A few years ago, I received a call from someone who otherwise never contacts me. “You need to pay expenses for Dick and Jane. They’ve done so much for us!”
Dick and Jane had done a lot for the caller, but they had done nothing for anyone I love. While I’m not so coldhearted as to hang up the phone based on this flawed opening, the caller had opened with an unconvincing pitch.
Writers can make the same mistake when contacting agents.
Not So Impressive
“My book needs editing, but I’d like representation.”
“I’ve never written a book before, and I haven’t finished it yet; but I’d like representation.”
“I’m not qualified to write this book, but I’d like representation.”
“I don’t have any platform, but I’d like representation.”
“Since you’ve been successful with academic theology books, particularly those discussing viewpoints popular in the 1200s, my work is right for you.”
Be Honest!
Of course, you want to be honest in your pitch. But don’t open with the reason the agent may need to reject the book.
What to Do
“My book needs editing, but I’d like representation.”
You’re not ready to query. Would you please edit or have your book edited, then contact agents? CWI has many resources to help you find a freelance editor.
“I’ve never written a book before, and I haven’t finished this yet; but I’d like representation.”
I sign debut authors all the time. However, I recommend completing the book before submitting a query.
Why? Because as you can imagine, writing a book is hard work. I recommend taking time for the discovery process before proceeding.
- Do you enjoy or feel driven to spend months writing a book eight or twelve hours a day?
- Are you motivated to compose a manuscript around a packed schedule that may include a day job and many other responsibilities?
- Are you willing to give up another hobby or commitment you enjoy to spend that time writing?
You need to answer these questions before you try to engage an agent. You are the only person who can answer them.
“I’m not qualified to write this book, but I’d like representation.”
Become qualified, or cowrite with someone who is.
Why? Look at it this way: As a consumer, will you read a book on brain surgery written by a heart surgeon? Or would you prefer to read a book on heart surgery written by a heart surgeon?
“I don’t have any platform, but I’d like representation.”
Take the time to build your platform before approaching an agent.
“Since you’ve been successful with academic theology books, particularly those discussing viewpoints popular in the 1200s, my work is right for you.”
These authors may base this assumption on the success other agents within our agency have enjoyed when naming a topic not in my wheelhouse. That’s not to say I will never represent a new category, but I may be reluctant to pursue a book outside of my core enthusiasms.
Solution? Once you have chosen an agency to query, investigate the agents to ensure you are querying the agent who’s passionate about your type of book.
Impressive!
Authors can’t change some factors no matter what. For instance, a debut author is a debut author until published. An author can certainly open with, “Thank you for considering my first book, Jack in the Box.” Then immediately highlight the strengths of the book, be it fiction or nonfiction. If the agent says, “I absolutely MUST read this book,” then you’ve made progress. After all, you wrote the book for a reason. You haven’t invested time and energy in a book you didn’t feel is entertaining, desperately needed, or both. When you convince the agent the book is essential today and editors can and will seriously consider the submission, you are well on your way to representation.
