Agent?
I think the question of having an agent is a very personal one. The artist has to look at her own work, at her marketing skills and seriously consider what adding an extra layer of rejection onto her psyche would mean. After all, getting an agent is as difficult as getting published. And once you have one, it might not mean getting work.
As for me, I do want an agent. My work is very um...unique. I think having someone who has contacts and knows how to market my style to the correct editor is what I need (besides improving my work) to get published.
I have submitted to over 30 agents. I keep all of their names, dates I submitted and responses in a soul crushing excel file. The responses range from negative form replies to a few of my (hope giving) personal favorites below.
Thanks for writing to me. I enjoyed reviewing your portfolio. Your work has great energy and a strong sense of line
Thanks for the kind words. I do like your work.
Myself and my colleague have had a look at your website and we both agree there is some nice work on display.
You have a wonderful style and great use of watercolor.
Your work is terrific, Courtney, but I am afraid I am not taking on new talent at this time. I wish you every success. All the best
I should sign you right now.
The next sentence for each response above was always but.....
Even though I have been tremendously disappointed in my many rejections, these few, very kind agents have convinced me that I just need to find the one. The person who can be my cheerleader and lead me to publication.
I actually have a book I have written and illustrated with an agent right now. I keep looking in the mail for my sase with another disappointing letter inside. However, after moping around the house for a bit, I'll add her to my spread sheet and find someone else.
Helpful Agent Links:
SCBWI (the discussion board is great)
http://www.agentquery.com/default.aspx
http://www.ebookcrossroads.com/illustrator-agents.html
As for me, I do want an agent. My work is very um...unique. I think having someone who has contacts and knows how to market my style to the correct editor is what I need (besides improving my work) to get published.
I have submitted to over 30 agents. I keep all of their names, dates I submitted and responses in a soul crushing excel file. The responses range from negative form replies to a few of my (hope giving) personal favorites below.
Thanks for writing to me. I enjoyed reviewing your portfolio. Your work has great energy and a strong sense of line
Thanks for the kind words. I do like your work.
Myself and my colleague have had a look at your website and we both agree there is some nice work on display.
You have a wonderful style and great use of watercolor.
Your work is terrific, Courtney, but I am afraid I am not taking on new talent at this time. I wish you every success. All the best
I should sign you right now.
The next sentence for each response above was always but.....
Even though I have been tremendously disappointed in my many rejections, these few, very kind agents have convinced me that I just need to find the one. The person who can be my cheerleader and lead me to publication.
I actually have a book I have written and illustrated with an agent right now. I keep looking in the mail for my sase with another disappointing letter inside. However, after moping around the house for a bit, I'll add her to my spread sheet and find someone else.
Helpful Agent Links:
SCBWI (the discussion board is great)
http://www.agentquery.com/default.aspx
http://www.ebookcrossroads.com/illustrator-agents.html
3 Comments:
I LOVE your firepower of motivation and determination Courtney - you go girl! Never give up ... you WILL find the right agent for you , and oh my gssh, better fasten that seatbelt when you do. You are going to be super-dooper-uber busy!!!!
Thanks for the links, I'll need these one day!
I'm so impressed with the determination you've shown with your work, and continuously submitting to a.ds. I agree about the whole psyche shot...I'm not sure that I would be up for that either, but can completely understand about you wanting one to help market your unique brand of awesome. Thanks for posting your responses, and keep us updated on your book dummy status!
I once heard of an author (can't remember who) who once papered his entire office with the rejection letters he received regarding his submissions. Once he hit the big time, he tore all of them down and stuck them in a file labelled,"Suckers!" haha
Dee that's too funny :-) haha.
Courtney, try to look at it neutrally if you can. I know our work is our soul, but for the market (and agents), it's mostly money terms. Your work is good, all you have to do is find the right market (and/or agent) who has the right audience for you. It's out there, just a matter of time, research, patience, and a bit of luck to find it.
Keep working, you're great! Who knows, maybe you won't need an agent even, and can save the money. If you keep marketing to the market and not just to agents, you may find a publisher before you do find an agent. And look who laughs last then :-)
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