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Creative writing

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Original poster

Agent 121 - tips?

8 replies

BecauseOfIndia · 05/10/2021 18:04

I've very generously been offered a free agent 121 and really want to get the very best out of it as it's not something I could afford to do again. Has anyone had one and can offer advice?

I'm not expecting the agent to love my work, or to ask for full ms but I really do want to improve my submission package. All I've had so far are form rejections and silences and I think I'm not selling my book to its full potential.

The free offer was on Twitter where it said the agent was looking for literary fiction, among other genres. However, later when I went to the agent's website it said they were looking for 'twisty pacey thrillers and laugh out loud rom coms', basically the total opposite of my book (!) which is literary / historical. I'm dreading that they will simply hate it and I come away with nothing :(

OP posts:

Zilla1 · 06/10/2021 11:39

I wouldn't overthink it. Agents can be interested in more than one genre and for more than one reason. They can want to promote literary fiction and be interested in it but as sales tend to be lower than for popular genres, it won't pay their bills. They can actively dislike some genres (supernatural) as can some readers. If they've said they want literary fiction and you've written literary fiction then that's ticked. Why worry more?

If they've offered a free review/121 then you will probably get more useful feedback rather than the stock rejection letters agents might send for unsoliciteds they don't want to progress. Try to avoid the 'get the very best out of it' mindset (don't be like a university juggling career choices). Just send them what they've asked for by the deadline. If you are happy with the MS or sample then send it. If you have some time, polish it if you want.

Good luck.

Zilla1 · 06/10/2021 11:54

For positive tips, and suggestions - perhaps have a think about answers to the questions they might ask -
why do you write?
have you had a sequel in mind?
the long-standing - next to what successful book will it sit on the bookshop shelf?

Have some questions in mind yourself?
Ask the agent what part works well?
which character or scene did they like?
Does the style of writing suit the material?
how could it be improved?
what are they taking on and what are they selling at the moment to publishers? What are publishers saying about the market and about future trends?

Good luck.

Spodge · 07/10/2021 17:32

I've had a few 1-2-1s. By and large they have been utterly useless in terms of what may or may not have been wrong with my MS. Comments on the submission package have been more helpful. Since that is what you are interested in I suggest you be prepared to steer the conversation very much how you want it to go. If they totally love your package it will probably be evident from the get go and you can just let them gush and offer you representation (well, you never know!). If they start waffling then take control of the situation and ask what you want to know.

stillcrazyafterall · 07/10/2021 17:38

Oh gosh, really don't want to hijack your thread but how do you find agents on Twitter? Do you literally have to find an agent then find them on Twitter or is there an easier way? I have an account but rarely use it.

Original poster

BecauseOfIndia · 10/10/2021 16:17

Thanks for your replies everyone. I had the 121 this morning and much to my shock it was amazing!!! I was fully steeled for him to hate everything but he absolutely loved it and has resquested the full manuscript. He also said my query letter and synopsis were perfect. I'm stunned. He was such a lovely, warm person as well, it was a real joy talk to him.

Funnily enough I also recently applied for a mentorship aimed at writers on a low income, it was with a freelance editor who was offering to guide a writer through the submission process. I got her reply to my application 2 days ago and she basically trashed my opening completely, said it was boring and it should all be deleted! Whereas the agent loved the beginning and told me not to change a single word. Couldn't be more different!

I got the free 121 through a company called I AM in Print, it seems they offer several free slots to writers on a low income so for anyone who can't afford one (£60 for 15 mins - gasp..) it's
definitely worth checking out.

OP posts:

Original poster

BecauseOfIndia · 10/10/2021 16:23

@stillcrazyafterall Twitter is brilliant for wannabee writers, I would
definitely recommend you start engaging with it. A lot of the agents are on there so it's good for getting an idea of who they are and if you think you could work with them. If you just search 'literary agent' loads will come up.
As my previous message, I got the opportunity through a company called I AM in Print, but I've also found lots of freebies via Twitter.

OP posts:

LouisaMayAlcott · 10/10/2021 18:03

@BecauseOfIndia

That's a great update I hope he signs you! I met my agent at a 1-2-1 at a writers conference so it definitely happens!

Zilla1 · 10/10/2021 21:05

Congratulations, OP. Well done and good luck.

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