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the blog because being a literary agent is not only my job, it’s a true passion, and I wanted to both help out the unpublished and try to differentiate myself from the scores of other agents out there.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.
MBA Jenna says
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)
Wendy says
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.
Anonymous says
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?
Margaret Yang says
Welcome to the dark side.
(We have cookies.)
Kristi says
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! 🙂
Jassy says
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!
Nathan Bransford says
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!
Neil says
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.
Clarity says
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?
J. Jones says
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!
Julianne Douglas says
Let me add my voice to the chorus: Congratulations!!!!
Wishing you all the best. 🙂
Crystal says
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. 🙂
J. Jones says
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.
Tris says
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 =)
Damaris says
CONGRATS!!
Felisa Rogers says
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.
Susan Quinn says
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!
jimnduncan says
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.
brian_ohio says
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!
jungletwins says
Woot! Many congrats.
Kim says
Congrats! This is great news!
Breanna says
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!
Merry Monteleone says
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.
Katy says
Congratulations! I love reading your blog and will definitely look forward to hearing more about the book (and reading it in 2011!).
Vivian says
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!
T. Anne says
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.
Anonymous says
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!
Anonymous says
hee hee, I noticed that too. It was a nice time to see who else was out there tho. The guest posts rocked!
Nathan Bransford says
anons-
Ha – no, actually those were real vacations.
Thomas Burchfield says
Wow! Congratulations!
Maya / מיה says
Congratulations!!
Anonymous says
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 ….
Peggy says
Congratulations! I'm very happy for you.
cindy says
incredible! congratulations, nathan!
Nathan Bransford says
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.
k. double-u. says
Hooray! Congrats!
Maya / מיה says
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!
Anonymous says
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
Jade says
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!
Anonymous says
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.
Anonymous says
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!
Anonymous says
Did you have beta readers (other than the missus)?
caboozie says
Congrats! I look forward to checking it out.
Nathan Bransford says
anon-
Just the missus, and she only read parts. In retrospect I guess that manuscript was kind of on lockdown.
DCS says
Congratulations! What great news, and I'm glad you're going to continue blogging.
Lucy says
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!!!
Anonymous says
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.
Bane of Anubis says
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)?
Jil says
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!
Jonathan Lyons says
Wow, congrats!