We don't do things alone, plus how do I find an agent
How’s this for your new motto? “We don’t do things alone.”
I was listening to a great Jennie Allen podcast where she talked about this. And it’s not surprising—those past few years of separation, isolation, disconnection have created the greatest wave of mental, psychological and spiritual suffering in human history.
And yet, where my entrepreneurs at? How many of you are going it alone?
And where my writers at? How many of you think writing a book is a solitary act?
We don’t do things alone.
I am so grateful, and fortunate, to be surrounded by so many awesome people. My family, my friends, my coaching community, my leadership community, my writing community, my church family, my clients and partners and network.
And perhaps just as important, I am so grateful and fortunate to be the friend, the coach, the mom, wife, sister and daughter—that I get to be there for others, to lift and inspire.
I love being the Mickey to my writers’ Rocky—giving them some tips and getting them fired up before they go back in the ring.
I love being the friend who was able to find just the right words to encourage a friend who is going through hard times this weekend.
I even had someone reach out to me recently who wanted to partner up for a completely unrelated venture, just to have me to bounce ideas off of and collaborate with, and wasn’t that the loveliest gift and surprise.
It truly is the best feeling in the world, to give, and receive.
So wherever you are, and whatever you’re up to, I hope you take this message to heart.
Whether it’s a writing plateau, a business challenge, or a personal struggle—don’t do things alone.
There’s strength, creativity and so much more to learn and grow from in community.
As was the case with Wrexham’s comeback story this weekend, you never know who is going to make the most difference to your dreams, or where your next miracle might come from. But finding out is the fun part ;)
Q: How do I find an agent?
There are myriad ways to find a literary agent—key, though, is finding the best fit for you.
Here are some of the more popular ways to find an agent:
1. You can search literary agents on QueryTracker (https://querytracker.net/).
2. Look up #MSWL (manuscript wish list) on Twitter, to see what agents are actively seeking.
3. Visit websites for literary agencies and get to know the agents featured on their site—they often post on their profiles which types of books they’re interested in, and whether they’re open to queries.
4. Read the acknowledgements pages of books in your genre/category. Authors often thank their agents, publishers and editors there.
5. Look up agents on social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, etc.) to get a feel for their content and to see if you’re a good fit for the person behind the job role. If the agent feels like a good match for you, follow and engage—essentially, nurturing a relationship between you.
6. Writer conferences and book-related events are a great way to network and meet people. Some even offer the chance to pitch agents on the spot!
7. Often, agents are included in the judging panel for writing contests and pitching challenges. It’s a great way to catch their eye, and valuable even just for feedback on your work.
8. Be open to working with new agents who are eager to build their list and may be able to give you more personal attention.
9. Know what kind of agent you need or want—is it a marketing, deal-making star, or someone who can be a creative partner for you, someone with an editorial eye who can really help you take your book to the next level? This might be a question to ask and explore before you sign the dotted line.
10. Use what you’ve learned about the agent and the relationship you’ve established to inform your query letter.
Got a question about book writing, publishing or marketing? Write me and let me know!