahharian set small goals, like “talk to 3 new people, and just listen and learn” then you’ll get a ton out of it #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | KarenCollum: | RT @elanaroth: @sarahharian Were just people. Smile. Be nice. The rest is easy. <<So nice to know you are peoples too #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | bostonbookgirl: | @jimhill Only if it is negative. I can adore someone, but that doesn’t = a yes. But not liking someone will = no. #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | thebookbarr: | Wish I could have been here longer, looking forward to transcripts. Thanks @BonnieAdamson@gregpincus #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | Devas_T: | I mean #kidlitchat. Dang, I got the hashtag wrong. Again. |
| 9:13 pm | DeltaNC: | RT @realjohngreen: Hey, nerdfighteria: I’m going live on blogtv soon to discuss #kidlitchat (talking about books) and #yetibaby: http:// … |
| 9:13 pm | mgbuehrlen: | @PattyJMurphy (Notice I took your advice and hung out here instead of editing.) #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | KateMessner: | Me too. RT @EKokie I queried my agent – no referral. Research agents, polish ms, draft serviceable query, and query wisely. #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | EKokie: | @mgbuehrlen Depending on genre, there are many, many who accept queries – in YA/MG, 100+. Get researching. #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | saratribble: | @gregpincus YAY! Thanks and Happy Birthday! =D Have a good one! #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | EgmontGal: | @sarahharian Also, I don’t care as an ed how shy you are, I care how good your book is. Please please believe me on that. #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | thebookbarr: | Before I go! Please join us in April, SCBWI Poconos: @elanaroth + other wonderful faculty.http://bit.ly/4q4EqQ #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | IleneYWong: | @rebeccagent Good obs on revision burnout. I’ve been denying the signs, telling myself I’m just lazy, but that’s prob it. #kidlitchat |
| 9:13 pm | Jen_Cook: | @saratribble @DDHearn Well, I haven’t been yet but am considering it. Perhaps I’ll reconsider. #kidlitchat |
| 9:14 pm | EgmontGal: | @gregpincus happy birthday Greg and thanks so much #kidlitchat |
| 9:14 pm | Jen_Cook: | @PattyJMurphy Very good point. I guess I don’t have to formalize it. #kidlitchat |
| 9:14 pm | sachaw: | Dang, I’m new to this #kidlitchat thing and forgot to add the tag on my last tweet. |
| 9:14 pm | dpeterfreund: | Best advice I ever got: if u have the rt bk, finding an agent is a straightforward process. If not, no trick u can use. #kidlitchat |
| 9:14 pm | Fantasy_Author: | #kidlitchat My thoughts: take the time U spend on writing queries and instead build your own site and self publish. |
| 9:14 pm | DDHearn: | OOPS. I meant FOR all of us. Eat an extra piece of cake FOR all of us. Wish tweetchat had a delete button. #kidlitchat |
| 9:14 pm | saratribble: | @sarahharian Just be yourself–you’ll do fine. =D #kidlitchat |
| 9:14 pm | SaraLewisHolmes: | Wow, the hour goes fast. Good chat, all! #kidlitchat |
| 9:14 pm | KateMessner: | @sarahharian Kidlit people are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet. Just go & listen. People will talk to you! #kidlitchat |
| 9:14 pm | KOrtizzle: | @EKokie ditto. Boss was talking today about how 35 yrs ago there were 40-some agents. Now 900+. #kidlitchat |
| 9:15 pm | Corinne_Bowen: | Is it ok to ask about Young Adult here? #kidlitchat |
| 9:15 pm | MyraMcEntire: | RT @dpeterfreund: Best advice…if u have the rt bk, finding an agent is a straightforward process. If not, no trick u can use. #kidlitchat |
| 9:15 pm | amyknichols: | @sarahharian I can be introverted, but at conferences I try to remember it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing. And regrets suck. #kidlitchat |
| 9:15 pm | mgbuehrlen: | @EKokie Thanks, will do! #kidlitchat |
| 9:15 pm | PattyJMurphy: | @Jen_Cook: But, you need to be prepared. Practice on your family and friends:) #kidlitchat |
| 9:15 pm | amyknichols: | So true! > RT @KateMessner Kidlit people are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet. Just go & listen. People will talk to you #kidlitchat |
| 9:15 pm | hatbooks: | Thanks for the chat on agents…I love my agent–advisor, cheerleader, dealmaker and so much more. #kidlitchat |
| 9:16 pm | KarenCollum: | @KateMessner They are a friendly bunch I’ve been blown away by how willing kidlit peeps are to share advice/wisdom/experience #kidlitchat |
| 9:16 pm | EKokie: | Dangerous advice. RT @Fantasy_Author: …take time U spend on writing queries & instead build your own site & self publish. #kidlitchat |
| 9:16 pm | onbeyondwords: | Thanks Greg, Bonnie, agents, editors and everyone for an informative #kidlitchat |
| 9:16 pm | maggiedana: | Competition must be fierce, then. RT @KOrtizzle: 35 yrs ago there were 40-some agents. Now 900+. #kidlitchat |
| 9:16 pm | KayCassidy: | Heading out of #kidlitchat to read more of I AM THE MESSENGER before bed. Great night. |
| 9:17 pm | DDHearn: | This was very informative. Thanks to all the agents for your open conversation. #kidlitchat |
| 9:17 pm | EKokie: | Selfpublishing may work for some, but with fiction, esp. YA/MG fiction, proceed with extreme caution. #kidlitchat |
| 9:17 pm | saratribble: | @SaraLewisHolmes Yeah the hour flew! #kidlitchat |
| 9:17 pm | mgbuehrlen: | Thank you, everyone! I really must get back to my edits or else I’ll never get to the agent stage. Goodnight! #kidlitchat |
| 9:17 pm | KarenCollum: | I just keep coming back to the fact agents WANT to find great books. My job is to make mine as awesome as possible. #kidlitchat |
To go to the kidlitchat transcript home page, please click here.
