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the blog because being a literary agent is not only my job, it’s a true passion, and I wanted to both help out the unpublished and try to differentiate myself from the scores of other agents out there.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.
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.