Shannon Wixom
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I Won't Write a 'How I Got my Agent' Post

7/1/2014

2 Comments

 
I'll start by saying that there's absolutely nothing wrong with writing a post about how you got your agent. In fact, I love to read about how other writers got their agents. 

But I won't write one for myself. It's not because I don't adore my agent (I do), or because I don't want to give other writers hope through my own story. The reason I won't write a post about landing my agent is because I've figured out (the hard way) that getting an agent is no guarantee your work will be published (at least the way you've always dreamed of). Getting an agent is simply the next step toward that dream. And sometimes that next step doesn't lead to an offer of publication from one of the big publishers.

Sometimes (in my case) it leads to countless rejections. However, it also leads to writing more books and becoming a stronger writer. Which might seem to take you backward to the query stage again if you decide to part ways with your agent (yes, this was me too). Then you might spend a humbling amount of time in the query trenches before finding a new agent. 

At which point, you probably won't write a "How I Got my Agent" post because you've figured out what I already know. 

Getting an agent does not mean you will be published or that you are a better writer than someone without an agent. I know plenty of agent-less writers and authors who are just as persistent and talented as I am. I happened to focus more of my persistence on getting an agent. And I had a bit of luck. 

Whatever stage of your writing career you are (stuck) in, don't forget why you write in the first place. Do it to fulfill a need within yourself, and then the rejections (whether from readers, editors or agents) won't hurt quite so much. 

At least I hope not.;)
2 Comments
Michelle D. Argyle link
7/1/2014 08:58:38 am

I'm agentless, but one day I plan to query and try to get an agent. I know for sure that it won't guarantee me anything at all except some experience. I like reading about your experiences, though. That's all we have sometimes, it seems!

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Shannon link
7/1/2014 09:33:27 am

And I love reading about your experiences, Michelle! You are one of the bravest people I know!

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