Never tried this before, but LET’S GO FOR IT.
The comments section is yours. Converse with each other, ask those random questions you’ve been meaning to ask, talk about what’s on your mind, ruminate on the meaning of life, discuss your favorite television shows…. you name it.
There is no topic.
Aimless Writer says
A man is not a success because he has never failed, but because failure has never stopped him.
🙂
Anonymous says
Question:
I’ve been offered a publishing contract for a first novel by a small but experienced publisher who offered me an advance and wants me to do a second book to create a series out of my main character.
They have not specifically asked to hear my ideas for a second book before signing. Is it to my advantage to let them hear my ideas first, in the hopes that if they reall love them I might get a better deal, or should I not get into second book ideas until after I sign the contract, in case they do not like what I am proposing.
mlh says
I only have one little question, and I will make it brief.
Nathan, how common is it to butt heads with an editor who wants to change certain aspects of the novel, but you and the author agree that it shouldn’t be changed? Who normally wins in such a standoff?
Sorry, I know it’s two questions. The second one came out of nowhere.
Nathan Bransford says
WOW.
I just got back from drinks with an editor, and what an awesome/crazy thread!
To try and answer some of the questions:
anon who asked what I drink: bourbon.
to the anon who asked about the series — try and find an agent asap. It’s really difficult to make the series/stand-alone decision without considering the particular project, the particular author, and the particular editor, so I wouldn’t necessarily be able to generalize my advice. But it sounds like you’re in a good position to find an agent.
mlh-
Authors and editors do not often butt heads, but this is often a time when an agent can step in and referee. A good agent will help calm the situation down and make sure everyone is being nice to each other and make sure good sense wins out in the end.
Anonymous says
So many posts, whew. Just wanted to let people know about a wonderful online forum connected with Agent Query. It’s called agent query connect, a beta site. People can go there and get critique and generally do what today’s open blog is doing. Get to know one another and our writing too.
I too am looking forward to LOST tonight. I just love that I can never quite figure out what’s going to happen next.
gwen says
ON YA FIC –
I’d suggest the Mortal Instruments trilogy by Cassandra Clare. Libba Bray’s Gemma Doyle trilogy is also popular. Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series is hugely popular, though I am not fond of it. I also picked up Incantation by Alice Hoffman, and it was a beautiful book – about perseverance in the face of persecution in 16th century Spain. Some other authors to look for are Justine Larbalestier, Scott Westerfield, Holly Black, Cecil Castellucci, and Maureen Johnson.
***@CDR – I saved a young cardinal earlier this year. I found him on the road. He could not fly yet. I took him in and cared for him a couple days. Somehow, his parents were still around – and I took him out to them a couple days after I found him. They didn’t reject him. Took him right back as though they knew he’d been lost. I named him Charlie.
Now there are four cardinals who fly through the yard. Two males, two females. I don’t know which one is Charlie. But every so often, a male cardinal perches on the railing outside the family room window, and I like to think it’s him. It was nice to feel needed – like he needed me to look after him, to keep him safe until his parents found him.
I still miss him.
Wanda B. Ontheshelves says
Identify the Frustrating and Unnecessary Word In the Following Passage, and Win a Pondful of Guitar-Playing Goldfish!
From the booktv.org website:
“Each weekend, Book TV features 48 hours of nonfiction books from Saturday 8:00 AM to Monday 8:00 AM ET.
We invite your comments about our web site, our television programming, and any books you want to recommend for our coverage. You can e-mail Book TV at booktv@c-span.org or feel free to leave a phone message at 202-737-3220.”
Correct answer: NONFICTION. Why do they only broadcast NONFICTION related shows? Where is my FICTION booktv???? I would like a literary agent to weigh in on this question. I cannot for the life of me understand why amazon.com or a publisher’s consortium or the Kindle manufacturer…or SOMEBODY doesn’t put together a fiction channel, like Food Network, it would be Book Network.
Possible shows:
“Not My Usual Read” – people discuss books that they don’t normally read – or have always thought they wouldn’t like. Could be celebs, or ordinary people, talking about how they always used to read only mysteries, but now they realize they really enjoy reading the biographies of famous economists!
“The Author in the Multimedia Age” – discusses how writers can branch out into other media, gives examples of writers who have successfully done so – I’m thinking (perhaps nostalgically) about the artwork of poets Sylvia Plath and Elizabeth Bishop – I mean, they were writing WAY before the present 24/7 media meltdown/conglomeration – and they drew as well! I mean, there are musicians who play 12 instruments – can’t a writer at least become proficient in at least one other art form? To help spread their work out over multiple media (yeah, I mean right into those ever-shrinking cell phones!)
“I Hate Poetry” – Poetry lovers compete to win over poetry haters.
Anonymous says
No one (that I’ve seen yet) has mentioned THE PIGMAN or THE OUTSIDERS as amazing YA fiction. I could picture Nathan in the boys room blowing up a toilet…back in the day, of course. — Katie B.
Wanda B. Ontheshelves says
I don’t claim to have prophetic dreams, but…
Re: Ron in the Harry Potter series – I had a dream recently that I went to an art gallery opening, and in their gift shop they had these cute heart-shaped earrings – but when I turned back to look at them again, they had morphed into gigantic, carved-granite hearts, that would have ripped your earlobes and broken your collarbones, if you’d tried to wear them…so I went wandering around to the little cafe they had in this gallery, and there was Ron from Harry Potter! Wasted! All slouched and sloshed in a yellow formica booth. “Geez do you really want your fans to see you like that…”
Wanda B. Ontheshelves says
Am I the Only Selfish One
…whenever I post stuff in lit agent’s blogs, I always get ideas and things I can use in my writing (fiction, poetry, website, a ton of stuff!) I look at the “text box” that I’m typing in right now – kind of like a sketch pad that they’re always recommending artists carry with them – you know, you’re walking down the street, and you notice someone with an interesting profile, or a frozen bagel with loads of salt on it – sitting on a sidewalk that itself has a ton of salt on it – so you’re supposed to whip out your sketchpad and “capture the moment” – it’s very strange to me, that although these are LITERARY agents blogs, the comments tend to be decidedly UNliterary…that seems very strange to me…I would assume there would be more a “quilt-like” effect in lit agent blogs, with people quoting their favorite writers, tossing off “bon mots” (okay so I’m not COMPLETELY sure what a bon mot is) – one liners, casual but careful descriptions of what’s “staring them right in the face” at the moment – maybe 10 years from now it will be like that – just seems a little strange. I mean there is some of that, yes, but it seems like there could be way more…
Okay enough from this “yeah, I’ve got a twin brother” sister.
Adaora A. says
What did the editor drink Nathan? You can always tell the personality of someone based on what they drink.
I googled bourbon:
“Bourbon is an American distilled spirit made primarily from corn and named for Bourbon County, Kentucky. It has been produced since the 18th century.” Apparently September is ‘National Bourbon Heitage Month.”
—-
My drink: Cosmopolitan. Contents? Cranberry juice, Contreau, Lime Juice and Vodka.
A says
I believe writing a book is the toughest job in the world. But even then I wouldn’t trade it with any other job. This whole routine of writing-agent hunt-publishing etc requires patience. I am not a very patient person and sometimes the whole thing gets very frustrating but I still want to write books and see my first book in bookstores. Wow what a great feeling it is to just imagine such a scene.
Nathan Bransford says
adaora-
He had a gin martini. Well, two.
Adaora A. says
Gin Martini..hmm…gin and white vermouth according to google. That must mean that he or she likes a clean drink with a bit of kick (this is pure speculation). He or she must like a medium sized MS that has some edge. They like to hold their glass right handed. They like to keep a relationship with the agent and their client for the long term as well.
I’m good aren’t I Nathan? Thanks!
I’d try to analyze you but you’ve given your game away in the way you blog (which is very cool for aspiring writers). Probably what you are doing intentionally.
Gin Martini…
S
Adaora A. says
ACK! Edit to add: “He” is established. I thought the editor was a “he,” based on drink selection. There is a girl from work who likes “stella beer” but like my universal cosmopolitan.
mkcbunny says
I get sick for a few days, and look at all the comments gone by. I can’t keep up.
43, Virgo.
Movie: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Or maybe Naked Lunch. Depends on my mood.
Book: Well, the last one I really raved about and stuffed into friends’ hands like a crazy evangelist was The Road. No surprises there.
TV Show: Still working on The Wire, so I can’t throw my lot in with that one yet, Nathan. But I really miss Deadwood. That last season was a real disappointment, though. And Lost? What’s with the Jin twin?!?!
Dream Career: Writing. I was a visual artist for the first 35 years of my life. This is something new.
cdr: Watch out for herons by the pond. They’ll break your heart.
mkcbunny says
Oh, and bourbon. Nothing like 51% corn alcohol. None of that peaty Scotch for me.
Ruth says
If I queried you back in January when you were getting snowed with queries, and didn’t hear back from you. Does that mean:
a. my query got lost
b. my query is in an e-pile somewhere
c. my query sucked so bad it didn’t merit a response
Just wondering.. .
December/Stacia says
Oh, Nathan. A bourbon man. One more reason to adore you.
I agree with whomever mentioned The Outsiders. Remember when Nathan mentioned the agency still has SE Hinton’s original query letter? I think I would start crying if I saw that. That book changed my life.
I also have a distinct fondness for “Goodbye Glamour Girl” by Erika Tamar. I think that one might be MG though.
Don’t miss Equus, ladies!! Aside from the lovely nudity, it’s fantastic. Dan really can act.
Anonymous says
Hey Nathan, what would you recommend if a small publisher (who I heard only dishes out a $1500 advance) is interested in a newbie’s book? Would any agent touch such a low advance?
Oh, and on Agentquery connect, I’ve heard they are inviting agents to join the party in their next phase. Have you heard anything about that?
Adaora A. says
@december – I remember. I fell over in shock and envy. Lucky Nathan got to look at it. WOW.
Oh you better believe I won’t miss the NYC showing. Reading week…equus here I come.
Anonymous says
Two partial reads, two similar responses:
Thanks so much for giving me the chance to read your work. I enjoyed the energy and kid-friendly voice, but I regret that ultimately I did not fall in love with this to the extent that I’d need to in order to offer representation. Of course this process is very subjective and often times what’s not right for one agent will be perfect for another. Here’s wishing you continued success in all of your writing endeavors.
And…
Thank you for submitting your partial manuscript for my review. You have a nice writing style and the story is intriguing. Unfortunately it is not something we can represent at this time. While we would love to represent all the worthy projects that come across our desks, we must make choices based on our current needs and our understanding of the publishing marketplace.
I encourage you to continue seeking representation and/or publication.
This is my first novel, so I would appreciate any help interpreting these comments.
1-10 10 says they may regret their decision later, 1 says I shouldnt’ quit my day job, and 5 says can’t tell anything, they are just being polite. Feel free to elaborate!
Kathryn Harris says
How do you all feel about pen names? I have found myself in the unfortunate position of sharing the same name with the former Florida State Senator who “ruined the 2000 election.” (Those are not my words, those are words others have told me in making the comparison.)
Prior to that moment, I always thought I had the perfect name for an author, but now I’m not so sure.
So, what are your thoughts?
Nathan, what do you think?
Jackie says
I prefer using a Pename. Mine I have chosen my mothers maiden name and my paternal grandmothers maiden name. I have one child still in school and have held off Publishing because I don’t want “fame and fortune”, which I know I will have to effect them.
Since Florida has now messed with the last 2 major Elections, let me yell at you real loud! ha ha
theartgirl says
Favorite movie-Little Voice
Favorite book-Green Angel by Alice Hoffman
Wish- I wish I cold be content.
Colleen
theartgirl says
-and spellcheck–always.
Coll
Jackie says
Fav BookS: have a ton but required reading turned into a pleasure
Grapes of Wrath/Steinbech
Woman in the Mist/Farley Mowat
(cultural anthropology)
Call of the Wild/Jack London
White Fang/Jack London
Understanding the Enneagram/Don
Richard & Russ Hudson
(personality types)
…
Drink: Nada, given the gift of
Multiple Sclerosis (and it is
a gift I would never trade).
Why pay for a drink or drugs
when I have the effects for
free???
Size: 5′ and sure I must have a
Tapeworm
Kids: 2, 17 & 19
Married: yes, Legally Separated
(threw him out 4 years ago)
Dating: nope, not interested at
this time
Age: 41 or 42 (I stopped counting)
…if I missed anything, I love to talk, ask me
Richard says
Nathan, I’m coming into this thread a bit late but I’d like to comment on the sad state of agents’ rejection letters, which either gush apologies or appear to have been written by robots.
Fortunately, a solution is now available: Custom Rejection Letters! Please visit http://www.richardimanning.com/rejection.htm to view samples.
No longer do agents have to worry about having just the right rejection letter to express their disdain or sympathy for an author’s submission!
Note: the above is satirical. In case you couldn’t tell. But please visit the site anyway for a good laugh.
mlh says
Thanks for the heads-up, Nathan. I was always curious if discussions ever lead to fisticuffs – figuratively speaking.
Jackie says
oh yeah…
PetS: You will not smell my zoo
and be amazed
/75 & 55 Gallon Tropical
Fish Tanks
/Bearded Dragon-2 foot Desert
Lizard
/Leopard Gecko-10 inches
(bright yellow, underbody
white, black spots, hints of
blue and purple
/8 cats, was working on being
the Neihborhood Cat Lady but
got over the “aw, isn’t it
cute?” thing and they are all
fixed now
Taylor K. says
Hey Nathan-
What’s the deal with airline food? No, just kidding. Just surprised no one had asked yet.
Also, in response to Pamela’s “what career would have you chosen” question my response must be somewhat fictional. I would be a superhero. A superhero who could fly, and talked cool like Gambit from X-men.
benwah says
a @ 10:13 – i expect your assertion that ‘writing a book is the toughest job in the world’ is hyperbole. at least i hope so. while the work of writing is a solitary effort where all the pressure falls squarely on your own shoulders, it is at the same time liberating and creative. not many tasks offer those same rewards. as for the mechanics of the agent-editor-publishing dance, that’s the cost of doing business. and in every job there are such costs. chin up.
nathan, in the battle between bourbon and gin martinis, i think i might make a seasonal decision: it’s still too wintry for gin.
Anonymous says
Hey Kids:
A martini is, by definition, made with gin. Therefore “gin martini” is redundant, a no-no for any writer! If you want it made with vodka, then you have to say “a vodka martini.”
–a grizzled old bartender.
benwah says
good point, barkeep. but in this day and age when anything poured into a martini glass gets some sort of -ini appellation, it often seems necessary to clarify. or, as i do when bellying up to the bar, just order by the gin. partial to plymouth myself.
man, too early on a friday to start thinking booze.
liquidambar says
Anon 3/14 at 5:32 am:
It looks like you have a good project, but just haven’t found the right person for it yet. IMHO, based solely on the quotations you provided. That can be frustrating, but trust me, you want a person who will be wholeheartedly enthusiastic. Keep trying.
Anonymous says
Would writing in the erotica genre ever come back to bite you? 😉
Let’s say you dabbled in it with e-publishers while trying to find your genre, and then wanted to write MG novels! Would this ruin your children’s writing career if it came out you had written some rather adult fiction?
If you were writing erotica, how truly “anonymous” can you stay behind your pen name? Like if you were a teacher but wanted to write erotica without anyone knowing–can this be done? All hypothetical stuff here. 🙂
Vinnie Sorce says
Anybody know a good agent who is looking for crime/suspense/kind of goofy/love story? vsorce@juno.com
Curtastrophe says
An editor who I recently submitted a story to posted on their website, “If I haven’t gotten back to you by 15th March that probably means your piece has made the final batch. I will have decided on all the stories I want by March 30.”
Is it a bad idea to send this editor a query on the status of my story? My gut feeling says I should just wait it out until I hear back.
-C
Anonymous says
A prominent editor has asked my agent for revision rights with first right for refusal once they are made. Does this generally lead to a sale? Would an editor spend time poring over said book if there was no real interest?
Thanks, o wise one.
Anonymous says
I recently discovered that a bestselling author just released a novel with the same title as the one I’m trying to get published. Does this absolutely mean I must change my title? I’m reluctant to do so only because it reflects the theme of my novel on a number of different levels, and I’m really terrible at coming up with titles. The stories are very different and in different genres, though they may share a common theme or two. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks!
Riley says
On regards of the whole pseudo-memoir thing, which I’m sure you’re all sick of hearing about:
I have to write a persuasive essay for my English class, and the topic I chose is “should agents and editors have to fact-check memoirs that they’re about the publish?” The viewpoint that I’m defending is “No, agents and Editors should not have to fact check memoirs.” I have an argument defeing that, but now I need the opposing side’s argument, so I can shoot it down. Does anyone know the opposing argument to this issue? Thank you in advance!
Nathan Bransford says
curtastrophe-
If the editor (and this goes for agents too) provide a date by which they say they’ll let you know, best to wait for that date before you follow-up. So in this case I’d go with the latter date.
anon@9:54-
It depends. Sometimes they lead to a sale, sometimes they don’t. It’s a good sign since they are interested, but unfortunately it’s no guarantee.
anon@9:55-
Yes, I would change the title (and sorry). In general, it’s ok if you use a title that is either old or by a really obscure author, but it’s probably best to avoid the confusion of having the same title as a bestselling author.
Curtastrophe says
Yup. Thanks Nathan!!
-C
December/Stacia says
I hope I’m not too late here:
Anon 8:22, your anonymity depends on your publisher in some ways. I know at Ellora’s Cave you can choose the level of anonymity you want when you sign your first contract (this is for in-company anonymity, I mean–at the highest level only your editor, Raelene Gorlinsky [the publisher], and I think one accounting person will know who you really are. Obviously your anonymity outside the company is up to you), and they are extremely diligent about it.
I can’t speak for any other epublishers, but EC takes that very, very seriously.
December/Stacia says
Oh, Anon 8:22, also, feel free to email me if you have any other questions. Seriously. Don’t feel wierd about it. Decemberquinn AT gmail.
Chumplet says
Nathan Bransford said…
pamela-
Probably a basketball player. Sadly I’m 5’10”, painfully slow, and I can’t jump. I’m crafty though!
We had a talented center in our Mallorca basketball team and he was shorter than 5’10”
Don’t forget Captain Canada!
Moose says
nNathan, I used to drink bourbon but it gives some of the worst hangovers. Not as bad as champagne, but pretty bad.
What the liquor industry calls “white goods” give the mildest hangovers. My choice: white tequila.
Btw, a bird can fly but a fly can’t bird.
danceluvr says
to pamela H.
I’d be a professional ballet dancer with a prestigious company, like ABT.
But I guess you kind of figured that from my screen name.
adora a.
I, too, have a twin sister. We’re 7 minutes apart, according to our birth certificates. She was first, so officially, I’m the baby in the family.
My mom tells us that we made up our own language as youngsters. Our mom purposely dressed us differently, even if it was only in color (I was the “green” girl).
We played together until adolescence hit. Then we competed with each other for grades and friends. We’re still not very close after 40 years or so.
re: musical instruments
I started on the alto sax and graduated to the bassoon in junior high school. Played all through high school, then quit in college since it was only going to be a hobby for me. Plus they gave me the contrabassoon to play. Talk about boring music to play (whole notes).
My question:
How does one overcome the fear of sending out query letters and the package to agents? My goal is to finish the novel and get it out to agents this year, but I begin to panic the closer it comes time to do so.
spyscribbler says
For Jordyn: Ally Carter’s Gallagher Girl series, about an elite private school for spies, is brilliant. Genius. Fun.
The best books I’ve read in a long time, YA or no.
Anonymous says
anon on erotica: Yes, definitely, it can be done. The hardest part is keeping one’s own mouth shut. At least for me. 🙂
If it gets out, I can heartily say it’s completely my fault. You just tell one person, and then … you just tell one more person … and then pretty soon …
I would suggest not telling anyone. Not for any reason. They’ll want to know your pseudonym so they can support you, but if you tell one person, then it’s easier to tell the next, and then pretty soon …
Your privacy isn’t just protected for societal or job reasons. Mention the word sex, and you can get some weird emails. I wouldn’t publish erotica any other way. I’m old-fashioned, but when I started in the genre in the early days, we had NO CHOICE but to take a pseudonym, for safety reasons.