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the blog because being a literary agent is not only my job, it’s a true passion, and I wanted to both help out the unpublished and try to differentiate myself from the scores of other agents out there.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.
Nathan Bransford says
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.
Charlotte says
Congrats, Nathan! You're one of us – a writer. And I never knew.
Can't wait for Jacob!
Bane of Anubis says
Nathan, I know this has been said before (in some form or fashion), but your humility (as with your generosity) is impressive.
Kim Rossi Stagliano says
I'm grinning from ear to ear! Congratulations, Nathan! I love middle grade books and look forward to yours.
terryd says
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
Heidi Willis says
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!!
Karen says
Congratulations, Nathan!
Patrick Gabridge says
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.
Maryann Miller says
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. 🙂
Elaine 'still writing' Smith says
Holy Guacamole!
Or maybe mustard, but definitely not ketchup.
Way to go Nathan, ditch aspiring and go straight to writer!
c.n.stephens says
Well that is just the Bee's Knees. I solemly swear to buy your book. I'll buy anything involving corn dogs.
Mariana says
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!
Michael Pickett says
Congratulations. And in light of yesterday's question, will your book come with a rating?
sharonedge says
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!
Genny says
Good for you! Such great news!
Precision says
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.
Robin says
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!
Bontemps says
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.
April Hollands says
Congratulations! A well-deserved honour for you. I don't know how you find the time to fit everything in!
Scott says
Well done, Nathan. Happy for you.
One question, and it may have been covered: why can't you represent yourself?
Jen W says
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!
:)Ash says
Congrats, Nathan! I can't wait to read your book.
So, can we see your query letter. 🙂
Lora says
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 🙂
Jemi Fraser says
Wahooo, Nathan!! Can't wait to hear all the propaganda about the book!
Joann Mannix says
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.
Ez says
O.M.G.
Jane says
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?
hope101 says
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.
Nathan Bransford says
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.
Kim Kasch says
HUGE CONGRATS!!!!
MA Fat Woman says
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.
Scott says
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.
Jen P says
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!
Angie Handley says
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! 😀
Gina says
I'm SO envious!
I mean . . . congratulations! 🙂
Carl says
Congratulations! That is very cool.
Jen C says
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.
Anonymous says
Congrats! That is so fabulous!!!
Adrianne
Terry says
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…
Dorine White says
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.
quillfeather says
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!
Vacuum Queen says
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!
Daniel Allen says
CONGRATULATIONS NATHAN! That's quite an accomplishment!!
Anonymous says
Is there any awkwardness regarding a Curtis Brown Agent finding representation from a competing agency?
Anthony says
Congratulations!
Christine says
Congratulations! The book sounds wildly fun!
dylan says
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
Kristin Laughtin says
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.
Melanie K says
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!"
Nathan Bransford says
anon@4:13-
My colleagues have been amazingly, awesomely supportive.