It’s with a huge mix of emotions (insert: wonderment, excitement, sadness, nostalgia) that I let you know that this is my last day as a literary agent. I am leaving the world of publishing to work at the tech news/review site CNET, where I will be helping to coordinate social media strategy. I’m extremely excited about this new challenge and opportunity (particularly since I’ve been such a fan of CNET over the years), though I will be sad that I’ll no longer be working with my amazing clients and colleagues. It has been truly incredible to work with my clients, who are so inspiring and amazing and I know are destined for very fruitful careers. I am leaving them in supremely capable hands, and I will continue to be fans of their work long into the future.
But! The blog and Forums will live on. The topics will change just a bit as I will no longer be in the query trenches, but I still plan to continue to post about writing, books, and whatever strikes my fancy (monkeys) and hope you’ll stick around for the next phase in the blog’s evolution. One thing that has not changed and will not change is my passion for books and writing and I hope this will continue to be a friendly place where writers come together to talk writing and help each other out. This has become such an amazing, positive community thanks to you, and I feel honored to be a part of it.
Let me also say that I have not lost my optimism about the future of books. I really do believe that the present and future is great. Heck, I wouldn’t be spending so much time writing books if I thought all hope was lost. This is more about me being excited about this new opportunity and being very passionate about social media than it is about the current state or future of publishing.
These last few weeks have been a whirlwind, and I wish I could have taken each and every one of you out for a beer to say thanks and tell you in person. Very sorry if I haven’t had the chance to notify you personally. But this isn’t goodbye! See you here on Monday.
Anne R. Allen says
Sob!
Wow. A life without slush. I imagine that sounds very nice right about now. But this seems to suggest dire things for the future of the agenting business. CNET is the winner in any case.
Michael Winchell says
Wow, didn't see that coming. We (everyone who has relied on your insight) will miss you very much. Best to you, Nathan.
Tahereh says
your brilliance has been a benefit to us all!
a million words of thanks still isn't enough.
J. R. McLemore says
Congratulations on your new gig, Nathan.
Of course, reading this blog introduction left with the following response: "Wha–?" I mean, I've come here religiously everyday to glean from you the inner workings of the magical world of publishing, a world that I one day hope to experience by selling a novel. So, it is with a saddened heart that I receive this news as I was hoping to one day query you. Ah, well, I will just have to find other agents.
I'm happy for you and wish you all the best. I'm sure you'll be a great addition at CNET. And, I'll be back here on Monday. 😉
Kate says
Nathan! Congratulations! Thanks so much for all the time and effort you've put in to helping us writers. I know I'm a better writer because of you and I look forward to more awesome writing tips and advice. Will you remain in San Francisco?
Anonymous says
How. Will. We. Live?
What. Could. Ever. Replace. This Week in Publishing?
Sob!
Carol J. Garvin says
Can't express how disappointed I am that you won't be available now that I am finally reaching the querying stage. Your column has been a wonderful source of information and encouragement and I thank you for all the help you provided. Blessings to you in your new venture. I'll look forward to reading about it here.
Anne-Marie says
All the best to you, Nathan. Thank you for all your insight and help these past few years.
xx
AM
The Red Angel says
Wow, this is a huge surprise. It's going to be difficult to switch around my thinking…in my thoughts you've always been: Nathan Bransford the Greatest Literary Agent.
Well I know this must be a really big step for you. I hope you like your new job. 🙂
~TRA
https://xtheredangelx.blogspot.com
Ishta Mercurio says
Best wishes to you, Nathan!
Elaine AM Smith says
Good luck with the new venture. See you Monday.
Your news before Christmas was bigger than I expected.
Julie Musil says
I wish you the very best with your new adventure. Your blog is a constant source of information and inspiration, and I look forward to watching it evolve. Good luck!
Dave says
Best of luck and many thanks!
Remus Shepherd says
Huh.
Well, good luck, Nathan.
Elie says
OMG
Jck says
Nathan I wish you the best! I did the same thing a month ago, and moved from marketing to social media, you are going to love it! But I'm really sad I never got to query you… oh well, see you around facebook, twitter and so on…
Kathryn Packer Roberts says
I just can't believe it! I am very sad! I'm glad that you are excited about your new career choice and that is all that matters. I'm sure you will be great!
Will you keep all the same info stored on your blog about querying, etc? I have always loved this blog and glad you are keeping it up.
Thanks for all the help you have given us!
Michelle says
Nathan, welcome to the telecommunications industry! I've worked in telecom my entire career. And, my Uncle works at CNET. Small world.
dan radke says
I think we're owed a final PUBLISHING THIS WEEK IN.
Paul Äertker says
Wow. That's a shocker. Good luck to you, Nathan. And thanks for all the great advice.
Tom Bentley says
Nathan, do you mean that ALL ALONG you've actually been a sophisticated computer program from CNET? Oh, the wailing and gnashing of teeth!
Even though you hate the Lakers, your advice has always been sage. Best wishes for your new gig!
wordswinewanderlust says
Wow, what a surprise!
Congratulations and best of luck…and thank you so much for all the help, enthusiasm, and guidance you've provided over the years of this blog.
Kristin Laughtin says
I'm sad in that I really hoped we'd be able to work together someday, but it sounds like you're passionate about this new avenue! Have the best of luck and I'm glad the blog will continue on. 🙂
Daun says
Good luck in your new endeavors Nathan…I've learned from you and have truly enjoyed your wisdom and direction. I wish you all the best.
Writergirl says
I literally gasped when I read this! Best of luck in your new job. I'll definitely be sticking around.
T. Anne says
Wow, I'm so sad! Congrats to you on your new position. I will still look forward to you blog posts, I did read that correctly, didn't I? You will still post?! I hope your future career brings you everything you're looking for. You've been such an inspiration in SO many ways. Thank you for all your hard work.
Steph Sinkhorn says
Wow, big life changes! The very best of luck to you, Nathan. You were the very first agent blog I ever followed, and I'm definitely not going anywhere because you're going down a new road 🙂
Remilda Graystone says
Drat, drat, drat! I'm happy for you, but at the same time, it's saddening to hear you're not going to be a literary agent anymore. I was planning on querying you, and was looking forward to it, but now it won't happen.
I'm so so so SO glad you'll still be blogging, though. That came as a huge relief, and minimized the sadness. Also, that you're working for CNET is cool too because I love that site, and do frequent it often.
I look forward to your posts as just an author now! I wish you the best of luck with everything!!
And THANK YOU. You've helped me tremendously, you don't even know.
Akila says
Good luck Nathan! I'm looking forward to hearing about your future adventures.
Michael G-G says
Thanks, and good luck in your new job. I can't wait to read "Jacob W."
Mystery Robin says
Congratulations! The CNET spot sounds like a dream job. I spent years in high tech and loved every minute. And of course, I'm anxious for your book to come out!
Johnaskins says
Bummer.
ryan field says
Congratulations on your new job!
Looking forward to reading your future posts and upcoming news about your new release this spring.
Audrianna H. says
LOL The site is crashing because so many people are trying to read this post.
I'm so happy for you! I know you'll be leaving agenting, which is a total bummer since you were at the tippy top of "My Future Agent" list, and for some reason I LOVE getting your rejections (cuz you're so darn nice!). But! I'm glad you're going to do something that you enjoy and are looking forward to!
Best of luck!
Dawn Simon says
Congratulations, Nathan. Thank you for all you've taught us. I wish you the very best.
Susan Kaye Quinn says
What?? Nooo! *tears*
Ok, sorry, but I had to mourn the literary community's loss of you on the team.
I'm sure you will excel at CNET and have many more interesting, cool and fun things to say, so I will certainly be back! Best of luck in the transition and I can't wait to see what future-cool things you do! *back to smiles*
Shelli says
Best of luck with your new position. I'm glad you'll keep up the blog, because you are such a positive influence on aspiring authors such as myself.
Bryan Russell (Ink) says
I don't have the words. But, if I did, I'm sure they'd start with "thank you".
Ariel Swan says
OMG – I am so sad – I am tearing up. I wanted to tell you before but – your posts and your understanding and your knowledge – and your realism (in terms of the life and struggle of a writer)made me want to tell you that I love you. But I didn't – so now I will. OMG you will be missed. You were the best voice of the blogging agents out there. I never queried you – because you didn't rep my stuff – but I loved your insight. Oh…so sad. Good luck.
Matthew Rush says
Wow. Best of luck Nathan. I'm guessing you'll be incredibly successful.
erica and christy says
Wow. Now I'm even happier I got a chance to be on one of your page critiques! I once faced leaving a job I loved for a job that I *just might* love more. I don't regret it for a second – best choice I ever made. I hope (and believe) that will be your experience as well. Good luck!
erica (Erica75)
Jhon says
I consider CNET one of the best in software review website, Have good time, enjoy new life on the web.
– John Devis
Magento Themes
Lovelyn says
I read your blog all the time but never comment. I just wanted to say that I wish you the best.
J. T. Shea says
Some thoughts:-
You'll regret this when I'm a bestselling author! MWAAHAAHAAHAA!
My jokes weren't THAT bad, were they, Nathan?
Does this mean I can put the rhetorical questions back into my draft query?
Now you'll be able to read more than one book by the same writer, even if their name isn't Tolkien…
Ariel Swan says
I am still in disbelief – but…thank you for everything.
Hannah Jenny says
🙁 I guess that means I can't pretend I might have you for an agent later 😉
seriously–I have not personally interacted with you, but you seem like an intelligent and caring individual, and I am sure you will succeed in your new career choice.
Looking forward to more blog-reading, even if it is a bit different!
IanBontems says
Best wishes, Nathan. I'm sure you'll be a smash in your new job.
You've given me a load of great advice over the last couple of years, and for that I'm eternally grateful and wish you loads of success.
Keep us up to date with all your shenanigans.
Thanks.
Keersten says
Thank you so much for being our friendly expert. I am excited for you and to see what new things you are up to!
Maurene J. Hinds says
Wow. Big news! Best of luck in the new endeavor! I'll be looking forward to seeing how the blog evolves. Good to hear you'll be sticking around. And best of luck with your ongoing writing projects!
February Grace says
Wishing you every possible happiness in your new adventures, every success with the book (looking forward to reading it!) and thanks, so much, for all the things that you have taught us.
You really have taught me a lot more than you'll ever know, and I smile every single time I see your name mentioned anywhere.
If any agent could leave a legacy when they change tracks in life- I hope to think that would be one they'd like.
Glad to know you'll still be around! So will we. I still have way too many random Star Wars mentions to make in reference to you.
best,
~bru