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.
M.A.Leslie says
Wow. Ok… Well I was hoping to one day work with you but oh well. Thank you for everything that you have done for me. Without you knowing, you have taken this lump of clay and at least formed it into a fairly pretty lump of clay. Thank you and best wishes on your future adventures.
Kimberly Lynn says
Nathan, I look forward to following you down the next path of your journey. I'm sure there are many wonderful things in store for you—and all of us! Congrats on your decision. I'm sure it wasn't an easy one.
MJR says
Sorry you're leaving publishing, but glad you'll still be blogging. Best of luck…and thanks for all the great advice.
Cowgirl in the City says
Congratulations on the move! It's hard to switch careers, but I'm sure you'll land on your feet and do fabulously! After meeting you at the Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Writer's Conference a year and a half ago, I can honestly say that you're as nice in person as you are online, and you've helped demystify the world of literary agents. For that, I can't thank you enough!
aspiring_x says
Congratulations on the new job!!!
It sounds like you're really excited about it. I hope you really enjoy it!
I'm glad you'll still be blogging!
Thank you a million times over for all the hard work you put into this blog and forum! I swear, almost everything I've learned about writing and the publishing business, I learned here. And my sons and I are impatiently awaiting the release of Jacob Wonderbar. 🙂
M.J.B. says
I doubt you'll get far down enough to read this, Nathan, but it has been a pleasure, and I'm throwing in my very big THANK YOU for everything you've done for writers out there. And I was just getting ready to send you a query! Best of luck with everything that comes your way!
Aaron says
Nathan Bransford, I am happy to say you've been able to help me edit, re-edit, read and revise my manuscript over and over again. I hope for you the best in the new world of CNET. I plan to read your blog until its expiration date. I'm glad you're content with this new job. For some reason I feel like some giant, cosmic kid has thrown a rock into the literary pool, and sent a ripple to all writers.
This is almost like a disturbance in the force. Yet, your blog will still be read by the present readers, and those yet to find it, and it will still be filled with strong ideas and thoughts.
But the fact that you're leaving the publishing BUSINESS is the real thing bothering us, I think. Like that middle puzzle piece we've waited long to place in the puzzle, to finish it off, has gone missing. You can't get a new puzzle piece without getting a new puzzle.
But I think with this situation we need to know we don't have to get a new puzzle, because there's a replacement piece. It's different, but in a strange way, it's the same puzzle.
Jan O'Hara (Tartitude) says
Congratulations, Nathan! They are lucky to have you and we are lucky to still benefit from your wisdom.
Marti says
"Wow" is starting to sound like a cliche (and I know you dislike those) but…WOW!
This is stunning news. I am thrilled for you and wish you all the best. I am so glad you are going to continue to blog. I read CNET once in a while, I will be sure to look for your work there.
Peace and joy to you, and thank you for your many years of service to all of us. Your tips and helpful information have been a blessing.
Beth Terrell says
I'm still reeling from the shock, but relieved that you'll be continuing the blog and forums.
Congratulations on the new job. I know you'll be terrific.
ironicmom.com says
Selfishly: I was hoping this was an early April Fool's joke. Selflessly: Good 'on ya. Best of luck, and looking forward to hearing monkey business. Thanks for sharing so much.
salarsenッ says
It's always been a pleasure, Nathan, and an honor. Best of luck in your new endeavor and know you've influenced many–me being one. Thank you.
Tricia Conway says
Wow, how exciting! Best of luck with your new gig at CNET. I won't lie, I'm pleased to hear you'll still blog on writerly things. Your insight has been invaluable.
Thanks for all you have done and best of luck!
JD says
Congratulations and best of luck to you, Nathan.
Thank you for all the great advice and, of course, the videos!
I'm looking forward to the monkey talk, which will probably be far less scary to me than query speak. 🙂
Jen Daniele
Maya says
Good luck to you in your new role, It has been really great reading your blogs.
Kristi Helvig says
Okay, I think I've recovered now. Wow–best of luck w/ the new endeavor. I know you'll still be blogging and all, but I hope you realize how many writers you've helped over the years (myself included). Thank you for everything you've done here. 🙂
ShannonW says
Congratulations! I'm sure you will thrive at CNET. Thank you for everything you have done on this blog for those of us hoping to be published author one day. I've learned and grown so much as a writer thanks to your insight, guidance and good humor.
I'm looking forward to reading your book and I'm delighted that come Monday there will still be a Nathan Bransford blog post to read. It will be exciting to see where this new direction takes your life!
Best wishes,
ShannonW
Anonymous says
Don't tell me this isn't a commentary on the state of publishing today. It just goes to show- write because you LOVE it, not because of any chance of real success, because even if success happens, it's fleeting. The publishing game is a merry-go-round and few right now are able to hold on tight, so go ahead, fellow writers, get off the merry-go-round, don't get over-dependent on agent blogs or FB or twitter chatter, and WRITE.
Anonymous says
I never saw this coming today. But I've always felt that sooner or later this will come based on the evolutions of the tone and topics of your blog. For me, it's hard to remain [insert current occupation here] first and a writer second once one knows that one must write.
I feel wonderment, excitement for you on one hand but sadness and nostalgia for me and other readers on the other hand. As a writer, I've built so many castles in the sky and it was so easy for me to entertain the dream of working with you as my agent, all based on how you write this blog. Right now I kinda feel the way a devoted reader of a long novel feels when the writer pulls the rug out from underneath in the final chapter.
And I had to say all that in order to say this: I'm able to feel this huge mix of emotions because of how much appreciation I've developed for your writing through this blog. So hearty cheers to you Nathan, all best wishes on your new adventures! I look forward to continue visiting your corner of the Internets!
Julia A. Haynes says
Congrats and good luck to you! I hope everything goes well and the move goes smoothly.
I'm so glad you're going to stick with the blog. It's excellent and I, for one, would miss it tremendously.
Thank you for all that you do for readers and writers everywhere!
Brittany says
Dear Author,
Your query has been automatically rejected because this literary agent NO LONGER EXISTS.
Best Wishes,
Evil Space Monkey, Esq.
I am very sad. I did not see that coming! I must now cross you off my list of potential agents, which decreases it by 50%…hmmm…
I wish you the best of luck, Nathan!
Tara Maya says
I read this on Natalie Whipple's blog. I know your clients will miss you, a testament to how much your sunny personality and hard work is appreciated. Best of luck in your new job!
Jeff says
Congrats and best of luck, Nathan!
Anonymous says
Congrats on the new job. Glad to know you will still be blogging. It doesn't matter if you are a literary agent or not, your insights into writing are so valuable.
clindsay says
Hey there!
Congratulations! I am incredibly happy for you and think CNET is one smart company. =)
I sent you an email to your CB email; not sure if it's still active for a while – but if you get a chance, email me, okay? Would love to stay in touch.
colleen.lindsay@gmail.com
Cheers!
Colleen
Debbie says
Congrats on the new job! I have to admit, I kind of panicked when I read the first line of your post. This blog has been extremely educational as well as entertaining for me. I'm glad you will still be with us. And good luck with the transition to CNET.
Greta Marlow says
Reading your blog has been an after-work treasure, but since you're going in to social media/PR (what I teach), I can read your blog at work guilt-free!
Best of luck! I look forward to reading your thoughts about social media (but keep the writing stuff coming too, please?).
Jemi Fraser says
I lurk more than comment, but I want to de-lurk to say thank you. You've helped so many of us with all the various steps of this crazy journey we're on. I wish you the best of everything in your new career. CNET is lucky to have you. Enjoy your new venture. 🙂
Valerie L Smith says
I'm stunned. My dream was to have you as my agent. I guess I should've finished my book sooner. I wish you a lifetime of satisfaction in your new career!
CB says
Congrats.!! And Good Luck!
Kerry Gans says
Darn! NOW who is going to be my dream agent?
Seriously, best of luck in your new career. I know you'll rock it!
Holly says
Nathan, best wishes to you.
Thanks for this wonderful blog, for all your encouragement to the writing community, and for being such a good guy.
folksinmt says
Congrats!
Thanks for all the help! Your blog has helped immensely!
Good luck with the new venture!
kalincasey says
Good luck, and thanks for all. Look forward to seeing what's next for the blog.
LindaBudz says
Many thanks for all you've done for the writing community, Nathan. Best of luck composing this new chapter ….
Catherine Lavoie says
Congratulations and good luck, Nathan!! Thank you for everything! 🙂
Quill says
What a shock. Good luck! Thanks for everything you gave us as an agent. Wish you the best and looking forward to continued good times on the blog and forums! Are you moving to NYC?
D.G. Hudson says
Stunned. Congrats to you, hope you enjoy the new challenge.
I'll hang around for the blog and the forum. I hope the blog will continue to have a writing focus — that's what keeps me coming back. That and your attitude.
The Celebrated Author says
Best of luck. I was looking forward to querying you someday, but I'll still enjoy reading your blog. 🙂
Courtney Johnson says
Best of luck!
Julie Hedlund says
Wow! Big loss for the literary agent world, big gain for CNET! Wishing you all the best and will definitely stick around the blog for what comes next. Thanks for all that you have done and will do for us writers!!
Kannan says
Good luck Nathan!! Best wishes – Kannan
Jackee says
Best wishes Nathan! Thanks for all you do for us bloggers and writers.
Patty Blount says
244 posts before me…. What an amazing testament to the legacy you leave us.
Daryl is right; it's a gut shot.
I wish you well in your life's next chapter. Social media was the impetus to the novel I just pitched you… The irony kills me.
Quill says
What a shock. Good luck! Thanks for everything you gave us as an agent. Wish you the best and looking forward to continued good times on the blog and forums! Are you moving to NYC?
evilandflowers says
Congrats and good luck!!
Katie L. Carroll (KT) says
Good luck, Nathan! I'm glad to hear you'll still be blogging.
Nancy says
Wow, such changes! In the olden days I could imagine lots of galley boxes and slush flying out your urban SF window. Nowadays I hear your delete key going "click, click, click." Cancel that… I know there is some lucky recipient you're passing the torch to. Hmm, social media coordinator. Seems right up your alley. I've enjoyed your fun, edgy, and spot on blog posts, and I look forward to the new topics as well as the usual ones. Thanks for all your contributions to the world of writing. Congrats and give 'em hell at your new place. See ya next week!
Clare WB says
Wow is right. A big punch in the gut for those of us who knew how lucky we were to have even a tiny possibility of having such a super agent in our future. But our hearts are with you and we'll follow your career with the best of wishes for ever more success. And don't stop being an author–PLEASE!
Clare WB
Jen P says
The Nathan Bransford Literary Agency … has a great ring to it, don't ya think? 😉 Well good luck and have fun in your new position. So many owe so much to you – we're very glad you're not just disappearing. We would need some warning if that were to happen. Serious shock!