     Barbara Kelsch | Saturday, June 01, 2002 - 05:05 pm 
Need some advice. Entered a literary contest last of April. Had a few queries out to agents at the same time. Received an agency agreement. Am new at this and realize now that I should not have queried and entered a contest at the same time. Have not responded to the agent yet. Contest will culminate the last of September, the first prize to be publication. I am not assuming that I am going to win, but it is something that is outstanding, and I would not want it to be a surprise glitch. Do you suggest I contact the agent and ask if I can wait until the contest is over in September, to sign, or add a cavat to the agreement excluding the contest? Help this newcomer.
Thanks,
Barbara Kelsch |
| Barbie Perkins Cooper | Saturday, June 01, 2002 - 05:55 pm
Hi Barbara:
Welcome. What kind of agency is this? Is it an exclusive clause? Have you researched the agency completely? Are they recognized by AAR; and other writers organizations?
Some agencies charge a reading fee; copying fee, etc. Research thorougly before signing the agreement.
As for your question, I believe I would tell the agent I've submitted the piece to a competition, and will not know the results until September. Judging from my experience with agents, I believe in being honest with them.
Make certain you check the agency out. Know what you are getting into. Writers and agents must develop respect and trust in one another...just don't get so bogged down that you are hesitant to build the trust.
Submit a list of questions to the agent.
For example:
Who are some of your clients?
Do you charge a reading fee, or a quarterly copying fee?
Are you affiliated with National Writers Union; the National Writers Association; AAR; Society of Professional Journalists: Writers Guild?
Do you submit copies of responses to me? If so, how often. My former agent sent occasional submission reports to me, although not frequently. I did not renew our contract last month and I am not in pursuit of a new agency.
Do your homework.
If they do charge a reading fee, I would reconsider.
That is just my opinion. Take what you think is applicable and trash the rest. Nevertheless, do not be hesitant to speak up, just use diplomacy.
Good luck!
See you at the movies...plays...and One Day the Oscars!
Guess who! |
| barbara Kelsch | Saturday, June 01, 2002 - 06:30 pm
Dear Barbie:
Thank you so much for your reply. This agent is chargeing no fee. This is my first manuscript, historical fiction, and realize it's a hard market. Am just delighted to have anyone notice after a lot of rejections based on query letters. How much time to agents typically expect a person to take before a reply?
Barbara |
