When writers approach me for representation, I love to see enthusiasm. Are they devoted to and excited about their:

Words?

Topic?

Audience?

Do they joyfully anticipate their writing time?

Are they willing to persist in creating a book, then editing, revising, and revising again, for months?

Do they have ideas for future works that can build a career?

Find a Passionate Literary Agent

Likewise, I must be passionate about the books I represent. Well, unless you think this is a great letter from an agent to an editor:

Dear Editor:

I’m attaching a proposal and complete manuscript for LOVE ON THURSDAY’S HIGHWAY. 

You don’t wanna buy this, do you? 

If not, I completely understand. I’m sorta meh about it, but I figured you might like it. I can’t ever tell if someone else will like a book or not, or if it has any chance of selling lots of copies. Who knows what readers will buy, right?

Anyway, I hope you decide you can’t live without this book and will want to contract with this author. And yeah, this author is nice but tends to complain about edits, instructions, and suggestions; but I’m sure the author will feel differently about your edits. This author doesn’t like many other authors in Christian publishing, but I’m sure we can call in some favors to come up with someone for endorsement. Oh, and I couldn’t convince the author to use a different title, but no doubt if you pay enough money, that attitude will change.

I do hope you’ll read and contract for this book right away; but if not, hey, I totally get it! Cuz, as I said, there’s no accounting for taste.

Sincerely,

Agent

Excitement matters!

When you and I pitch a book, we ask an editor to enter your world. We want the editor to know the book is worth everyone’s time, whether you’re sharing information or writing a novel of worthy entertainment and edification.

I’m delighted to represent you!

You may think I’m joking, but it’s true: I use too many exclamation points when I write a cover letter to an editor! I am so enthusiastic about the project that when I re-read the letter before sending it, I must go back and delete them all! Well, I might allow myself an exclamation point for sentences using the verbs “thrilled” and “excited” because if you’re thrilled and excited, don’t these emotions merit an exclamation point? Besides, I’m thrilled and excited about my authors’ work! I don’t use multiple exclamation points in my cover letters, though!!!! I wish I could!!!! Because that’s how I would sound if the editor could hear me!!!!