tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post7745518769439603531..comments2023-09-09T09:06:58.754+01:00Comments on Crawl Space: Agent autopsySarah Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379986260169703599noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-80532473390094519222009-02-25T11:10:00.000+00:002009-02-25T11:10:00.000+00:00Crime is definitely difficult to master. I feel my...Crime is definitely difficult to master. I feel my strengths probably lie more on the psychological-thriller side. Not sure I could go too far down the chick-path as I don't read ANY chick-lit and even just Kate Atkinson's perfectly pleasant literary crime (which I find VERY chicky) leaves me cold. I write dark but my heroines aren't "lite" enough for chick readers, I fear.Sarah Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03379986260169703599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-38855300657049383472009-02-25T10:55:00.000+00:002009-02-25T10:55:00.000+00:00Have you listened to the Litopia podcast today abo...Have you listened to the Litopia podcast today about Rosy Barnes's new book? She mentions chick-noir.<BR/>You could do that! You could do that no problemo! Although, being good, crime is a difficult genre and takes time to master. How about crime-chick-noir?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-17268115321608561822009-02-25T09:05:00.000+00:002009-02-25T09:05:00.000+00:00Thanks, Pita. I saw your new book in Waterstones i...Thanks, Pita. I saw your new book in Waterstones in Wilmslow at the weekend - it looks ace! xxSarah Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03379986260169703599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-85268109212385705412009-02-24T13:47:00.000+00:002009-02-24T13:47:00.000+00:00Sarah - so sorry to hear that this was the reactio...Sarah - so sorry to hear that this was the reaction. After all you've worked on it! And you know - we all know that you've got talent. This agent knows it too. Bummer. I think you're right to start something brand new...but I know it won't be easy. love and kisses and lets get together asap. Pita xAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-80330891232035723012009-02-17T19:27:00.000+00:002009-02-17T19:27:00.000+00:00Dear Caroline, thanks for dropping in. I'm so sorr...Dear Caroline, thanks for dropping in. I'm so sorry you've been through this, too. Thanks for the words of support - same to you! xSarah Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03379986260169703599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-80883650063369007862009-02-17T14:16:00.000+00:002009-02-17T14:16:00.000+00:00Just found this via the Writewords blog page and w...Just found this via the Writewords blog page and wanted to say I could identify with it SO much. Have been EXACTLY here, very recently, Sarah. Can completely and utterly sympathise. The funny thing is, when I read someone else saying this, I'm able to be objective and say, 'but you really did get SO very far' even though it doesn;t help me at all when people say it to me!<BR/><BR/>CarolineCaroline Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04708248040141519582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-46039482698204491242009-02-16T10:44:00.000+00:002009-02-16T10:44:00.000+00:00Hi Jumbs! Every agent is different, in my experien...Hi Jumbs! Every agent is different, in my experience. Some don't even have a website, some have websites with no submission guidance on there but this doesn't mean they don't have strict guidelines on what they will look at and when, and how. In my experience, the best first approach is a quick email (most agents do have email and I haven't found one that won't reply that way but that doesn't mean they all will) to ask whether they would be happy to look at opening chapters and a synopsis. It's not necessary to sell the novel at this stage, it's just a way of establishing contact and finding out whether a) they're looking at new subs right now (some may not be depending on workloads etc) and b) their preferred method of submitting. Most agents will ask for first 3 chapters or, say, fifty pages plus a synopsis and covering letter. That's when you do the sales pitch, in the covering letter sent with the first chapters. BUT - save yourself some wasted time (and paper) by ehecking first if they're looking at fresh subs at all. I know of a couple of agents right now, for instance, who are not taking new subs because of maternity leave cover for colleagues. That's the sort of inside track you won't find in the Writers and Artists Yearbook. Good luck!Sarah Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03379986260169703599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-27502146968843428782009-02-16T10:08:00.000+00:002009-02-16T10:08:00.000+00:00Hi - it's me again - only this time incognito!It's...Hi - it's me again - only this time incognito!<BR/><BR/>It's always difficult to know quite how to enter into fray of the publishing world. I've done the sending out the first 100 pages of my un-put-downable novel only to receive them back some weeks - or months - later. And trying to work out if the pages have ever been turned over and read by anyone.<BR/><BR/>But I see from your post that you pitched your novel to the agent by letter first. Is this an initial selling job? A cold-call type opening salvo, outlining the plot - maybe including the synopsis?<BR/><BR/>I supose my question is - is this what agents want now? That introductory letter?<BR/><BR/>John (jumbo)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-67391590341153372802009-02-16T10:05:00.000+00:002009-02-16T10:05:00.000+00:00Thanks, WRW. Yes I'm going to send it out again. I...Thanks, WRW. Yes I'm going to send it out again. I really ought to take a direct shot at a publisher but fewer and fewer seem to a) accept mss that don't come from agents, and b) currently be open to unsolicited subs. Ah well, if I wanted an easy life I wouldn't be (trying to be) a writer, I guess.Sarah Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03379986260169703599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-17767027079661974442009-02-16T10:02:00.001+00:002009-02-16T10:02:00.001+00:00Oh bloody hell. I'm so sorry, Sarah. I hate all th...Oh bloody hell. I'm so sorry, Sarah. I hate all this talk of the current publishing climate. I've been hearing that since I got serious about all this 11 years ago. The publishing world is in a permanent depression, according to itself.<BR/><BR/>Onwards and upwards, girl. Send the first one out again. Look at smaller publishers like Snowbooks and Portobello; they answer quite quickly. Good luck!!Group 8https://www.blogger.com/profile/07924947352624027079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-14025741146249468832009-02-16T10:02:00.000+00:002009-02-16T10:02:00.000+00:00Thanks, Martin, yes I'm already plotting the next ...Thanks, Martin, yes I'm already plotting the next one. I much appreciate the words of support from a writer I admire - thank you.Sarah Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03379986260169703599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-73251168625655332232009-02-15T20:52:00.000+00:002009-02-15T20:52:00.000+00:00Very frustrating for you, Sarah, but the crucial t...Very frustrating for you, Sarah, but the crucial thing is to keep at it, as I'm sure you will. And agents do get it wrong, quite often. So don't lose heart over this particular book.Martin Edwardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16082485795280777670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-684512603801903562009-02-15T10:47:00.000+00:002009-02-15T10:47:00.000+00:00But it is, Sarah - and she's still an idiot not to...But it is, Sarah - and she's still an idiot not to take it!!!<BR/><BR/>AxxxAnne Brookehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03982495677389302410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-2583299947569546192009-02-15T09:38:00.000+00:002009-02-15T09:38:00.000+00:00Dear John (I've always wanted to write a Dear John...Dear John (I've always wanted to write a Dear John letter), you're lovely. Right back at you with the hero talk.Sarah Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03379986260169703599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-6753506180488650762009-02-15T09:37:00.001+00:002009-02-15T09:37:00.001+00:00Bob, you're making me blush. Thank you for the kin...Bob, you're making me blush. Thank you for the kind words. See you at the signing??Sarah Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03379986260169703599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-69964643498995265862009-02-15T09:37:00.000+00:002009-02-15T09:37:00.000+00:00Thanks, Anne! (But she's not an idiot - she said m...Thanks, Anne! (But she's not an idiot - she said my writing was controlled, intelligent, poetic...!!!)Sarah Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03379986260169703599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-4745575404452821502009-02-15T06:50:00.000+00:002009-02-15T06:50:00.000+00:00Sarah,So, tiger, life sucks ... and then you want ...Sarah,<BR/><BR/>So, tiger, life sucks ... and then you want to be a writer as well!<BR/><BR/>Keep at it - you'll get there! After all, you are my hero - and I've heard you roar!<BR/><BR/>All the best.JohnAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08128104538788053722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-31368831430953056782009-02-14T20:42:00.000+00:002009-02-14T20:42:00.000+00:00Your biggest successes are still ahead of you, but...Your biggest successes are still ahead of you, but closer than they were. Congrats, S.H. If I had to put money on people I know going places, you'd be a safer bet than many. I'll be waiting to buy a copy when you do.<BR/><BR/>Cheers,<BR/>BobAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-41794404105181116102009-02-14T20:11:00.000+00:002009-02-14T20:11:00.000+00:00Sod it - she's obviously an idiot. I think you roc...Sod it - she's obviously an idiot. I think you rock. I'd go straight to the publishers if I were you - to be honest an agent isn't the be all and end all ... Hush my mouth.<BR/><BR/>Oh and she's still an idiot.<BR/><BR/>AxxxAnne Brookehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03982495677389302410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-67404483674863233092009-02-14T17:02:00.000+00:002009-02-14T17:02:00.000+00:00Thanks, Gay, you're the best.Thanks, Gay, you're the best.Sarah Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03379986260169703599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-69435153020015024872009-02-14T16:59:00.000+00:002009-02-14T16:59:00.000+00:00Cold Reading hasn't received the old cold shoulder...Cold Reading hasn't received the old cold shoulder, not at all. She loves you. So write write write. We're all there for you.Gay Deganihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03609404497703663916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-59308434256253010762009-02-14T16:50:00.000+00:002009-02-14T16:50:00.000+00:00Thanks, Tania. Yes it's tough but you know what? I...Thanks, Tania. Yes it's tough but you know what? If I hadn't stuck my head above the parapet I wouldn't have those silver lining words from the biggest crime agent in the UK to stick on my wall and look at next time I'm thinking I suck at this. So it was worth it, for that alone. <BR/><BR/>On writing the books we have to write - I agree 100%. But I would temper it by adding that if I want that book I've written to be read by as many people as possible (which I do, because it's an important story with something important to say) then I know it's vital to be as good as I can possibly be at making those words (my words, uniquely mine) work for readers. No point being all poetic and intelligent if no one is reading because I've neglected the essence of story-telling, what makes the reader engage over the length of a novel with my characters and their journeys. So I value each and every word that the agent has said to me, because they will help me to get better and getting better means a greater chance (not a guarantee) of being read.Sarah Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03379986260169703599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-68545435776345898072009-02-14T16:44:00.000+00:002009-02-14T16:44:00.000+00:00K.C. you must see Prick up your Ears - it's magnif...K.C. you must see Prick up your Ears - it's magnificent. Oldman's finest hour but Molina steals the show. I should've know that word doesn't translate, having once spat coffee at the TV when reading the credits to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and seeing the score was written by Thomas Wanker.<BR/><BR/>"Get your Johnny Bull up." I like that - thank you!Sarah Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03379986260169703599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-33852558783216351222009-02-14T16:43:00.000+00:002009-02-14T16:43:00.000+00:00Thanks, Nik.Thanks, Nik.Sarah Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03379986260169703599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3533238794548293419.post-12853952851578188492009-02-14T16:42:00.000+00:002009-02-14T16:42:00.000+00:00Thanks, Douglas, and apologies for the crudity at ...Thanks, Douglas, and apologies for the crudity at the end there. If you've seen Alfred Molina deliver that speech you'll know why it works so well. He says it with such aplomb. And non-writers do love to tell us 'better luck next time' as if we can just bash these things out without mental and physical pain and exhaustion (my god, the exhaustion). But then we do it because we love it, because we can't not do it. And we want to get better. I would never ignore considered, constructive advice from a professional who knows what she's talking about. That would be arrogance and it would be self-defeating. I will track down the video you recommend - thanks.Sarah Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03379986260169703599noreply@blogger.com