Panel of Agents

Notes from the Columbus Writer's Conference, Angents' Panel made up of Regina Brooks, Sheree Bykofsky, Paul Fedorko, Paul Levine, Rita Rosencrantz and Paige Wheeler.

1.) "What was the last book that you signed, and what drew you to it?"

-It was an unsolicited query letter by an author who was well-tied to the project, researched the competition, and made a clear case as to why they were the best author.

- It was someone who introduced the agent to a world (new/familiar) and got the agent excited about that category of writing.

- The author had done his/her homework.

- The agent "fell in love" and felt that the book was worth the journey.

- The agent learned something. The book transported him/her. It was an escape.

2.) "Can you provide advice about writing a query letter?"

- Pretend that you are reviewing your book in the New York Times.

- Write the back cover for your book.

- Look at other reviews, other book covers.

3.) "What motivates an agent?"

- They are able to see past the defects and immaturity of your manuscript to what your book might become, and they have the finesse to get you there.

- The thrill of the hunt: The discovery process in every day.

- Your book fits their list in terms of category.

- Your book will sell.

4.) "Any advice for writers?"

- Write your book proposal first, then draft the query.

- Take the time you need because if an agent looks at your work once and turns it down, they are less likely to take a second look.

- Wait until it's perfect before you submit it, or the second time it's only leftovers.

- There is no incentive for an agent to send out lackluster work to publishers. Honing your work deserves your full attention. Sometimes that might entail the scaling down of your story in order to make it more readable to the public.