Confession time: I got a book deal. For a novel. My own.
Background.
I never started this blog, nor did I become a literary agent, because I wanted to be a writer. When I started as an assistant at Curtis Brown in 2002 I had some vague notions that I might write a screenplay… or something… someday… maybe… but that was quickly consumed by the more-than-full-time job of being an assistant and trying to work my way up in the publishing world.
I started the blog because being a literary agent is not only my job, it’s a true passion, and I wanted to both help out the unpublished and try to differentiate myself from the scores of other agents out there. Not, let me say again, because I thought of myself as a writer or had any designs on being one.
Fast forward to October 2008. The publishing industry and broader economy was in total meltdown apocalyptic mode, the whole country was stressed out about the election, and I had this idea for a novel… what better time to write a novel, right???
So, over the next several months, over late nights and weekends, I wrote a middle grade science fiction novel called JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW, about three kids who trade a corndog for a spaceship, blast off into space, accidentally break the universe, and have to find their way back home.
(And yes, San Francisco residents: Jacob’s namesake is the completely delicious Philz coffee brew).
Whew! Finished it!
Then I had to find an agent. And no, I couldn’t represent myself.
I sent out my queries, got my share of rejections, stressed plenty, but found my way to the awesome Catherine Drayton at Inkwell, who, to my extreme delight, agreed to take it on. (Why not Curtis Brown? I wouldn’t have wanted it to be awkward for my coworkers when I devolve into an unrepentant diva.)
Then came the submission process, where I… also got my share of rejections.
But then. Then! The clouds parted, the light shone through, and Dial Books for Young Readers at Penguin agreed to publish it. JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW will come out in 2011.
Now. Let me try to preempt a few questions that will be on the lips of many an anonymous commenter:
Did you have an advantage being a literary agent?
Yes. Are you kidding me? Yes.
I have been eating, breathing, sleeping, inhaling, and ingesting books basically nonstop, 24/7, for seven years. It’s my day and night job. I’ve seen tens of thousands of query letters, and I (hopefully) know what makes a good one. I’ve been working with some of the most talented writers in the world and have had to think extremely hard about writing and plot and all the other elements that go into a book.
But before I’m held up as an example of all that is wrong with publishing these days, please consider the following:
This wasn’t actually the first novel I have written or tried to have published. Like many writers out there, the first novel I wrote (deservedly) crashed and burned. Couldn’t find an agent and justifiably so. Because it wasn’t good enough. Like many people, I had to experience the pain of giving up on it, putting it in the drawer, and battling a serious case of the “Am I crazies” when I decided to start another one.
So… if all it took to find a publisher was being a literary agent and having a blog: you would have been hearing me announce a deal for that novel.
Let me also just point out that whatever advantage I have as a publishing employee is completely open to everyone: you just have to find a job in publishing, toil away for seven years in the industry, steadily gain everyone’s confidence, and then write in your spare time.
Trust me, there are easier ways of getting a leg up.
But it’s not really a coincidence or a sign of inside dealing that there are so many agents and editors who write: they’ve already devoted their lives to books because they love them dearly. Of course some of them then decide to write themselves.
Are you giving up agenting?
Uh……………. No.
Let me elaborate: No. No no no no no no.
I’m first an agent. That’s my job. This novel is just a fun side project. My clients and prospective clients always come first. I made it a point of pride that my response times never, ever suffered as I was working on my own projects. Not for queries, not for partials, and especially not for my clients.
If anything, going through the publication process has made me a much more empathetic agent. I thought I would be totally cool throughout the process… I’ve seen this before! I know what it’s like! Yeah, not so much. I learned a huge amount and have (I hope) become a better agent for it.
Will this blog be changing into a vehicle for relentless, egotistical self-promotion over the next two years (god, I’m going to have to hear about Nathan’s freaking novel nonstop for TWO YEARS someone please just go ahead and kill me now)?
Absolutely!!!!!!!!
(Just kidding).
Anyway, hope this explains why I’ve been so sentimental on the blog lately. This has been quite a roller coaster of a process, and I’ve been feeling the ups and downs of the writing life very keenly over the last year.
Thanks so much for reading this blog and for all of your great comments. I really can’t even express just how much I’ve learned from all of you.
Well, cool for you. I wonder how many of us will claim to be "first" today? Just out of curiosity, how many rejections did you get? (Might make the rest of us feel better to hear.)
http://www.thebiglitowski.blogspot.com
OMG! This is so exciting!!!
I'm sure you'll continue to be an awesome agent, while being a writer on the side.
Plus, I think your clients are so lucky. Now you'll understand the agony we writers go through! The long hours! The self doubt!
Hmmmm…maybe it's time I query you again.
Congratulations Nathan! Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy!
Holy crap. I really was first!
http://www.thebiglitowski.blogspot.com
CONGRATS!
travener-
Thank you! I queried about ten agents, and I don't know the exact number of publishers, but it sure felt like a thousand.
Congratulations! I'll read it.
Really, really thrilled for you. And honestly, I think seeing both sides of the publishing world makes you both a better agent and a better writer. Kudos to you, and I hope my school soon has it in our library! 🙂
Who are you calling unrepentant divas, hmm? 😉
Congrats, Nathan! Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
Congratulations, Nathan! That is freaking awesome! I’m very happy for you, love that you really understand what it’s like being a writer, and relieved to hear that you plan to continue working as a literary agent. May you sell millions of copies of your book!
Well that is just so fun! And you are now agent brother to a couple of my fave writers of all time Lisa and Laura Roecker 🙂
Congratulations, Nathan! Knowing you've been through the whole wringer yourself a couple of times just makes me trust your advice all the more. Nobody (nobody, I tell you!) can accuse you of not knowing where writers are coming from.
Yes, I just dangled a preposition. Stop snickering.
Congratulations!! I'm so happy for you. I always hoped you'd write more than just the blog because you have such a great voice.
So glad to hear you put it to even more use : )
Wow. Congrats. I'm moderately happy for you. I'd be happier if you weren't a literary agent with a bazillion connections and loads of insider info and advantages over the rest of us but…ya know…moderately happy is still pretty good. 🙂
Congratulations! That's wonderful news. Your book sounds so cute, too.
Wow.
That's all kinds of awesome. Can't wait to read it!
Congratulations! Middle grade too – my son will be thrilled to have another book that comes recommended from me.
Though, on a personal note, I hope you post an excerpt on here sometime near the publication date, so I can actually recommend it to him in good faith 😀
Congratulations! Let me know if you want a kid-sized review. My eight year-old son would undoubtedly love a story about trading a corn dog for a spaceship!
CONGRATULATIONS, Nathan!. Obviously your generosity, talent, diligence, and a splash of good karma have paid off. I am so grateful for your blog and so thrilled for you!
Congratulations! You deserve it. Even though I received a rejection from you, I still keep reading your blog and you've inspired me. Since I've been rejected by you, I've rewritten my book (twice) and now feel that it's really ready. I feel that I jumped the gun by sending out queries and chapters but now I'm going to start the process all over again. Thanks,
James Cubby
http://southbeachstarwriter.blogspot.com/
Hardy congratulations to you! I hope in the years to come there are lots of great insider blog posts about coping with a deluge of accolades, fame and fortune and good-natured taunting from JK Rowling.
I for one am relieved. You'd never really indicated your interest in being a writer yourself, and yet you so clearly ARE one. It's only slightly disheartening when someone who doesn't even want to is so dang good at it. Huge Congrats.
Well, what can I say… I wish it were me! Congratulations Nathan, it shows you are mortal too.
I have been wondering when this would happen!
Congratulations!!
Can't wait to read it. Hope you don't retire on your well deserved advance, head off on your private yatch to the Bahamas where nary a writer would ever find you again, except for SRO speaking engagements. We'd miss you.
Congratulations!! Your FAQ was hilarious. I'd be interested in hearing what you thought were the factors that made your first novel unsellable (or, to take a more positive spin, why this new novel is better than the previous one), in a future post, if you're willing to share.
Congratulations, Nathan! I think it's inspiring that someone who works as hard as you still found the time to write a book. Hooray, for all of us who are toiling to do the same, may we all be as fortunate as you. And as persistent.
Holy Crap, Nathan is getting published! Wheee! I'm so happy for you! That is too freaking cool!
(I have a feeling Catherine Drayton is going to get slammed with queries by the end of the day. I have a partial out with her right now, but I'm not holding my breath.)
By the way, you're mentioned by name in 3 out of the 9 posts in my fledgling blog. Please don't stop blogging, or else I will have to actually come up with my own content for a change.
Congratulations Nathan! Anyone who has read this blog can't help but look forward to anything else penned by you! Jacob Wonderbar will be sweeping the nation in no time!
Woa
ohhhh
WOW!
very, VERY jealous
and glad for you too.
Congratulations.
THAT IS SO GREAT! I am so happy for you! I love the title. I love the idea. I love the fact that you are so thoroughly in love with books that you have built a career that lets you experience them from all sides. You deserve it! You have given us all so much, through your educational posts, your encouragement, and your humor. Now we can give back to you! I, for one, will tell everyone I know about this book. Woo hoo!
Yay! Have I mentioned lately how cool you are? Well, you are.
Congratulations! Very cool deal. Title and plot sound great and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!
Congratulations, sir! You have so many moments of panic and delight ahead of you, and I agree, it can only give you a better perspective on your clients' journeys. Well done.
re: hearing about your book ALL THE TIME on your blog, I think that would be fantastic!
I'd actually really like some posts in the future about how you approach an editorial letter and copyedits, ect.. I think most of us would if that is something you'd eventually want to share.
Why am I not surprised that you would be good at writing too?
Congrats!!!
Congratulations! Very cool and I can't wait for my kids to read it. Actually, I'll undoubtedly read it too. It sounds like a really fun story.
Regarding yesterday's post. My daughter often laments that she cannot tell what she's getting into when she buys books (she's 12). Several times we have returned a book or graphic novel because she thinks it's inappropriate for her to read. I know this might be an unusual scenario, but I know she would love to see some sort of rating system for YA.
Congratulations!
I say bring on the unrepentant diva…and maybe some corndogs.
Well congratulations on YOU! It tells me a lot about your character that you had the integrity to use the query process with another agency.
Congratulations, Nathan!
Teresa
Congrats!!! I can't wait to read your book.
Woot! Congrats, Nathan!! The book sounds awesome. And fun. 🙂
And now, inexplicably, I'm jonesying for a corn dog. With yellow mustard.
??
Congratulations! And enjoy it!
It seemed a shame that you had to pre-empt criticism in your post.
Celebrate and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!! Yea! Can't wait to buy it for my kids. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Congrats, Nathan!
It's nice to read such an insightful blog from someone in the industry that knows the perspective on both sides of the fence.
Wow! What a cool surprise! The novel sounds like a ton of fun. Congrats!
You should consider renting a corn dog maker for your future book signings. Corn dogs + awesome kids' SF novel = culinary and literary GOLD!
Congratulations.
I have always suspected that you are sentimental to literary young adult. 😉
Can you and will you tell us about the novel's plot and share your query letter?
Finally, without a doubt, being a published author will change you as both an agent and as a blogger – I am interested to see how. Please assure me that you won't become a published-author-diva!
I look forward to reading your work.
Many many congratulations!!! It's nice to see good vibes coming back to you!!
Sounds like a terrific read!!!
🙂
That is absolutely fabulous news, Nathan! I am delighted for you 🙂
Do you know what season you're slated for?
delurking to say Congrats!! I love the premise of your book (go Corndogs! LOL) and best of luck to you.
Amie
congrats. I swear I've already heard of this book. How can that be? Publisher's Marketplace, perhaps? Anyway, cool. It's the greatest feeling in the world, isn't it? Getting that call from your agent…I was so stunned that my bubbly personality just disappeared and my agent thought something was wrong! Haha. You never know how you'll react. Have fun. As a debut author just finishing up (first pass pages coming soon), I can say it's a wild and wonderful ride.
And "Go Team Penguin!"
cheers,
Joelle
RESTORING HARMONY Putnam 2010
Congratulations! Very much looking forward to reading it. Also, I am looking forward to being an unrepentant diva when my time comes. (Dawwwwwwwling!)
I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! I had long wondered to what genre you wrote in your secret hours, because the joy in you find in writing is irrepressibly obvious.
Congratulations, Nathan! Great title, and a book I will be looking forward to reading.
Congrats!
And I second other commenters by saying that you really will be a better agent (and writer) because you have seen both sides of the fence.
Very awesome. Big congrats!
Congratulations, Nathan! Wonderful news!
And it will be especially interesting to hear how your agent half and writer half get along — or don't.
Edit to first post:
I meant to say tell us more about your plot's development.
How did you come up with the idea, etc.
Congratulations, Nathan!
Congratulations! Are you going to share your query letter? 😉
Sounds like just the kind of MG book I would have wanted to read! Best wishes on staying sane until it's released.
"This is a subjective business" = if I know you and like you, I will buy your book. Unfortunately, your success, Nathan, is just one more example of why so many writers think that the publishing industry is incestuous and depraved. I don't hold it against you personally, but that's the perception that's out here. Gotta be honest.
Bitter much? Hell, yeah.
~~Anon. in Tuscon
Congratulations. And that premise and title sounds awesome.
Thanks so much, everyone!! I will try to strike a balance between sharing some of the details of the writing and publication process without boring everyone to tears about me me me me me. The blog will probably return to normal in the coming weeks, and I may sprinkle in some posts about my publishing journey.
I really, really appreciate everyone's kind words!
Congrats!
That's fantastic! If anyone can juggle this many items with so much success, it's definitely you! Looking forward to reading it in the near future!
Congratulations Nathan, that's brilliant!
Sounds like a great book.
Congratulations, Nathan! You're not popular for no reason at all. You understand writers, and it shows. And now you have proof that you know EXACTLY what all of this is about. Thank you so much for sharing, and I look forward to reading your book!
Congratulations!! How fun! I look forward to purchasing Jacob Wonderbar for my kids!
Congratulations! If anyone deserves success based on just plain niceness, you do. And I'll bet the book is good, too.
I've spent my life as an editor and it hasn't given me even a toe up in terms of getting a novel published, so I'd be the last to accuse you of having an easy time.
I look forward to reading the book!
Holy crap, dude, nice! Congrats!
I'll make sure to tell my woman about it so she can pick up one of those free advance copies from her work 🙂
Congrats, Nathan — would you be willing to share your successful query (or at least parts of it?)
Congratulations, Nathan–that's great news!
I would have kept the corndog.
bryan-
Jacob Wonderbar would probably agree with you.
Congratulations. Sounds like a fab premise. How on earth have you found the time?
Your short one sentence description of the book's storyline gripped me! Definitely original and something I'd want to read and hope my kids would, too.
Your clients will benefit from your experience now that you have the perspective from the "other side."
To your success and Jacob's too. Thanks for sharing how its name came to be. That was cool and I'm not in SF, so I woulda never known.
Congrats!
You should join us over at the 2011 Debut Authors group:
http://community.livejournal.com/2011debuts/
Aw, congrats! I've heard that middle grade is very hard to write, because of having to get the voice of the young characters just right…
I'd be interested to hear HOW to picked which agents you would submit to, given your insider knowledge on agents as a whole. And, did you query some of the same people who rejected the first novel?
Nathan,
Congratulations. Sincerely. You are a great person who gives a lot back to writers. You work hard and you deserve this.
Enjoy it, and thanks for not giving up on agenting. We still need you in the trenches.
Congratulations! That's awesome!! This makes you an even cooler agent than before!
Way cool. Congratulations!
Nathan, I feel like the team that I really wanted to win the SuperBowl just won.
Congrats, so much congrats!
PLEASE tell us more about your book… I don't think anyone will (well, ok, there's bound to be ONE, but the majority of us won't) be upset that you share.
I think we all want to share with and through you.
I completely agree that you ARE a writer, as seen in your blog posts, and it's about time you got published! Congrats, congrats, congrats some more!
Aw, I'm so happy for you. Congratulations, you softie.
That's great news. Congratulations, Nathan. I agree with the others who've said you have an obvious talent for writing about reality. It will be great to see what you do with fictional world.
Congrats to you and Mr. Wonderbar. To think you were writing your brilliant nearly-daily blogposts, agenting, AND writing/marketing a novel..and you still had time for reality TV. You're an inspiration to us all.
Also, have you already started writing your next book like a good little author ;)?
Can't go wrong with a corndog. I mean, what will a spaceship do for you in those front row seats?
Oh my gosh, that's so freakin' awesome! But you know this means I hate you even more, right(in the best sense, of course)?
Congratulations!!! And thank you both for your blog and being honest enough to share with us the difficulties of the process, even for an agent 😉
Looking forward to seeing the cover
Congratulations, Nathan.
Bryan, there are 3 kids — that's a little too much cootie sharing for me. Don't know how you do it in Canadia, but we don't roll like that down here.
Awesome Nathan! I'm looking forward to a book I can give my 8 year to enjoy. He is way above his reading level. More pre-teen, early teen in ability. It's hard for me to judge books and find one that is neither too hard nor too easy AND that isn't too mature in theme. Yours sounds about right 🙂 Hope to hear more about the process.
Anyone have any good recommendations?
Congratulations, Nathan! That's really great. It sounds like a book my kids will enjoy.
Congratulations Nathan! I always thought you should write more than just the blog!
You're a great example to other aspiring writers, because everyone who has done any reading at all about literary agents knows what long hours you guys put in. To do all that work AND still make time to write a novel is stellar!
And sci-fi. Good choice, good choice. 😉
Congrats, looking forward to it
Nathan,
CONGRATULATIONS!
This is fantastic news–not surprising and certainly deserved.
I love that someone who so obviously loves books also writes them. No doubt your book will be all the better for it.
Cheers,
Mayumi
Bane,
1 Corndog, 1 Me. I don't see any problems. There are no friends where corndogs are concerned.
That's how we Canuckians roll. You think you got the juice for my corndog, bring it on. You better bring more than a spaceship, baby.
Many congratulations.
Congratulations and thanks for sharing your process!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!That's so wonderful!!!!
By the way, that's where I worked–Dial Books for Young Readers! You will be in good hands there!!!
Nathan, I'm touched that you're sharing your happiness with all of us. Thanks for letting us in during your celebration!
My first reaction on reading this was surprise. Not that you'd be published, that was a most likely a given. Or that you're a gifted writer, that was obvious. I just wasn't expecting it so soon. Damn, you're….what? motivated? driven? hard-working? I can't find the right word.
Awesome. That's the right word. What you'll acheive in your lifetime given half the chance is just awesome.
Congratulations on what is undoubtedly the first success of many, many, many.
I liked what an earlier poster said about karma. I agree. I see that too. It's not just hard work, you deserve this.
Congratulations, Nathan!
The book sounds fantastic! Congratulations!!!
Congrats!
Yay! Congratulations! I bet it's going to be hilarious! Can't wait to read. Do we get to see the query that got you published 😛
Congratulations!
It is great to hear that you have "lived the life" of a new writer and I believe it gives you a more rounded view of the industry….not that you didn't have an amazing VIEW of the industry from your desk…just says a lot about your passion to voluntarily walk those ropes!
AWESOME!
Sounds like a book my son will LOVE!
Congrats.
Please post your successful query letter, if you can.
Congratulations Nathan! So very happy for you!
Congratulations!
(The offical return of classes means I am unable to think of anything more eloquent. But really, that should do.)
Congratulations Nathan! It sounds like just the kind of book I'd pick up for my kids! Can't wait to read it!
Did you query any agents you personally knew?
Oh my gosh! Congratulations!!
anon-
I queried some agents I knew personally and ended up with one I'd never met.
Congrats! Very cool.
hey, congratulations! That's awesome!
Congratula…
I hate you.
Wow, wow, wow! Congrats! Best of luck!
Congratulations, Nathan! I love the title.
Woot!
…so will it be available on Kindle before the bookshelves? And what's the Kindle equivalent of an author's sneaking around to bookstores to turn his/her own book face-out? 🙂
congrats
How awesome is this! Congratulations!
Congrats! Can't wait to read it. It sounds great!
I've got an answer to your question Mira – Space Alien.
Yes, this excellent publishing news of Mr. Bransford only proves that he is a space alien. Or super human in some way. That is the only explanation as to his awesomeness.
That is so awesome. It kind of raises your respect in my eyes simply because you know what it's like to be on both end of the spectrum. And really, that book sounds good. Provided I'm marginally NOT poor when it's out, I'd buy it.
Congratulations Nathan! Your blog writing has always been exquisite, so this announcement comes as no (huge) surprise.
The title and tagline are irresistible.
Congratulations! I don't think there's any reason for people to be doubting your intentions or thinking you have a magical inside track. You've always been on the level with the blog, and that continues now. I'm sure you'll catch some flak from someone, but that's not a reasonable or a universal sentiment. Like the others here, I think the fact that you "know from whence you speak" can only help to make you an even more awesome agent. Good stuff!
Very awesome! I always thought "he should write a book." At least from the amazing blog entries you write nearly every day.
Definitely keep us updated on its progress. I think title and premise sound great!
I have tears in my eyes. Really, not joking. As if you weren't already my hero….
A big fat congrats! I always thought it was a shame you didn't write fiction because you have a truly unique voice that comes through in your blog posts. I wish you all the best.
I'm sensing a contest coming….maybe something to do with your query or a signed copy of JWCSK?
Enjoy your ride. Can't wait to read it.
Congratulations Nathan! I'm sure that your experience has given you even more empathy with your clients–both real and potential.
That's great news and I can't wait to read Jacob.
Congrats!!!!!
Well done! I am particularly awed that you can wear so many hats and do it with style. 😉
Nathan – congratulations!!
I'm officially insanely jealous (in a good way).
Question: Does this mean that you will now consider queries from Middle Grade Science Fiction Novels??
Because, you know, I'm writing one. And I want to query you when it's done (and polished, and polished some more).
Congrats again. Still jealous.
Congratulations Nathan, am well chuffed for you!
Mel
Congratulations! That's great news!
Wow, that's really cool! Thanks for letting us in on your journey. It helps a lot to know that you understand "our side" as well!
That is fantastic news! Many, many congratulations, Nathan. That is so inspiring! And your books sounds brilliant. 🙂
Fantastic news. Congratulations!!!!
Great news, Nathan!
I don't usually read middle-grade SF, but I will, just because you're the author.
Looking forward to a reading and a signed copy too. BOL.
Oh Nathan, Pleeeeeeze post your query letter here for us.
Congratulations!
2011 is so far away, are you feeling impatient?
I hope you'll share every step of the journey with your "followers". We would love to hear all about you, you, you and your journey as an author.
Okay, I am going to have to ask this:
Are there space monkeys in the book?????????
One of us! One of us!
(congrats, Nathan)
I have to agree with Steve Fuller. I want to be happy for you, but I'm too competitive.
I promise to buy your book though! Promise, promise, promise. But me and Steve still hate you!
Is your head exploding yet from all these congrats?
Excellent, I'll purchase at least ten.
Nathan – CONGRATULATIONS!! Oh my gosh, I'm so excited for you!!!
I have two boys and it sounds like a great boy book, something we REALLY need more of!
So we really must remember it only takes one, right? RIGHT!?!?
Nathan,
I’m glad to hear that you plan to write some blogs about your publishing journey. In addition to the great advice about the publishing industry you post as a literary agent here, your blog has always felt like a wonderfully creative and supportive writers’ group as well. I have the feeling it’s about to enter an even higher level as a meaningful writers’ group. I look forward to it! And, once again, congratulations on your awesome news!!
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!
I really thought you'd write a book since you clearly have a gift with words (and I had a ms consultation with you and saw firsthand how well you edit), but I assumed it would be on craft. How fun that it's middle grade science fiction! I didn't see that coming. What a cool surprise!
Now that I've scrolled through all your comments, my comment seems a little extraneous.
Congratulations! On your book deal and for being short-listed for best industry blog at BBAW.
http://oohbooks.blogspot.com
Congratulations!
Ha! Awesome and CONGRATULATIONS!!
Feel free to promote it shamelessly all you want because that title is fantastic! I don't know how you found time to write a novel with all the posting, traveling, agenting and reading you do, but it shows me that I have no excuses now.
Cheers!
~D/L
Damnit you are cool, Nathan. I'm excited for the book. I don't usually read sci-fi but I'll make an exception for you. And also because it has a kickass name.
Wow.
Hurrah! Congratulations!
Congrats, Nathan! 😀 The novel sounds like a lot of fun!
Congratulations, Nathan! And hooray for kids in space! Jacob Wonderbar sounds right up my alley; can’t wait to read this book. 🙂
Congratulations, Nathan! I'm thrilled for you. 🙂
I got so excited I skipped everyone else's comments-which I never do-but I'm pretty sure they all said the same thing I will.
THAT'S FRIGGIN AWESOME!
Congratulations. Your next novel should be about the time machine you use to creat 36 hour days when the rest of us have to get by with only 24.
Excellent news, Nathan. Congrats!
Dang it, I always come late to all the cool parties…
Nathan, many many congratulations! No wonder you're so good at getting what we writers go through…
I predict great things for "Jacob" – and you better believe it's going on my Christmas list – I know a few kids who will be just about the right age in 2011!
how many words?! 🙂
Holy crap. Congrats! I'm sure you won't have any problem getting reviewers.
The premise sounds fun and catchy.
And…yeah! Are there space monkeys???
So, SO excited for you. Congratulations!! And a middle-grade novel, too — I found that interesting because I read once that you don't lean toward representing middle-grade novels (or something along those lines), but if in doubt, to send a query to you, anyway. Your story sounds like a lot of fun, and I look forward to reading it someday.
Jeni Bell
Congrats!
Congrats Nathan!
So, did querying help you to understand what we writers go through a little better? I ask because not many agents, as far as I can tell, have gone through the whole process from a writer's point of view.
I'll be looking for your book in 2011!
Congratulations Nathan. From the very first time I read your blog I thought you should be writing as well. Glad to see that you were this whole time!
Thanks for sharing. I'll be sure to get a copy of your book.
Woohooo! I love a general who gets in the trenches and fights like his men. Soo happy for you. It is a killer of a ride. Please, keep us updated. I haven't read al the comments, but I am sure many others feel the same as I do. I'd love to hear a bit more about the journey of your MS, and maybe a little about your writing process. CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations, Nathan! I probably would've done the same thing–traded a corndog for a space ship LOL. I'm not a huge fan of corn dogs. Of course, I'd be more inclined to trade a corn dog for Godiva Chocolate, but then again, I'm not a boy. LOL
Let us know when you have a release date 🙂
One more thing, do you ever sleep?
Congrats!
Wow, Nathan. I didn't know you were writing a book! Congratulations! I'm so excited for you.
Even more excited about what this means for me.
I've had a question in the back of my mind if people so involved in the publishing industry like you are could still be writers. Woohoo! They can!
And it also makes me feel better that you are coaching people through the process of publication AND you will get experience of going through it yourself.
Way to go and way to dream big!
Congratulations, Nathan! 🙂
I'm looking forward to reading about Jacob's adventures when the book comes out.
I'm just happy for you, Nathan. Good job.
Congratulations!!! It's a good day for good news today – I just announced my own good news of signing with an agent! Yay!!
I love your title and premise, which promises to be funny and clever. Looking forward to reading it!
Congratulations, Tabitha!
Good for you!
I lurk, I learn, I am truly happy for you. I swear I've thought after reading your posts, "He should write a book . . ."
Can't wait to BUY it!
Congratulations Nathan! I was just thinking the other day about how excellent the writing is in your blog, and how it's made me want to try a more humorous and less serious type voice for my next book. Hope the process is as smooth as it can be!
Well, congrats to you, Nathan. Well done. Didn't think you had owned up to being a writer before.
It does give one pause that you are now one of the competition. I'm hoping your blog doesn't tranform into your marketing tool, and keeps offering the type of information we're used to.
Just keep the 'plugs' short and sweet if you have to pimp your book every now and then.
Hope you will continue to look for new writers as you have indicated. (isn't this like insider trading — just in the book industry??) Just kidding.
Wow! That is amazingly cool. I'm very happy for you!
I don't have time to read all your comments. (I have to do my "real" job.) BUT I wanted to say a huge congratulations. That is wonderful!
Congratulations! It sounds like it's going to be a great book!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I cannot wait to pre-order my copy!
Fabulous! Congratulations, Nathan.
It will be great to hitch a ride on your bus and travel along with you as you move from the agent to the bookshelf stage.
CONGRATULATIONS!
I look forward to reading your blog wit on a daily basis. Can't wait to read the book!
A hearty WOOT! for you, Nathan.
So very cool!
Congratulations.
Congratulations! You already knew your style was contagious. Can't wait to see it between hard covers.
Grats on the book deal Nathan! Best of luck with it!
Yay, Nathan! Hey, we share an agency. I'm also with Inkwell (Charlie Olsen and Richard Pine). So cool 🙂
Can't wait for the book!
wordver: drotest – protest by way of drawings
Happy Happy!
Congrats, Nathan. Your blog has long proven that you're a great writer, and I've wondered if you had some fiction in you.
Congratulations! It's only slightly infuriating that your novel is just a fun side project. That's okay, though. Sounds like something my third grade boys would love. (I'm a teacher.) I can't wait for release day!
WOOT! Huge congrats, Nathan!
I expect at least a LITTLE shameless self-promotion…
I still think it is extremely brave of you to continue to pursue more than one passion in the same arena!
Going through this process, all the way through, will make you that much better at your day job; I'm sure.
Your success is our success, so keep it coming!
Cheers!
So awesome! And CONGRATULATIONS!!
Hey! Congratulations! I have been a little busy lately but saw this through Stuart Neville's facebook status. Great news. Love to buy you a beer to celebrate… some time after early October.
It does explain why you're so sentimental and sympathetic. That's good to know that you actually know what it's like. Congrats on your book deal!
And of course we expect you to use your blog to shamelessly promote yourself!
Sounds like a fun read, I'll have to mix up a Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster and cozy up with it once I have the chance!
Congrats, you deserve success for all that you do.
WORD VERIFICATION: prono. A dyslexic vulgarity.
Congratulations!
WOW, that was a shock! Can I go and take a lie down now??
Congrats Nathan!!
Does this mean anonymous posters no longer get to talk about how you don't respect Writers? Because that's really going to take the wind out of their sails.
Congrats!!
Coming out of lurking to say this is AWESOME. Congrats. I, too, love your hilarious FAQ. And, BTW, it's clear from your blog entries that you're a writer. Can't wait to read the book.
Wow, didn't see that coming.
Congrats you lucky (and hard working, and probably deserving) bastard ;).
congrats! The synopsis sounds like fun.
This is wonderful news and after you wooed so many hearts last week with your appreciation of unpublished writers you are sure to have established a loyal and smitten following who will buy this book and all to come. (A cynical marketing ploy….?) of course not, we would never think that of you! Well done.
Oh Nathan! Congratulations! How incredibly exciting, and yes, we want to read all about it, every last query letter revision, cover art discussion and marketing plan meeting (and meetings, and meetings).
Can't wait to buy the book for my girls, it sounds great.
And what about the flying monkees? (smile)
I just think it's kind of cute that you were worried we might question your success or felt you got an advantage you didn't deserve 🙂 Now you're one of us, you poor poor man LOL 🙂
Congratulations Nathan, it's well deserved. Like all luck it only came from hard work and much angst, just like it does for anyone.
Nathan, Congratulations!
I'd be interested in hearing what made you decide the abandon the first project. Did you realize completely on your own that it didn't work? Did you receive written feedback from agents who'd requested a full that persuaded you that the manuscript was not publishable? Other reasons?
Welcome to the dark side.
(We have cookies.)
While I don't have time to read 200 comments, I'm assuming they all wish you a heartfelt, well-deserved congratulations. I think it's so cool that you're going through the same process as your clients – and agree that it can only make your more empathic as an agent. Congrats again – you deserve all the best! 🙂
Nathan, that's amazing news. I'm absolutely delighted for you. This is so, so exciting. Well done. I am sure the book will be fun, entertaining and fabulous. Please do share your experiences throughout the publishing process – and I'd love to read your query letter!
Thanks again, everyone, I'm really touched by your comments!
anon@12:35-
I wasn't totally confident going in with that first project, and while I received some positive feedback and went through a significant revision with one, even after that I just wasn't getting any offers of representation and I eventually came to the conclusion that it just wasn't going to happen. It was tough and it completely sucked to put it in the drawer and give up on it, but I dusted myself off and got to work again.
Looking back now I can say it definitely was all for the best, but it wasn't too much fun at the time!
Congratulations Nathan! I've been making jokes about you bringing a book out for ages. I think it's been obvious to those of us that peruse your blog regularly that there's a strong writing talent behind the practical advice and useful tidbits. And yes, in my opinion you getting published makes you a better agent, simply because you've been there now – or will shortly have been – all the way through the publishing process on both sides of the fence. And that, to my mind, is very valuable indeed. Well done.
Very well done – to Nathan and Tabitha.
I admire hard work, especially when it involves literature.
I feel I can't approach you now as my book is a boys sci-fi adventure (I'm a girl but can't write for my sex, yet).
Please can you direct us to what a GOOD query letter is?
Congratulations, Nathan. You certainly give considerable guidance to up-and-coming writers, so it's only right that you get your own due.
That's excellent news, man. Way to go!
Let me add my voice to the chorus: Congratulations!!!!
Wishing you all the best. 🙂
Congratulations, Nathan! AWESOME NEWS! I rarely comment on your blog (although I read almost every post) but just had to today because you offer such a tremendous service of publishing, writing, and agenting information on your blog. Your book deal is WELL-DESERVED. 🙂
Oh, by the way, Nathan, I must add one more thing:
You've done an absolutely wunderbar job here.
Enjoy that. It's on me.
OMG! Congratz!!!
This is so amazing =D You kept it so well under wraps it caught me on the blind side!
I will sure look out for it =)
CONGRATS!!
Congratulations! I read your blog even on the days when I am discouraged and feel like I could give a rat's ass what is going on in the publishing world. That's a testament to your writing ability. It's rare to find a writer who is hilarious yet informative, thoughtful, and essentially kind. Not surprised that you found a publisher. I AM surprised to hear that the book falls in the middle grade category. I always assumed, based on your profile, that you just weren't interested in middle grade fiction. Anyway, thanks for all the great advice. And thanks for having the consideration to explain the scenario to your readers.
Congratulations, Nathan!
I remember reading you have a love for philosophical science fiction (as do I), so no surprise that your story is SF – but I am surprised about the Middle Grade part. I'm sure the kids will gobble up your humor!
You never shared your perspective on ratings for children's books – will you give us your thoughts on that now, as a writer of a book aimed at kids?
You must be thrilled! My boys will love to read it!
Rock on, Nathan! Glad the secret is out. I'll be the first to admit that I think it's pretty darn cool to have an agent who is also a writer. It can only make you better at what you do! Big grats again.
Let me be the first to say Congratulations!
Now… a few questions, if you have a moment.
1. Word Count?
2. Number of Corndogs consumed for research?
3. Mustard on the Corndogs?
4. Had you queried yourself, would you have sent yourself a form rejections?
Nice job! Sounds like my kind of book!
Woot! Many congrats.
Congrats! This is great news!
Wow, Nathan, that's awesome! I've been reading your blog for a while now, and I have to say, I think you're a great writer. And I also think that this experience will help you to be an even better agent (not that you NEED help).
Huge congrats!
Nathan!!!!!
Congratulations!!!! And a middle grade novel, huzzah!!! Sounds great.
And there's no reason at all to sound so apologetic. You've worked as long and hard at your craft as any other writer, longer and harder than most, actually.
Congratulations and much success. And definitely let us know when the release date is.
Congratulations! I love reading your blog and will definitely look forward to hearing more about the book (and reading it in 2011!).
I am so grateful for the wisdom you have shared with us. Glad good karma has followed you and wish you all the best with your book. Congratulations!
BIG CONGRATS! I love you more now that you can empathize with our plight. Although your success has eclipsed my own, Godspeed! Can't wait to read your MG novel.
I'd suspected you were up to something! Were you caught up in revisions as you were doing all the guest post contests?
Good luck with the book!
hee hee, I noticed that too. It was a nice time to see who else was out there tho. The guest posts rocked!
anons-
Ha – no, actually those were real vacations.
Wow! Congratulations!
Congratulations!!
Nathan of course It's wonderful that you are a writer and that you have gotten and agent and a publisher. And I have thought, as have others that read your blog, that you had talent as a writer and should do some writing yourself.
But I have to say that there is something a bit smarmy about your not telling all the wannabe published writers reading your blog that you were also writing fiction and looking to be published.
Of course it's your blog and as such there is an inherent inequality between you the blogger and the people who read the blog and may post comments. However there is something doubly inequal about the fact that you withheld this very significant information for – what years?
I think that your blog has provied a great deal of useful information to the wannabe published writers (of which obviously I am one) and it is a very upbeat and encouraging forum. I certainly have gotten a lot out of it. And I think part of the reason it has been so successful is that you are a writer; so your posts are well done, entertaining, and the content is what we care about.
I am feeling kind of disappointed in you. For me somehow, some kind of betrayal has gone down.
I am sure no one else will agree with me, or publicly agree with me, but I just gotta say this disclosure of yours gives me a bit of a bad taste in my mouth.
It's not that big a deal; very small in the grand scope of things. And it doesn't mean that I am not happy for you and wish you well etc. And it doesn't mean your blog hasn't been wonderful but ….
Congratulations! I'm very happy for you.
incredible! congratulations, nathan!
anon@1:45-
Well, for what it's worth I didn't tell my friends and family I was writing a novel either! I didn't even tell my parents until after I had an agent, and didn't tell some of my best friends until after I had a deal.
Look, writing is hard. Finishing a novel is hard. Getting an agent is hard. Submitting to editors is hard.
Some people find comfort going through the process with other people because they know the ups and downs and can offer support. I preferred to keep it completely quiet so no one would be asking me for status updates and so I could maintain the status quo (knowing some people would snipe if they knew I was writing) unless something actually happened with it.
There's not a right or wrong way to go through the process. Everyone has to do what works best for them.
Hooray! Congrats!
and btw I would LOVE to hear about your process, especially about how being a lit agent changed your experience of the process! I've always been interested in hearing more about the books you represent, too. You've earned a little self-promotion!
Congratulations! Getting an agent (and especially Inkwell!) to represent you is hard, requires real writing talent.
That said, would you be willing to share your query with us? As an agent you know darned well what hooks, gets you to ask for partial/full. I'd love to see an writer's – agent's query; esp. the part where you tell your experience with publishing (industry).
Again, congrats!
Danish reader
Congrats, sounds like it's going to be an awesome book!
From the sound of your post, you seemed a bit worried that we might riot- you know, push over cars and throw fire bombs. Except we all know what you went through to get there. It may have been mildly easier for you but you still had to write a decent book in the first place.
I think you deserve to turn into a diva with the best of them. Enjoy!
Many heartfelt congratulations to you! Is it weird that this made my day, even though I don't "know" you? I suppose it's a testament to the impact you have on your followers. Like so many other posters pointed out, I think it's painfully obvious that you're a fabulous writer. I can't wait to get my hands on it and recommend it in my classroom.
This is just wonderful! Good for you, Nathan. Very very very happy for you! Yeah, maybe you had connections, but what it comes down to is always the writing. And you built your awesome platform as well.
Enjoy!
Did you have beta readers (other than the missus)?
Congrats! I look forward to checking it out.
anon-
Just the missus, and she only read parts. In retrospect I guess that manuscript was kind of on lockdown.
Congratulations! What great news, and I'm glad you're going to continue blogging.
And you thought joining Twitter was the dark side. Heh heh heh….
Seriously, we love you, man. And now we know that you know that we know … Hmn, where was this going? I forgot.
Super Congratulations!!!
I am not the 1:24 anon.
But… don't I remember you once saying that you were not a writer when someone suggested that you should write?
Or am I misremembering?
Or perhaps that was after you abandoned hope on your first novel and decided you weren't a writer? We've all been there!
Was this around the time you asked what constitutes a writer being called an author?
Truly, I am not trying to be snarky… I just thought I remembered … well, maybe it was another agent… but…
And I wouldn't ask if someone else hadn't already broached the subject – I’m a coward even as an Anon. I plan on attending Anon-Anonymous one day.
Either way, I can sincerely offer my congratulations.
Here's a question: Literary Agent first or writer first?
Know you sort of answered this, but would you ultimately prefer being a rock star writer or a rock star lit agent (assuming you can't do both due to time constraints)?
What rating would you give Jack Wonderbar? Did you write it with a future kid of your own in mind?
Exciting times! Good for you!
Wow, congrats!
anon-
I'm not sure which statement in particular you mean, but I'm sure I'm guilty of skirting the "do you write" question at some point over the years. I really don't think of myself as a writer still (I'm an agent!). But I think anyone should call themselves a writer when they feel it's appropriate.
Congrats, Nathan! You're one of us – a writer. And I never knew.
Can't wait for Jacob!
Nathan, I know this has been said before (in some form or fashion), but your humility (as with your generosity) is impressive.
I'm grinning from ear to ear! Congratulations, Nathan! I love middle grade books and look forward to yours.
Congratulations, Nathan! Thanks for sharing, and I'd love to hear how it goes.
I swear, birthing a book has almost as many ins and outs as that other birthing thing.
Terry DeHart
THE UNIT, Orbit Books, 2010
I'll just add my congrats to this very long list.
It sounds like a fantastic idea, and if this blog is any indication of your writing ability and engaging humor, I'm sure it will be a big success.
I'll even be the first in line here to buy it!
No matter who you are, or what job you have, writing a book is work.
So a HUGE congrats!!
Congratulations, Nathan!
Congratulations! It's great to know that you have this additional perspective now–your clients will benefit, as will all the readers of your blog. I look forward to reading the book and sharing it with my kids.
Good for you, Nathan. What a thrill, and I'm sure you got the contract on the basis of your writing skill. Being in the loop, so to speak, probably got you some attention that others wouldn't have received from a query, but you had to follow that up with strong writing. Hype can get attention, but doesn't maintain sales in the long run.
Look forward to your book.
And I will absolutely read your endless promo for it. 🙂
Holy Guacamole!
Or maybe mustard, but definitely not ketchup.
Way to go Nathan, ditch aspiring and go straight to writer!
Well that is just the Bee's Knees. I solemly swear to buy your book. I'll buy anything involving corn dogs.
Many congratulations Nathan!
It'd very nice of you to share this process with us, and specially to be honest about being favored by your experience as an agent.
As for my opinion, you can market your book as much as you want here. We'll always cheer for you, buy it, and spread the word. You more than deserve the support, given what you've been doing here.
My best wishes!
Congratulations. And in light of yesterday's question, will your book come with a rating?
I love science fiction for young readers. I can't wait to read your book. Any chance that you'll post your "awesome" query when the book comes out so we can see both book and query together? Think what a teachable moment!
Good for you! Such great news!
That's wonderful Nathan! Congratulations!
And I'm so glad you are not giving up agenting, I love your blog. I will also love your other blog (the one where you promote your book) when you set it up. 😉
Good luck and Squeeee.
Congratulations Nathan. I am truly amazed that you are able to find the time to write as well. But then people say that to me, but I haven't finished my book yet. HA!
Congrats Nathan!
Do you ever sleep?
You do realise you have to post up your Query letter for us all to see, eh?
I'm looking forward to reading the book when it comes out, that premise sounds pretty cool.
Congratulations! A well-deserved honour for you. I don't know how you find the time to fit everything in!
Well done, Nathan. Happy for you.
One question, and it may have been covered: why can't you represent yourself?
That is TERRIFIC news, Nathan! You totally deserve it after all the help you've given to us writers. I've never posted a comment before but have read your blog religiously since I started looking for an agent earlier this year, and lo and behold, my book will be published by Sourcebooks in 2010! I will be at your Books Inc. workshop on Sunday and congratulate you in person!
Congrats, Nathan! I can't wait to read your book.
So, can we see your query letter. 🙂
Congrats!
Is it terribly vindictive that I feel a teensy bit gleeful that even you had to experience a little rejection as a writer???
Okay, it's bitter. I confess.
I still wanna read your book, though 🙂
Wahooo, Nathan!! Can't wait to hear all the propaganda about the book!
Exciting news! If Karma rules the world, this is more than deserved with the kindness you have bestowed upon all of us. Congratulations! I''ll buy it and pass the word on to all the middle schoolers I know. Since I have two of them, I know a lot of middle schoolers! You're, now, in every way, an inspiration to the rest of us.
O.M.G.
No, seriously, why didn't you sign with one of the agents in your own agency? Is it because of a conflict of interest?
I'm just curious. And what would happen if one of your rejected queries landed the same agent you have now 0.0?
Congratulations, Nathan! And please don't apologize in any way for your success. You're a fine person, from all accounts a fine agent, and I'm sure will become a fine published author.
Aside from being publishing custom, I couldn't represent myself personally because it would be like a doctor operating on himself. As I found during the submission process, having someone with a very clear head is extremely important, and I was incredibly thankful I wasn't making decisions on my own.
And as I alluded in the blog post, I thought it would be best if I went outside the agency for representation to avoid potential awkwardness at work.
HUGE CONGRATS!!!!
Congratulations! It would be interesting to read your query letter to see if you followed your own advice when submitting! I look forward to reading it.
Cheers, Nathan. I was wondering if it was a personal decision or if there was some kind of in-house or industry rule about it. I could see things getting messy if an agent is spending more time on his or her book than on his or her client's books, and an agency like Curtis may not want that reputation.
Congratulations! Are you going to get an author's profile on JacketFlap and Facebook?
I love the idea. Now you just have to get a European English translation of corn dog and you're into the UK market too. (I spent 16 months in the US and had to get my friend from Georgia to tell me what it was, we don't have them, but boy are we missing out…)
Come visit the 2011 London Book Fair!
I don't comment often, though I lurk daily, but I have to come out of the woodwork to say that's AWESOME news!
Well done, you 🙂 Looking forward to seeing it splattered all over the place and seeing the film! 😀
I'm SO envious!
I mean . . . congratulations! 🙂
Congratulations! That is very cool.
Lordy. I just got out of bed and my head hurts (finally got my body clock back on Aussie time after returning from the States last week!). This was such a confusing post to read when I was half asleep!
I think it's amazing that you've written a book and you're getting published. I totally wasn't expecting that, but I'm so happy for you! I can't wait to read more about it.
After reading your blog every day for almost a year, I've no doubt your book will be an excellent read 🙂
Word Veri: ealinced. That's kinda how I feel right now, like OMG I'm so ealinced.
Congrats! That is so fabulous!!!
Adrianne
Congratulations, Nathan! I love the title. And I know you couldn't have gotten published unless it was good, in fact, exceptional, these days. No matter who you are.
And although I don't think you would be the agent who would want my stuff, you are so very helpful to us.
I wish you the best of luck with it. May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back…
Congratulations! I think it's wonderful. It doesn't matter who you are, getting a publisher to accept your work is probably one of the best feelings in the world. I haven't experienced it yet, but someday I will. By best to you.
Simply wonderful news!
Having been a diligent reader of your blog for sometime now, obsessing in the dos and don'ts of the publishing world, my heart is once again full of hope.
If you, Nathan Bransford, has had rejection letters, there may be hope for us all if we heed your valuable advise. Read – read some more – leave no stone unturned and don't give up.
All the best with Jacob Wonderbar – not to be confused with wonderbra! 🙂 Sorry, couldn't resist!
I get the agent/writer thing. I'm a teacher and then had my own kids. Now I'm a better teacher. Same goes for your agenting. 🙂
but…HOW did you have the time??? Do you have a social life? A family? Amazing!
CONGRATULATIONS NATHAN! That's quite an accomplishment!!
Is there any awkwardness regarding a Curtis Brown Agent finding representation from a competing agency?
Congratulations!
Congratulations! The book sounds wildly fun!
Nathan –
Congratulations and best of luck.
Tell me – did I freak you out with my creepy prescience when on August 19th I wrote:
How about you, Nathan?
What category is the pseudonymous manuscript you've been secretly working on during stolen moments?
Okay I was wrong about the pseudonymous bit…
Now I have to buy it to find out what:
"It's kind of a cyberpunk PLUS steampunk women's fiction slasher romantic comedy"
actually means.
Again, great news!
dylan
Wow! Congrats, I'm jealous, and I hope to join your ranks someday in published-ville. I love SF (even though I write for adults), and I'm glad to know there will be more of it out there for younger readers.
Congratulations! And I love that you named Jacob after Jacob of Philz. Oddly enough (to me!) Just this morning I posted a love letter of sorts about Philz. As for Jacob, I always say "come for the coffee, stay for the show!"
anon@4:13-
My colleagues have been amazingly, awesomely supportive.
Congrats Nathan. Sounds like hard work finally reaping rewards. All the best with the journey from now to the book being in print 🙂
Congratulations! That is great news.
That's truly wonderful:-) I look forward to offering my congratulations in person at your workshop on Sunday.
Nathan, congratulations!
You really do get us writers, don't you? *smile*
A corndog for a spaceship. Hmmm. Don't know if I would have made that trade. I do like my dogs on a stick. With mustard. Is there any mustard on the spaceship?
Congratulations! I love hearing "the call" stories, and this was a great one. All that hard work has paid off for you and it doesn't get much better than that!
Oh, yeah. You must have sweated bullets on getting an agent. Gee, check with 10 and get signed up. Are you really that good or do you just have an "in" the rest of us don't enjoy?
Obviously, I'm posting Anonymous. You really haven't a clue at the pain that the rest of us endure.
Heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to you, Nathan! (Yes, I'm a little late to join the party, but I don't have internet access until late at night.)
I've always thought you were a superb writer, and often wondered why you hadn't written anything. I hope the book is also written in you natural, witty way.
But seriously, are there space monkeys???
307 comments? What the heck do you do with 307 comments. Is there somebody who actually reads 307 comments?
In case you make it all the way down to the this comment, nice going on the book deal, Nate.
Next you'll be telling us you can whip up a Margerita pizza while surfing an impossible tube.
Or is that simply a bad analogy for what's just actually happened?
Congrats Nathan!
Enjoy the fruits of your labors and try to check in with us from time to time…
One more thing. I just wanted to let you know how inspiring it all is.
I'm a mother of two small children ages 3, and 18 months. During the day, I'm "Mommy" and housewife. I go to work when my husband comes home, and work until about 2:30 am. I've also thrown going back to college in there somewhere.
I've been working on my novel for a year now, and as time progresses, I find myself writing less and less, telling myself that I'm just too busy. But seeing you do this, ON TOP of everything else you do takes that excuse away for me. I would have been done a month ago if I stopped using excuses. So today, thanks to you, I picked up my pen and started writing that final chapter.
Thanks.
Congrats!
Thanks for writing what sounds like will be a funny book for boys! We need more!
Major congrats Nathan. It would be interesting to hear what YOUR agent thinks of you going through the process.
Plus, I bet there you could write an fascinating novel about being an agent with a blog. Just your spam notes would be great humor.
Congrats! I think we'd all appreciate it if you DID blog frequently about your book and its progress through publication. The best way for us to learn about all this is a first-hand example.
Big congrats, nathan, and best of look with the book!
Congratulations Nathan!
Can we see your query letter?
🙂
Ya see, people came to your blog because you're an agent, and you give great advice for writers. However, lots of writers have blogs and give writing advice, but they don't have the following you have. You have your following, first and foremost, because people want you to represent them. Now, after all this time (gaining a following and making connections that none of us would have equal access too as plain-old writers)…Bam! Lookie here…you got a pub. deal. Who wouldn't want to represent Nathan Bransford! Who wouldn't want to publish a book by someone who has as a built in following! You are not equal to other writers. People feel they need you (you know what I mean)so they flock to you…it's not because your a swell guy. There are lots of great people, great blogs, but…Okay, yea, I'm jealous–sour grapes, I know. What will be funny is how all your groupies will profess how they would have bought your book anyway.Tsk. Had you not wanted an advantage, you never would have brought it up to your readers because surely you have plenty of friends to congratulate you. Tsk. Tsk.
Congratulations!! This is huge!!
I actually remember the first week you started this blog. It was your voice that first drew me to the blog.
And, I like the title.
First up, a hearty congratulations! I was envious when I first read your post because I've been trying to get published so long it's laughable. But while I'm big on writing, I've never been big on querying. After a few tries, I've tended to give up or just kept on revising the stories for years…and years.
I remembered thinking while reading your prev. posts, 'He writes so well and is in the industry, how come he hasn't been published? It muust be near impossible to get a publishing deal.' Then, of course, it occured that you hadn't written anything due to possible lack of interest and time.
Well, now I'm feeling it is possible to break into the writing industry when we pay our writing dues.
Great news, and I'll be looking out for Jacob Wonderbar in 2011.
Word verification – moonisse.
A HUGE congrats!
When it's released I'll be buying it, awesome concept … my kids will love it!
Anon 5:01, I have to disagree. Not everyone who follows Nathan's blog does so because they want him to represent them. Many of us write books we know wouldn't be Nathan's cups of tea, but we still follow his blog.
Congratulations, Nathan! I can not imagine how you found the time to write a novel. You put the rest of us to shame – a very demanding full time job, almost daily blogger AND a novel. And I thought my schedule was brutal.
As for the insider stuff – it doesn't matter how many contacts you have if you don't write a great novel. So obviously you have.
Congratulations! I'm sooo buying your book for my kids. Also, your Client's winston churchill book for my husband. Also, your blog rocks, and I have no doubt that it will continue to do so. 🙂
Nathan, this is so wonderful. Congratulations! The concept sounds wonderful, and I can't wait to read it.
Also, as an agent, you understood your own contract! That must have been amusing. 🙂
Congratulations. That is so awesome! I am so happy for you. However, you have gone an put your foot in it. MG science fiction, huh? Well, when I eventually get my courage to the sticking place, I'm afraid you'll be getting a query for my mg fantasy. Sorry. As much as I love your blog and I get the feeling I would enjoy getting to work with you, I was going to pass you up because mg fantasy wasn't on your list. But now you've gone and written (and are getting published) a middle grade science fiction, and you can't dodge this particular bullet any longer.
With the distance I have to travel down the page to write this comment, it clearly shows you've got some following here! Not surprising really. Your blog is one of the few I make time to read. And this last one is so far the best…
Congratulations, Nathan!
Well, d**n, I want you to be an agent, one that wants my book and that only. Ha. That's the green envy part of me talking. The rational side says if I was an agent I'd read your work. Your writing has energy and you're funny. I bet your book is good. Congratulations!
Deborah Bundy
Congratulations, Nathan!
You must be on top of the world. I recently found your blog and enjoy it very much. As a writer (and reader) of MG fiction, I'm looking forward to reading your book.
Yikes…I am so late to this party. Congrats! It sounds like a really neat story.
Nathan, Congrats. Ilove it when good people win and you are both.
Wow, big congrats!! And good to know you like SF enough to write one yourself. Also that you can truly empathize with us. Hope you will consider sharing your successful query and synopsis with us.
That is ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS, Nathan. Hope you're going to celebrate!!!!!!!!!!
Gads I love to hear good news like this – especially from somebody so passionate and who has given back so much. Count me in line for a first run copy!
CONGRATULATIONS!
🙂
e
Congratulations! And LOL at "There are easier ways to get a leg up." ONLY seven years as an insider?! 😉
I write middle grade, too, and I very much look forward to meeting Jacob Wonderbar. Major kudos to you both.
Congratulations! How super cool.
I'm not sure why I thought an agent wouldn't need an agent. I guess that makes sense.
Very cool. Congrats!!!
@ Anon 5:01
We're not "groupies." We're crazies. CRAZIES. Remember that. And we have special Nathan devotions every Thursday evening at 7:00 pm, and each year we make a secret pilgrimage to kiss the pavement outside his office. Oops, wait, I wasn't supposed to tell you that: now the others are going to kill me unless I get to you first. 😉
Seriously, 99.9% of us would have been very disappointed if Nathan hadn't shared his good news. A blog is not about fame, it's about building a community. I'm going to get all sappy and personal here, and say that a lot of people, including me, have come to value Nathan as an online mentor and distant friend. Not just as an agent, not just as a writer, but as a person. I don't think that makes us "groupies." Rather, it means that we're intelligent enough to appreciate what we've found here. For your own part, if you go on looking for the worst construction to put on someone else's motivations, I guarantee that you will find it; but you are the only one who will be damaged by your cynicism in the long run.
Wordver: upsycl
When you're on the right side of a bicycle for a change.
That is amazing news, Nathan!! And what a great story for all writers out there. Very inspiring. By the way, I just happened to notice that you now have over 2,000 followers – and that's just the ones following you publicly and not through a reader or email. Did you know that? Of course you did, right?
Congratulations again!
What an accomplishment! Even though as an agent you probably work the equivalent of two and a half full-time jobs, you still found the time to write an agent-worthy, publishable book. Connections count for something, but those connections don't get books published (most of the time), they just get your foot in the door. Only your writing can keep you from getting the door slammed on that foot.
Kinda takes all our excuses away, doesn't it?
I'll join the 34,000 other people who are happy for you.
Hmmmm. Work full time as an agent, reads blogs, responds to comments, AND you wrote a novel.
Congrats!
Congratulations! This sounds like such a fun book. It (almost) makes me wish I were back in the classroom so I could share it with my students, especially the boys.
😉
Um, wait…. Oh, yeah…. Primal type scream coming up here, protect your ears.
WE HAVE TO WAIT 18 WHOLE MONTHS TO READ THIS??????????????????!!! I GET WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS IF NATHAN DOESN'T BLOG FOR A WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, so that sounded sort of like a groupie. But 2011? Come on! 🙂
Congrats Nathan!!
This kind of news draws out even the stealth lurkers.
I always thought you should try your hand at writing a book or two…you do have a special way of putting things in words.
Thanks for sharing with us…cheer cheer cheers.
(I feel like I am cheering at the Olympics – very exhilarating)
Nathan that is wonderful. I'm really happy for you. Thank you for sharing everything you do. And it really helps me look further into getting farther into writing myself.
Thanks so much
thats awesome dude, congratulations. it might be answered in here, but i am going to ask anyway, why cant you represent yourself?
Anon 5:01, there are other agents who have blogs, but none have the following that Nathan has. He's worked damn hard for this following, and he deserves it. I've seen him skillfully navigate some very difficult times on this blog; it has not always been a walk in the park. People are drawn here because of who Nathan is as an agent, not because he is just an agent.
As for the contact thing – what? Is an agent supposed to refrain from publishing their book so they aren't accused of unfairness? That seems just silly to me.
I know that celebrating someone else's success can be difficult at times – for all of us – we're human. But please don't denigrate his accomplishment – either in creating an amazing blog, or writing a book that is about to become – a book!!! A book! How exciting, Nathan! You wrote a book! 🙂
Well done, Nathan!
Then come book signings etc.! Do you have longer days than the rest of us?
Congrats!! Very exciting news — so happy for you!
Congratulations! Your blog demonstrates your flair for writing. It was only a matter of time.
Nathan, I'm so pleased to read your good news. The book sounds great. Congrats on finding representation (with someone you didn't you didn't know) and the book deal. I'm so pumped about it now I have to put my iPhone down and pick up my laptop and get to work.
Cass
I'm looking forward to your book! It sounds like a fun premise. A big hearty CONGRATS to you!
Congratulations, Nathan.
I can't wait to buy it, read it, and leave my review at Amazon.
Congrats Nathan. You deserve to promote the book on your blog. You give so much to the writing community in return. Hey… it would've been funny if you'd included your query in the Be an Agent for a Day contest!
I haven't commented in a while, but thought I'd de-lurk to say congrats – it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
And, geez almighty, I feel like a woeful underachiever now. Please don't tell us you are also secretly running the city while the mayor is out of town.
Can't wait to read it!
Hey, I'm the first commenter!
Congratulations! This is super cool.
Congrats Nathan! Your book sounds interesting, knowing your sense of humor, I bet it will be hysterical! I do agree with keeping your book to your self until you have a lead of some type. I am doing the same, only the strangers that I have come to be close with online in writing groups know the book. Well there are the countless agents that have sent back wonderful rejection letters to include you only a few minutes ago 🙁 But makes it easier to know that you know both sides of it.
But no matter I am truly happy for you and know you will do wonderfully!
Congrats again!
So pleased for you Nathan, but … um … I'm a little embarrassed to ask this because nobody else has … but … well … here goes …. What's a corndog?
Congrats
Juliette,
A corndog is a hot dog on a stick, dipped in a cornbased batter and fried in oil.
A favorite at American fairgrounds and cheap diners.
I love them with mustard!
Congratulations, Nathan!
Good for you! I hope we can look forward to hearing more about your personal struggles through the ups and downs of writing on your way to becoming a published author.
As an aspiring writer, I am just as interested in hearing about your failures and your rise above your failures (and fears) to finally succeed.
I look forward to hearing more about the first book and how you decided when was enough enough? And out of curiosity – what was it about? Was it a YA too?
Thanks for sharing your view into the world of publishing – and now, your personal experiences with writing and publishing your first novel.
NATHAN STOP CONGRATS STOP YOU'RE MORE AWESOME THAN I EVER THOUGHT STOP CAN'T WAIT TO READ ABOUT KAPOW STOP YAY STOP
COURTNEY STOP
Congratulations!
Wow, there's some US culture for me! Thanks for the clarification. Never would have thought to do that with a hot dog. You guys might have discovered a whole new food group!! And look how valuable they are … this kid I know once traded one for an actual spaceship … his name is Jacob …
Ha ha! I freaking KNEW it!! Congrats, man!
Perfect way to break the perfect news. If anyone deserved this, it was you.
Can't wait to read it! I'm all about teenybopper sci-fi after all!
Still I've got a feeling that when your book becomes a smash hit, you will give up agenting :((
Congratulations!
I'm so happy for you. So amazing! All I can say after 370 previous comments. What an inspiration!
Kapow!!!! I didn't see that one coming. Nathan that's so exciting. It must have been strange sitting at the other end waiting. I can't wait to hear all about it over the weekend.
Congratulations!
About 8 or 9 months ago I finished the first draft for my first Novel. I then decided I was too busy to polish it and have it critiqued. But then again I don’t answer 100’s of queries a week and write a successful blog. So I decided that if you’re not too busy, then maybe I can find the time. Tonight I creaked opened my manuscript for the first time in months. I quickly remembered why I like the story. Thanks!
Hey, congratulations! Glad to know you'll still be doing the day job; I'm still planning on querying you as soon as I finish these edits… *eyes stack of notes*
That's awesome Nathan. I hope to get an agent like you, who is trying, or has successfully become a published author. I believe that it will help you understand exactly what each and every aspiring author goes through. Enjoy your glam and double success as both an agent and a writer. One thing I was wondering about though, why couldn't you just represent yourself?
WEE HEE! How cool!
I'm still debating the concept of being an agent, though I'm a writer – I totally understand business and have a background in accounting…
CELEBRATE! CELEBRATE! Dance to the music!!
I really wish you were an agent who works with what I write…
Damn, who cares! Write for your readers! Write from you heart!
You have a ready made fan base! Well done you and you're little book too. Me not jealous, honestly! No seriously couldn't be more pleased for you. Will be pre ordering my copy as soon as Amazon stocks it.
Congratulations! Hope the book does brilliantly.
Congratulations, Nathan. How you found the time to write a novel, I can't imagine!
All the snarly anons – why do you resent another writer’s success? The fact that Nathan's an agent is neither here nor there. Maybe he had the advantage of a bit of inside knowledge, but he still had to write a good book that would grab a publisher’s interest. We all know how hard THAT is.
Congratulations! That's fantastic news. I'm sure your clients will be thrilled too, as now you can empathise with them about finding a publisher. Plus I'm sure this will make you even more sympathetic towards people querying as you know what it's like.
Congratulations, Nathan, that's wonderful news 🙂
That is great news! I'm currently doing the query slog myself so I know the madness and depravity of it all.
But I do have one very pertinent question:
Did you begin your query with a rhetorical question?
🙂
Nathan, that's brilliant! Congratulations. Your book sounds right up my ally.
I've been reading this blog for years, but this is officially my first comment. What made me break my silence? A little bit of excitement because – we share the same agent!!
I'm thrilled that I can say I have the same agent as Nathan Bransford 🙂 That's trippy.
Katherine
Awww!!! My favourite of your blog posts yet. Many congratulations.
I can relate to you telling almost no-one and your MS being on lockdown. I do the same. It´s hard enough doing it all without having to explain yourself.
I wasn´t going to query you as I had compiled a list of agents who had personal experience of creativity on a professional level, as opposed to only the ´sausage-making´ end of things. There are way enough of them to make it a sizeable list. Well, you´re on it now.
Oh dear, someone also breaks the universe in my book! (But for adults.) Is this the new vampires or something?
Best of luck with the book!
Let me get this straight. You published a book and are NOT going to become an unrepentant diva? Then, good lord man, WHY DID YOU DO IT? I'm in this business solely because of the opportunities to become an egotistical bastard (the masculine form of "unrepentant diva") and I find it astonishing that someone would not take advantage of the opportunity.
Congratulations, Nathan. Primo work, dude.
I'm very happy for you, Nathan. Congratulations.
Congrats Nathan!!!
Congratulations 🙂 🙂 🙂
Congratulations Nathan! I'm a Jamaican writer, a new reader of this blog, came across it doing a web search for "how to write a good query letter," immediately queried you re my novel, got a fast rejection, signed up for the blog anyway, and now every couple of days or so, I see a message from a Literary Agent in my In Box! Still causing a bit of a heart flutter, I can tell you. Your blog has a lot of great information for an aspiring writer and I thank you for that.
In the unlikely event you're still reading – my question about the submission process is this: how can you tell what your book needs? By the time you've finished it, you know every word and every one of them seems wrong. When you send it out, whether to critical readers or to prospective agents, if you get any feedback at all, it is generally conflicting. How can you be a reader for your own book?
Well done, Nathan!
I have no idea why your success makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, but it does. Maybe it’s because you’re such a nice person. So nice, in fact, that I’ve often wondered if you come from a different universe than the one I inhabit. Perhaps your book is a memoir.
– b
Aww! This is so sweet. Congratulations, Nathan!
I love your book title!
I'm sure it's been said already but Congratulations!!! That's really exciting! And you never said a word the whole time… I kind of feel like it proves that what you say is true. About the publishing process.
Rather encouraging come to think about it…
Congratulations! I can't wait to read it!
Congratulations ! Well done. And so humbly so.
So cool! COngratulations to you from up here in Washington state!
I'm curious to know, and maybe this has already been asked, but I don't have time to read 395 posts! Good Greif!
Did you write to the market? Did you see a need for MG boy books, as we are always hearing, and write to that need? Or did little Jacob Wonderbar haunt you in the late of night?
I cannot WAIT to read about Jacob, Nathan. I was sitting her laughing at the description and knowing that, with your extremely hilarious sense of humor, it'll be an amazing book.
Congrats (w/ not even a hint of a grudge) !
Congratulations, Nathan! Ridiculously excited for you. We all knew you could write (we read your blog). Can't wait till the book comes out!
Anon 5:01 — I get what you are saying and it might be true — IF it were an agent other than Nathan.
I've been agented before. I couldn't even get that woman to read my next ms or answer my polite and patient emails, yet Nathan manages to maintain a fun blog AND even responds to comments from people that are NOT his clients.
That is not a person who is "using" his blog to further his writing career. It's not some evil plot to solicit ten extra people to buy his book when it comes out. If anything, it gives him a ton more street cred, because he knows what a damn struggle it is, just like the rest of us.
I've queried Nathan and got a partial request and was eventually rejected. Who gives a crap? Am I supposed to expect him to be my agent because I like his blog? No. Is he expecting blog readers to buy his book because they like his blog? No.
It's a MG novel. MG novels are, at their heart, humble creatures. Some of you are acting like he's only started a blog to secretly suck all our brain power and become the next Dan Brown or something.
I wasn't that thrown when learining he got a book deal, I was only thrown it wasn't for something adult and literary, since that's where I thought the strengths of his tastes lay.
Congratulations! I am happy for you.
Congratulations!!!
Well, I read all 395 going on to infinity posts in celebration of another writer joining the ranks of, well, writing, whether published or no. And, imho, all 395 plus comments are a testament to the generosity and spirit of writer's as a whole.
Writing is a passion I would wish on anybody who breathes. And every success should be celebrated with lots of fun coming out parties.
So, not only do I congratulate Mr. Bransford and wish him Captain Underpants success, but those who responded so generously are to be commended as well.
It's my sincere wish that all of you, likewise, find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow of your hard work.
And in kermity kermit fashion, of course.
So to summarize your post, "I'm publishing a novel. I'm sorry." Who the hell are you apologizing to? Congratulations, Nathan. I hope your book does splendidly. Anyone that can't be happy for this success isn't worth your time. Never apologize for something like this again or I'm coming to San Francisco and kicking you in the shin.
I would bet money that Anon 5:01 IS someone who is only reading this blog (and non-anonymously attempts to flatter Nathan) because he wants Nathan to represent him. Ironically, I'd bet that people who only read this blog because they want Nathan as an agent are the most irritable!
The other 2000 or so of us appreciate this blog as a fun, informative window overlooking the road to being a published author. Unless Nathan was known for landing million dollar advances for every newbie offer he represents, why wouldn't we devote our sycophantic energy to agents with better odds of accepting our work? The fact that Nathan is now walking this path itself only increases the value of his advice.
Also, the name "Anon 5:10" sounds like a bible verse. Maybe a lost book… the Prophecies of Anonymous Internet Ranters. Otherwise known as the Book of Maggl, my word verification word.
Wow! I go away for a day – stupid migraine! – and I miss everything…
Congratulations, Nathan! That's really super-cool, and I'm very happy for your success. I'm sure that being an agent gave you a unique perspective on the industry (as well as a wee bit of an advantage), and I have no doubt that your experience being "on the other side" will benefit you in your "day job."
Again, very cool – and I'm only sorry I didn't say this yesterday! Stupid migraine!
Oh, Nathan, congratulations! I've been reading your blog for your years now, and wish you lots of success.
Woo hoo! Congrats! Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy – seriously. Can't wait to read it!
!!!
Oh my stars, Nathan, that is exciting! Congratulations! (broken record… 😛 I'll just fill your ego a little more)
It's nice to know there's an agent out there who definitely understands the challenges of finding an agent and getting published. XP Makes your advice even MORE legitimate, as though it wasn't amazing already.
Hip-hiip-hoorah!
Holy Cow, Nathan – I just read some of the posts from the sour-grapes anon. It must suck to be that person(s). Me? I'm happy for your success. I expect your years of agenting and reading submissions and books and writing were what sold your novel, not your name. If you wrote a piece of doggy doo doo, your name wouldn't have helped. Kudos for your grace in the face of slime.
Congrats! Now I like you even more. You have struggled like the rest of us and landed on top!
Well done! 🙂
Wow that is awesome. I just read your post and it suddenly uplifted me because I have dealt with a lot of rejections for my novels (please take note of the plural form there) and I’m already doing this part time. Writers really do get a lot of rejects before the clouds part and shine on them huh?
I know you get this a lot and you might probably get pissed but I really hope you don't mind if I ask you if I can send you some drafts for my novels or the synopses. Hmmm…how do I do this? Anyway, here is my website: http://www.akasha824.wrdpress.com and my writing technique/genre is for young adults thus explain the book reviews I have for the young adult “generation” in my blog 🙂
Congrats! I can't wait to hear more about it.
…That might be asking for trouble.
That's awesome, Nathan!
It can be enlightening to see things from the other side. I'm glad you got the deal and the experience.
Congratulations, btw 🙂
I love this. I can't wait to read it.
Congratulations and a huge hug.
Congrats, this just makes us love you more. You are one of us.
Congratulations Nathan!
Outstanding!
Part of me is very happy you didn't go the "easy route" (representing yourself or having a co-worker do it).
Knowing this makes me respect you for your character.
CONGRATULATIONS Nathan! It sounds like a really fun book.
This makes me so very happy. It makes me smile thinking of all those kids out there who will get a dose of your positive energy and be encouraged the way all of us have!
Tracy
Congratulations! Your advice and commentary has been so helpful, I'm thrilled to see you succeed.
Nathan,
That is wonderful!
Congratulations!
Congratulations!!
Would you post your query letter here, for those of us who haven't seen tens of thousands of query letters? Thanks.
Bravo. Hats off. Well done.
It's obvious from your posts that you're a good writer. And…I think this will make you an even better agent. Like you said, you've now seen the industry from all sides. Your novel sounds great.
You've inspired me to get cracking on editing my 300+ pages. I plan to pitch to you this fall. 🙂 Again, congrats.
Congratulations. I'm always last to see new posts and wonder why bother commenting. But this is different. Congratulations Nathan! As someone who's derived a lot of pleasure and drive from reading this blog and others' trials and comments, go you and thank you.
Congratulations. I'm all about Middle Grade books for my kids, so we will check yours out when it's available. There really aren't enough that aren't either romance, personal issues, or Harry Potter related. We were just at Barnes and Noble for a school fundraiser. My son had $35 worth of gift cards to spend, and he couldn't find enough things at his reading level that he wanted, but hadn't already read. (We did find the second book in the Mysterious Benedict Society series, which we didn't realize even existed. That was exciting. Anyone with kids who are picky readers might want to check that out since my daughter is one of them and LOVED the first one.)
Congrats! I'm happy for you…truly I am.
But, it is a little disheartening to hear anyone could go from concept to a full novel to finding an agent to getting a publication contract all under one year.
Could you give those of us who have been struggling for years some stories about your previous attempts? It might give me some hope again.
Thanks…and Congratulations
Many Congrats, Nathan!
I'm hoping for a revival of MG and YA sci-fi because that's what I'm working on myself. 🙂
Congratulations!
Congratulations, Nathan! That's fantastic. I wish you the best of success with this side of the literary world. You've worked your butt off to get there and no one can take that away from you. I've always believed 3/4 of writing is done in your head anyway, by soaking up story telling and then dreaming of your own…Good for you!
We need a word which is the opposite of Schadenfreude (German for joy in another's misfortune, or shame). Maybe Freuenfreude — joy for a friend's good fortune. That's what I feel for you, Nathan.
I would congratulate anybody for even finishing a novel, let alone getting one published – but not a literary agent. No way.
I can only speak for myself, but I would never sign with a literary agent who's attempting to become a novelist.
The reason should be pretty obvious too – what happens if the book actually sells well? Is Mr. Bransford hoping that the novel won't sell well? Surely not.
Essentially, he's pursuing another career.
Okay, so maybe the chances are pretty slim that sales from this novel will allow him to leave his agency and write full time. Nevertheless, he's pursuing another career.
I'm not a published novelist myself, but my best friend is, and through him I've learned a lot about the writer-agent relationship. His agent, a much older female, will be retiring next year, and he's devastated by this. Why? – well, because his relationship with her is a deep one (trust me, it is – he would not be a full time novelist without her), not to mention that it took him ten years… yes, ten years… to find her.
You don't just get an agent overnight, as everyone here should know. Nor does that relationship develop over night, as many people here will soon find out.
Why would any struggling novelist want to develop a relationship with an agent who is even hinting at not staying in the business? Yup, agents choose to leave their posts to pursue other endeavors all the time – no question about it. But if you're a novelist yourself, and if you have any understanding of how the publishing business works and of how difficult it is to locate an agent, then that's exactly the type of person you're going to want to avoid.
I would say to any novelist: if you were to visit an agent's website, and were to discover that this agent had been attending, say, law-school, with the aim of becoming a lawyer, would you pursue that relationship?
I sure wouldn't.
For this same reason, I wouldn't want to pursue a working relationship even with an older agent – I've seen firsthand how important that relationship is and how difficult it is to develop. As a relatively young novelist I wouldn't want to invest all that time and energy into developing such a relationship knowing that its life-span would be a brief one.
This is actually one of the reasons I was drawn to Mr. Bransford in the first place – because of his age. I had presumed, mistakenly as it turns out, that he was the type of person who had technical abilities, but few creative powers – exactly the type of person I want reading my work (and there are other reasons for that as well, which I shouldn't have to mention here).
Mr. Bransford's decision to become a published novelist is just plain unprofessional. Literary agents have all these rules that we, the unpublished novelists, are supposed to follow. Why is it that they never follow any of ours?
(Also, in response to Anonymous above – yeah, that bad taste in your mouth… I have that as well. I submitted to Mr. Bransford this summer, which is something I NEVER would have done had I known about this.)
Michael Younger
I think the title of your book is great! Congratulations.
Wah hoo! Congratulations Nathan!!!
Way to go Nathan. You have no reason to apologize (albeit, the subtext). You are a talented writer. Period.
Congratulations! I am sure it will be a smashing success. I'll do my part …
All good things.
RLS
Michael-
Well, I do appreciate that you're a lot more optimistic about my own book than I am.
Michael Younger –
Other successful literary agents are also successful novelists, for example Deidre Knight of The Knight Agency. Many lawyers are also writers. Some doctors and lawyers have their own TV shows and also write books that get published. It's impossible to tell which literary agent will quit their job as an agent, or which literary agency or publisher or bookstore will go out of business for that matter, during the entire length of any writer's career. Just my two cents.
Michael,
Amen! I couldn't have said it better. I am interested to see how this plays out!
The fact that he hid that he was writing from his family and close friends, while most of us are out here broadcasting, confessing, and owning our attempt to write, has alienated him from me. It certainly has not brought him closer or raised him in my esteem as so many whoo-hooers are claiming.
This smells underhanded.
He wrote under the table, in the dark, behind our backs as though it was a dirty little secret while we have all been broadcasting, ironically, here on his blog , our fears and turmoil as out-of-the-closet-writers.
And no one can convince me that we are not preferential toward the genre and styles that we write in. I expect an agent to be broader and represent the business side of the publishing industry – not be swayed by the artistic side.
The fact that he published a book is not the problem – the fact that I feel mislead and as though he thought writing was something he had to hide – that is the problem.
He even hid it from his family.
I am sad.
Michael, I'm not nearly as in tune with the publishing world as you are, nor will I probably ever be, so you can take my disagreement with that in mind.
I do not think the two, agenting and writing, are mutually exclusive. Would you also not want Donald Maass as your agent? He writes books. I do not think the writing of a middle grade novel by an agent is unprofessional. What if Nathan had a different outlet for his creativity, say photography, that he pursued during his free time and he decided to show his work? Would that be unprofessional? Indulging one's creative side does not mean you are pursuing another career.
I think you are taking your author friend's utopian agent relationship too much to heart. You will find yourself deleting many excellent agents from your radar.
I respect that you did not post anonymously, as others have, but I disagree with you.
Ooooh….I, I…I'm not gonna say anything. Just sit in my dark, secretive corner and giggle….
Anon 12:46 – Nathan doesn't even represent the genre he wrote in. How can he show preferential treatment in it?
Also, I don't get why people are upset that he kept this a secret. It's personal!!! It's also risky. When I'm risking rejection, I only tell people I trust about it. I can handle failure, but I prefer not to do it publically…well, for the most part. There have been a few exceptions.
Also, Nathan is getting some flack for publishing now. Imagine if he had shared the whole process with us. Why would he want to take all that on while he's going through the rather vulnerable process of trying to get published?
I can see both sides to some of this, but the idea that Nathan should have shared it, and he betrayed us by not sharing it, well, that just has me scratching my head, going: huh?
Congratultions, Nathan.
I suppose this explains a great deal.
🙂
Every quarter I get a $40.00 royalty check for my children's books. It's a little hard to live on that! Let's just I'm glad I'm employed and I take my job very seriously as I know Nathan does his!
And by the way, I didn't tell anyone about my writing either. I was "exposed" when I got a fan letter at work from a kid, so that's when I told people about it.
Mira,
Does your family know you are writing? Because the thousands of people who have stopped by here over the last year do know you are writing – just as they know every time you scratch your head.
If you cannot see the issue with an agent, who hosts a blog for writers , hiding and even denying that he writes, then please, continue scratching.
Michael, I thought and thought and thought, and decided I'm not going to argue with you, except to say:
1) Writers write. Agent or not, writers write. All writers know that. Nathan's a writer. Ergo, he writes.
2) Yeah, me, too. I'm worried Nathan will become famous on this book or the next or the movie, from a book, or something, and leave us all to go write full-time. But there are no guarantees in life. Nathan says he loves agenting, and is going to stay an agent, and that's really the best you'll ever get from any agent, regardless if they have side jobs or not.
There is alot in life you can't control, especially other people. Lots of things can happen in life. People come, and then they go. It's really hard. It totally sucks. It…..um, I forgot what I was going to say. Oh, maybe something about if you love something, you must let it free to fly away, but….well….actually……it might be more fun to go sulk in the corner about how everyone always leaves, and it's not fair.
Of course, I have noticed that once something leaves, something new comes in to take it's place…..
You know, I'm not sure which way to take this post. I'll have to get back to you.
Anon – thanks. I like to scratch my head.
And you might note that Mira is not my real name.
And some of my family know I write. Not all.
How cool is that? We can but love more. Cuz you really ARE one of 'us'.
YAY, Nathan Bransford-author! 🙂
I'd also just like to point out that I would also consider quittting agenting in the event I were bitten by a shark while being struck by lightning on a leap day, which is approximately similar odds as my novel being so successful I'd quit the day job that I love.
Damn, I was that close. I got bit by a shark while being struck by lightning, but it was during an eclipse and not a leap day. So close.
Ink – you're funny.
Nathan – glad to hear it. I now need to leave. I have some sharks to hunt. Gotta get those odds down, down, down.
Oh, and you're also funny.
And congratulations.
@Michael Younger–
Michael, if you had to go into battle, would you rather be leading an army of grunts, or one made up of seasoned soldiers? Where is your 'Alexander' strain?
Congratulations! I'm glad to know that you have some understanding of the writing process to go along with your love for books.
Yea! You are amazing. i love this blog and your attitude. Good luck with the book! I have an agent, but I'm kind of sorry it's not you!!!
Nathan, that's brilliant news! The book sounds right up my ally.
I'm also excited because I can now say I have the same agent as Nathan Bransford. What strange times 🙂
Katherine
I have to jump in and not mind my own business here. I don't seem to understand the problem with Nathan being a published author. And for the person that said you queried him in part because you felt he lacked creative powers, is that because you feel your book lacks creativity and he would be okay with that??? I think it only makes him better, he can see it from all angles and maybe even possibly be able to be a bit more open. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but shouldn't we also try to be happy for others who have success? If he was just another poster on this blog saying he had just got a deal would you also be munching on those sour grapes?
Also if he does decide to quit being an agent to become a full time diva writer 🙂 well isn't that up to him? I am fairly sure he is over 18. True it would be sad because I have heard great things about him as an agent and there would be some people sad but ya know what, at the end of the day it's still HIS choice and the people he represents I am sure he would point them into another agents direction.
So since everyone is entitled to their opinions I think yall that are munching on the sour grapes need to go grab a corn dog and eat that.
have a great day and again….
GOOD LUCK NATHAN!
I was just happy to have another book out there from which to choose. But I guess that's just as selfish as not wanting an agent to have any success in anything buy agenting. By the way, I wrote the text for a picture book and never told anyone until I was talking to an agent who was inerested in it. It didn't end up getting picked up, and I kind of wish I hadn't even shared it when I did. I bet there are a lot of writers out there who don't announce that they're writing with hopes of being published.
Congratulations! Jacob Wonderbar sounds like and exciting story, and I cannot wait to purchase a copy for my son, Jacob.
Woo-hoo!
Congratulations! You are a beautiful writer on your blog, so I, for one, am an insta-buyer. I love children's book and I love your voice–it's gotta be good! 🙂
Holy Kapow! Congratulations Nathan!! Sounds like a great story!
Nathan publishing a novel?
Just like a good plot twist:
Logical but unexpected.
Leigha, you've completely missed the point I was trying to make – nevertheless, to each his own. If you want to spend ten years or more of your life teaching yourself how to write fiction, and then develop a relationship with an agent who is actively pursuing other interests, then that's completely up to you.
What I never mentioned however (mostly because I thought it was so obvious) was that when an agent crosses over like this there's an obvious conflict of interest.
I can only assume that the publishing company that will be publishing Mr. Bransford's novel is going to be paying him? So now you have an agent on the payroll of a publishing company?
It shocks me that people here are fine with that.
I'm not.
This is for personal reasons, and also because I don't think it's good for publishing in general. (That's an understatement, actually.)
And Rhonda, you completely ignored the arguments I presented – completely – and instead just said that I was 'being selfish' (that's got nothing to do with it). You're sniping at me. Sorry, but you are. I probably shouldn't respond to your comment, but I presented my arguments in a reasonable manner, and there was no reason for you to take a pot-shot at me like that. Sorry if I'm sounding a bit rough about this, but I really dislike being called 'selfish' when that's not the issue here.
Congratulations, Nathan! I look forward to reading your book and handselling it at my bookstore. (And if there are advance reading copies, I hope one comes to my store.)
Gosh, you don't need another comment, but I'm so happy for you. Congrats.
anon-
Really not sure where you're going with that. I honestly can't imagine a situation where there would be any conflict, particularly since I don't represent middle grade science fiction.
I'm not the first person in publishing to write a book – if you decide you don't want to work with every writer in the publishing business, public and private, you're going to be left with a pretty small pool.
Perhaps if SOME PEOPLE worked a little bit harder on THEIR NOVELS and a little LESS HARD on getting their PANTIES IN A BUNCH re: the totally deserved success of OTHER PEOPLE they might have agents and book deals, too. Congratulations, Nathan!
How DARE you, sir?* How dare you use your talents in literature and publishing to entertain and enhance the lives of innocent children!
I’m glad that there are ten or twelve individuals who, like myself, can see this charade for what it really is. A well-crafted plot against writers everywhere!
Oh sure, you claim to have paid your dues working in the publishing industry for the better part of a decade. Oh sure, your first novel failed (you likely planned it that way to garner sympathy from many failed writers who have had to deal with vicious and evil literary agents wishing to eek out a decent living by discovering new talent and promoting it). Oh sure, you’ve labored for years blogging thousands of articles, comments and links that are helpful to writers.
But I’m certain it was all a Stygian plan to market your novel (because so many midgrade readers follow this blog). Well I’ve got an insidious scheme of my own. I’m going to buy your book when it comes out. I’ll suggest that others purchase it as well. And I’m going to continue to spread the word about your blog so that many other writers can get published and compete with you. Ha. Then you’ll be sorry. Take that!
I hope you get exactly what you deserve!**
– SJP
* any expressed opinions associated with my actual opinions are purely fictional.
** I do hope you get what you deserve. Unbridled success!
"Perhaps if SOME PEOPLE worked a little bit harder on THEIR NOVELS and a little LESS HARD on getting their PANTIES IN A BUNCH re: the totally deserved success of OTHER PEOPLE they might have agents and book deals, too. Congratulations, Nathan!"
This has nothing to do with anything that I've written so far.
Okay, but just so you know, I've spent well over a decade living in poverty so that I can spend my every waking moment either writing, reading, or thinking about fiction.
I've made more sacrifices than I care to imagine.
I'll try to work harder, though, if you think it will help.
I know I'm late to the punch. But congratulations, Nathan!
I'm trying to figure out the conflict of interest angle…somebody help me here…because I'm not seeing it.
And by the way, a writer is not an "employee" of a publisher.
Other Lisa, aren't you one of Mr. Bransford's clients?
You're a new client of his, aren't you?
Lisa – the potential conflict of interest might be, for example: Nathan tries to sell a client's book to Nathan's own publisher: Penguin.
Given that Nathan would not sell a book in MA SF, it's a stretch, but not completely out of the ballpark.
For example, Nathan could approach Penguin with all offers first, do dealing behind the scenes, etc.
Which, I want to point out, Michael, Nathan could do anyway. All agents can wheel and deal and make backroom deals that serve their own agendas more than their clients.
You didn't think Nathan would be unethical before. The situation has not changed. He is still – quite obviously – an ethical person.
Also, and Michael, this is important to remember: the networking and relationships that Nathan develops at Penguin could benefit his clients, not hurt them.
Yes, I am a client. Not a particularly new one at this point. So I think I can speak to whether this is as an issue for clients.
Trust me. It isn't, except in the most positive sense.
Other Lisa, that's not what I meant.
I meant that you have no objectivity here.
It would be naive of me to believe that one of Mr. Bransford's own clients is going to remain nonpartisan in any discussion about his conduct.
Yeah, I guess that could happen in an extreme case.
Not only are the "conflict of interest" posts wide of the mark, I think it would be tragic for you not to represent Middle Grade Science Fiction, or any other genre you held an interest in, or had expertise in.
If you wrote a memoir, would you not be able to represent memoirs?
I'm new to this industry, but I know what conflict of interest means – it means you get some kind of monetary kickback for abusing your position.
Nathan – not only are you clearly an ethical person, but I don't even see where the conflict comes in.
Keep up the great work that you do!
Michael Younger and other "Anons" Unite!
You wrote: Literary agents have all these rules that we, the unpublished novelists, are supposed to follow. Why is it that they never follow any of ours?
Let's say we publish those!
1. No literary agents may publish novels. Heck, no books or magazine articles either. It's bad enough they're getting 15% for their efforts.
2. No professional athletes should become coaches or announcers in the sports they've participated in. It's just not fair!
3. No military men (or women) can get into either private security or law enforcement. They're BIASED!
4. No actors should ever become producers or directors….talk about having an "inside track!"
5. There must be no height or weight restrictions on jockeys, models or body builders. Let's be FAIR!
Are we agreed?
I only wish Leonardo DaVinci wasn't around for us to keep in line!
MY,
You are obviously a sharp-witted man with a unique dry humor (that most people miss), and you write well.
As crazy as this might sound, I believe that you are extremely talented, but frustrated and pounding on immovable walls.
I also believe that anyone who has sacrificed ten years of his life for his art and is as intelligent as your many anonymous postings prove to me you are (yes, I have recognized your voice) – that you will succeed – IF – you do not become embittered and distracted by … well … this kind of stuff.
Seriously. Let this go. Not because I don't agree with you, but because this-doesn't-matter in regards to your life.
If you spend your time railing at the injustices in the world and at the real or perceived flaws in the publishing industry, you will never finish your breakthrough novel.
Personally, I would be both encouraged and happy to be buying your novel one day. I’d like to hear what you have to say – and I’m certain I’d enjoy how you say it.
May I ask: What do you write?
And for the record: No, I am not MY pretending be another anon. – as we all know he has been known to do in the past. 8)
And because so much can be lost in translation, I want to be clear that I am not being mean spirited.
Awesome! Just saw the PM announcement and realized it's been a while since I've been over here. Congratulations. I can't wait to read it!!
anon @ 9:46-
How many professional athletes do you know coach? Not former pros- I mean while they're still active. And I don't mean workshops either, I mean actual serious coaching.
The answer? I'm betting not a lot. You know why? Because being a pro athlete requires you devote all your time and energy into your own training. You don't have anything left to give to other people.
That's why we have coaches: people who have either given up on their sporting dreams or never had one in the first place. They don't need to invest anything in themselves, so they're able to focus on other people. They put all their energy into making their athletes better, just like athletes put all their energy into making themselves better.
Now, this is where I have a problem with writers doing other things.
(NOTE: This isn't really directed at NB, it's more a general rant.)
Maybe I'm just a romantic, but like Michael Younger I always thought writers were supposed to sacrifice everything for their art- you know, live it and breathe it, blah blah blah. I thought that to be a good writer you had to throw everything else away. Like somehow that would make your writing more potent. I guess I was wrong, though, cos even when I did that my novel still turned out crap 😉 but it's just a bit disappointing when you realise how little it matters, you know? It'd be like devoting your whole life to God only to end up getting sent to Hell anyway.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, I wish you more sensible writers would try to understand how people like me and Michael Younger (sorry to be presumptuous!) feel when things like this happen. To go back to the Christian analogy, it'd be like said devoted person looking up from the flames of Hell to see a gay Wiccan floating up above with a VIP pass to one of Jesus' awesome Friday night parties. I mean, the Wiccan gets to have fun in their life AND afterlife while you went ahead like an idiot and wasted 85 years singing hymns and going to church? **** that!
Not that I'm saying anyone here is a gay Wiccan.
What I mean is, while I think NB has every right to be happy and proud of getting published I don't see why it's so bad for the less fortunate among us to be a bit bitter about it. Jealousy's part of human nature, you know? Some of the comments here just make me feel like I walked straight onto the set of The Stepford Wives.
I know a lot of agents publish. Ted Malawer, Deirdre Knight, Lucienne Driver, among others. And Nathan's great for admitting that being an agent gives a huge advantage (I LOL'd reading a post claiming that LD had no advantage when it came to publishing her novel).
People are entitled to their own opinions about fairness, etc.
Although I realize agents love books and it's only natural many of them would become writers themselves, well… I personally wouldn't want an agent who also is an author. It's not out of fear my great idea would appear in their text or something, just because… I don't know. Bad taste in my mouth, too, I guess.
Congrats anyway. You have a great platform and I'm certain you'll sell well.
And btw– I agree with anon above my anon comment. There is something a little Stepford in the air here.
OMG! I just started following your blog recently and went into a complete spazz of excitement for you when I read this. It is SO exciting that you got a deal on your book!
But I have a small question. Some of my friends don't understand why you got an agent for your book when you're probably totally set on representing yourself. Could you maybe explain that so I could try doing so to them?
Really, congrats on your book deal! I hope to be saying the same soon, but, meanwhile, I find myself literally jumping up and down with joy. Awesome job! I don't usually read that genre, but you really got me interested with your summary, and I can't wait to check it out!
I still think you are akin to King Solomon. You give a wise response even when people hurl the little green monster that sits on shoulders at you.
Congratulations on your success, Nathan. Anyone who works as hard as you do and still makes time to become a successful author deserves respect and praise.
BRAVO to you! You INSPIRE others, including me. Thank you for all you give. You're a very good person. 🙂
Linda the Skeptic
Congratulations a million times! Thanks for sharing the joy and enthusiasm. It is wonderful.
Isn't King Solomon the guy who got smited by God for whoring around with women all the time? I guess that's not an entirely bad thing, but still.
Stepford? Really?
If you folks are regular readers of this blog, you most likely have noticed that Nathan seems to be an all-around good guy.
Good guy has good news; people are happy for him. That's how most folks react. I think it's sad if you find that creepy.
LindaBudz, I'm not saying NB isn't a good guy. I'm also not saying that it's "creepy" for people to be happy for him; I just find it odd that there's hardly anyone that admits to feeling a bit of sour grapes, that's all. If your best friend managed to score a really good promotion while you were still stuck in the same mediocre job you'd had for years and years are you telling me you wouldn't feel the tiniest bit bitter about it? It doesn't mean you think any worse of your friend or their achievement. It's just how you'd feel.
Obviously in a real life situation you wouldn't go ranting to your friend about how jealous you were, but this isn't real life! It's the internet. It's a public forum, really. And as a public forum I think we should be allowed some discussion and debate here. I'm not belittling anyone or putting anyone down. I'm just stating an opinion. If this comments section isn't meant for opinions, what is it meant for? NB can always just delete my comments if he thinks they're inappropriate, anyway.
I will admit my Stepford comment was a little out of line, though, so I do apologize for that.
I'm late- but still wanted to say congratulations Nathan. I wish YA fiction had been this exciting when I was 12. Have big fun and tell all about it!
Anon,
Why is the internet any less real? The people you're talking to, I'm pretty sure, are just as real as they are in "real life". Comments are just as hurtful. The only difference is that people don't always have to stand up and take responsibility for their comments online. And I don't mean this as an accusation, but just as an indicator of the false distancing that takes place, a mental mapping that allows a sort of depersonalization of communication.
And I'm guessing that a lot of people probably had the thought "When's my turn coming?" when hearing this news. But does really have anything to do with Nathan? That seems, to me, to be a product of internal concerns and frustrations. And this doesn't negate honest happiness and excitement, either. And why wouldn't people express that?
If someone feels bitter… well, fine. If that's their honest emotional reaction then that's what it is. Is there a point in sharing it, however? Remember, now, these are real people… there's no fake life where nothing really matters, and all comments are retractable with a takeback. There are no weightless comments.
If you have concerns about some aspects of the situation, sure, discuss it. Everyone's welcome to their own opinion, say, on whether there's a conflict of interest. I don't see the logic, personally, in the argument. Or, say, the idea that Nathan necessarily has some unwritten full disclosure pact with his readers simply because we read his blog. That seems an untenable position to me, as I believe quite strongly in the right to privacy and the right of an individual to live their life in a manner of their own choosing. Or perhaps the notion is the romanticized idea that writers must give up everything else to write well, or that they would give up everything if they had the chance to do so… which seems a little distant from the practical reality that most professional writers have to have a day job, and many would choose to even if it such a thing were not required. There's more to life than writing, and, I dare say, that "moreness" often feeds good writing rather than diminishes it.
Anyway, I just think it's important not to gloss things with distorting labels – "it's not real life". But this is as real as anything. You and Nathan and the other people commenting on this blog are as real as the person who just walked in my door. I think comments should reflect that. Open and honest discussion is still personal discussion. It's real.
Anyway, just my two cents on these topics.
My best,
Bryan
Bryan – hear, hear! Wow, really nicely written.
I only disagree about one thing. There are ways to tell someone your honest feelings without necessarily hurting theirs.
Part of it is timing. If a friend tells me wonderful news, I will push all other feelings to the side, and find genuine feelings of happiness to express. This is their time to feel joy, and as a friend, I'll support that.
Later. If I can't work the feelings through on my own, to keep things honest, I'll tell them the other stuff. "I'm glad this happened to you, but I'm having a hard time because of my stuff."
So, later. But not necessarily never. If you keep important things buried forever, the relationship goes silent and off. That's true with a friend, or any on-going relationship. It's also true with writers, period. Writers need to tell the truth.
So, I sort of agree with anon in a sense, and I'm glad he brought the issue up, but I think it's partly the timing.
And yes, I know I'm way over my quota of posting. So before anyone decides to be honest and tell me that – I know!
"Why is the internet any less real? The people you're talking to, I'm pretty sure, are just as real as they are in "real life". Comments are just as hurtful. The only difference is that people don't always have to stand up and take responsibility for their comments online. And I don't mean this as an accusation, but just as an indicator of the false distancing that takes place, a mental mapping that allows a sort of depersonalization of communication."
Bryan, you said this so well…I wish everyone understood this concept. You are my hero for the day. 🙂
"Maybe I'm just a romantic, but like Michael Younger I always thought writers were supposed to sacrifice everything for their art- you know, live it and breathe it, blah blah blah. I thought that to be a good writer you had to throw everything else away. Like somehow that would make your writing more potent."
Like any other profession, writing requires discipline. So sometimes, yes, you do have to sacrifice other things (like, oh, a social life most of the time) to focus on the writing. But most writers have day jobs – we can't afford anything else. Which means 40 plus hour workweeks. It's also important to take time to exercise – healthy body, healthy mind and all that. Eating is good too. The whole notion of a starving artist, giving up all for his/her art is archaic and impractical. I personally write much better if I'm happy and healthy.
Okay, Nathan, you can come out of your garret now. Here are your crackers. Now get back to your writing!
Mira,
I'm perfectly fine with honest discussion, I just think there is a tactful way to do it, a way in which you take into consideration the feelings of the people engaged in the discussion. There's a human reality to every such situation.
And if you're bitter at someone else's success, I really don't think that has much to do with them. There's a difference between repression and forcing your emotional concerns on others (and I'm speaking abstractly here and not to anyone posting, if that's not already clear).
For instance, if a friend gets a book deal and I don't, and this bothers me a bit… do I tell them? I don't see why, unless those feelings are interfering with the relationship and causing subsidiary problems. Why burden them in that way? In this case, I can't see how that reason would be valid. We read Nathan's blog. If some of us were to be upset by this news, well, we don't have to read the blog. I don't think we have to decry his integrity merely on account of his success, and only for our own personal reasons. I think people can disagree in a non-hurtful way without personal or professional degradations.
Just my two cents again. Oh, okay, maybe that was three. I'm a big spender.
Bryan
Dana,
That sounds like a song! Hero for a day… I keep thinking of that song for one of the Spiderman movies, the one by Chad Kroeger. Now I'll have to listen to it. Oh, youtube, you are my friend…
Smited… now there's a writer word. Smited.
King Solomon was known for WISDOM. You obviously aren't a biblical scholar,monsieur anonymous. 😀
Oh, and because I'm taking Bryan's example to heart, I want to add I'm not decrying anyone who chooses to write/draw/?? to the exclusion of anything else. My use of the term 'archaic' was a bit harsh.
It's the choice of the individual and some people may create their art better under those circumstances. Just don't assume the rest of us can't create equally well with a different lifestyle, including full-time jobs et al.
I'm singing the song for you, Bryan! 🙂 My hero… *sigh*… I've got SUCH a crush!
Thanks so much for the back and forth, everyone.
I will just add that there are really a whole lot of writers within the publishing industry. To take but one example, David Levithan is both editorial director of Scholastic as well as an incredibly successful and prolific author (he co-wrote NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST). Would you turn down a deal with Scholastic just because David also has his own writing career?
And there's even a long tradition of writers in the industry – T.S. Eliot worked at is now Faber & Faber, and back in the day of course Benjamin Franklin and others were the original self-publishers – they created presses to get their work out.
I certainly think you're entitled to your opinion, but I just don't think the conflicts of interest are there. My books aren't going to be in competition with my clients, my negotiating position with publishers will be just as strong, and should my book meet with any success at all you can bet I'm going to be turning around and deflecting that onto my client's books through the blog.
Lol. I admit, though, I very rarely wear Spidey tights. And people tend to freak out when I walk on walls, so…
Spidey tights not necessary. 🙂 The walking on walls, however? I'm okay with that!
Nathan, you are also articulate and classy. No Spidey tights for you either, though.
Yes, to what Nathan said! I think this can only be good news for Nathan's clients – or perspective clients.
Bryan,
It's hard to argue with you right now, because as Dana said, you were so eloquent.
Hard, but not impossible. 🙂
I agree about tact, but….
First, there can be other feelings than bitterness when someone else has a success. Aside from happiness and other positive feelings for them, of course. Angry feelings, like rage, anger, resentment which usually have sadder feelings underneath. Discouragement. Hurt. Yearning. Hopelessness. Doubt. Feeling overlooked, unappreciated, unsupported. Despair.
Working through these feelings is really really hard, but it can lead to other feelings like acceptance, surrender, inspiration, renewed determination, faith, trust and hope.
For friends: I would pick my timing, but I would talk about it because for me, that's what friendship is. Of course, friendship doesn't mean that to everyone, but it does to me.
On the blog: I would talk about it!!!!!! And I will. And I am. Because that is part of our journey together as writers. We need to be honest about and help each other with this stuff – the hard stuff. The stuff about failure, and jealousy and bitterness. Talking about it will help us work past it.
The person who succeeds has a challenge too, you know. They don't get off the hook. They have to the challenge of balancing compassion for other people, without feeling guilty, apologetic or hurt on their end.
And just so people know, I'm now deducting from my quota this week, to make up for posting so much here.
Oh – one last thing. The reason I'm addressing the emotional stuff so much is because I think that's what underlies the accusations anyway.
Haha! But you were being very tactful… and not in the least accusatory! So you can't fool me. Because, you know, I have a secret spider sense.
🙂
I'd never argue that you have sense, Bryan, even of the spider type.
Btw, hope I'm not being too intense for people. I'm a counselor, and I talk about heavy stuff ALL DAY LONG.
Speaking of which, I'm going to stop talking now. I think I'm down to one post a day for the next month. It's going to KILL me.
Nathan, that is great! Congratulations on the book deal.
Just popped back in, and my, no one can ever accuse this blog of not being lively!
Mira, no one's counting, I'm sure. You have insight that lots of people might like to read, me for instance.
Thanks, Terry, I'm really glad. Thanks. But I'm counting!!
Bryan, I may need to have a talk with you someday. When you get that book deal. Fair warning. 🙂
Is there anyone from here who will be at Nathan's workshop tomorrow in San Francisco?
Well, congratulations Nathan, and the best of luck! You must be sooo excited… 2011… I'm looking forward to hearing more about the process from here on out as your book makes its way through to being shelved. Not only from you as an agent but now from you as the author. You'll become a little plethora of knowledge for those interested in seeking it out. Thanks. You're hard work is not only paying off in your own life but its helping to inspire others and giving us an insite into a business where the more you know the easier it is to get by.
I've enjoyed reading your blogs and learning what you have to offer and I'm excited for what this will mean to your readers as well. Its also about the time my kids will be the age of reading… so I'm guessing I'll probably have to buy it. 😉 Though I would have expected it to have monkeys…
Congrats! We're all proud of you!
Justine
Congratulations!
kdjameson, on the Friday post. Robin is going. JJBennet is going.
Congratulations! That's awesome!
I just read this post for a, uh, third time because it makes me SO happy. Yay you! Can't wait to properly toast your success next week!
Sorry for the late post.
THAT'S AWESOME!!! Congratulations 🙂 Can't wait to read it in 2011.
Congratulations! I can't wait to read your book. It sounds really cool. Could you post your query? It could be really helpful for those of us struggling to learn how to write a good one.
Natalie
Congratulations! All your loyal blog readers will now be loyal Wonderbar fans!
Nathan, I really enjoyed the workshop today – not only good information but a lot of fun as well. Thank you!
Always great when someone gets published – you writer you!
Rebecca Woodhead
http://www.rebeccawoodhead.com
This is the first chance I've had to come over here and congratulate you. This is really wonderful. 🙂
Wow, congratulations! I can't wait to see it in print!
My son is going to LOVE this concept – and I'm going to LOVE reading it to him!
Big congrats, Nathan!
🙂
G.
Nathan,
I had no idea you had so many lovers! Well, why not? You've been so consistanly good to us, you deserve a huge following. Big Congrats on Wonderbar! I too might trade a spaceship for a good corndog. Kids should love this!
All the best to you!
Gillian
Wow wow wow!!! I can't wait to read it and promote it to all my 7th graders;)
Dear Mr. Bransford:
Well, here I am, late to the party again. I fear some things will never change.
I just want to wish you a great big CONGRATULATIONS on your book deal for Jacob Wonderbar. It's boy trades foodstuff for adventure is it? That reminds me of this fellow Jack…. Gosh, I love that old folktale. I really look forward to enjoying yours. Wow, and it was only just over a year ago that I was so put out when I thought you were dissing aspiring authors. I just knew there was a builder in you.
I must say I can't be more pleased that your story will be middle grade. It is going to make shopping for my son's friends' birthdays so much easier. Heck, I might even theme a birthday party at my house in Jacob's honor.
I wish you every success. I really couldn't be more happy for you.
My very best,
Sara Card
Wow. Nathan, this is fantastic.
You truly are the most amazing and inspiring person. You have the day-and-night job, plus this time-consuming (for you) and helpful (for the rest of us) blog, AND you've written several novels, AND gotten a deal on this one. I am delighted for you and impressed by all that you do.
Congratulations!
That's brilliant, Nathan! Your novel sounds right up my ally.
I'm also happy I can now say that I share an agent with Nathan Bransford! What a strange and wonderful thing 🙂
Katherine
Oops … my message seems to have appeared twice (I'm not sure how – but there you go!)
Congrats again!
Katherine
I am super-duper late to the party, but please accept my congratulations for this stupendous achievement. Here's wishing the book becomes a huge success!
Maybe you could share your successful query letter with us still-struggling-to-get-it-right folks?
Brilliant work, man. Can't wait to read it!
HOLY CRAPOLA! I wish I hadn't been so busy with school to miss this piece of information! OMG! I'm so excitedly happy for you! Awwww. I feel like I saw that one coming. Though I'm not sure I would have thought middle grade. I was thinking an Agent-related book. But still. Great news!
OH MY GAH! Wow. Terribly great news. 🙂 I'm so jealous and so proud because I just love when I hear that great people have great things happen to them!
PurpleClover (Jenn)
I realize you've heard this hundreds of times already, but does it ever get old?! Congratulations!!
I didn't see this post and didn't know you're publishing a novel. Congrats! Sorry it's so late in coming . . .
Can I give you a congrats this late? Will you even see it?
I completely missed this post, and came back to find it after seeing your profile on the new and improved blog.
Wow, awesome – congrats! Can't wait to read it.
I'm totally new here, and I can't think of a better introduction to you and your work than this introduction to your book – how you did it and what matters to you and all the rest.
Just browsed a bit and found your Writing Database, and I'm off to stuff my stocking. Or at least my printer. In fact, the only thing I don't like about your site is there's far too many Comments to read through.
So thanks for the tips, and major congrats on Jacob!
Hmmm. I've only been reading your blog since October, so I am terribly late on this.
CONGRATULATIONS. Your posts are like happy little presents in my inbox every day. I'm 16 and think I'll maybe-possibly-hopefully be a legitimate writer someday, and your blog is not only hysterical but also extremely informative. Gosh. Don't hold it against me if I see your book in a store someday soon and exclaim, "Oh my God, I know that guy!" Even though, you know, I don't…
I'm very happy for you!
Would be v