Some advice for those looking for agents: you know how people say no agent is better than a bad one? They're right, and I want to talk about what you SHOULD be holding out for (my wonderful agent is @beth_phelan). Writers, you deserve all of what I'm about to say.
A thread. 1/?
A thread. 1/?
1. You should never feel like you have to be afraid to get in touch with your agent. I feel perfectly safe reaching out to Beth about anything; in fact, we had a check-in call this morning. I always come away feeling like she's on my side, as she should be, as my advocate. 2/?
2. You don't have to be BFFs, but your agent is your business partner and should be communicating with you regularly and be willing to discuss your career over both the short term and the long term. If not, they are not doing their job, which is to strategize with you. 3/?
3. Your agent should absolutely be willing to go to bat with your editor and any other publishing professionals in the event of any issues. It's their job to be the bad guy if necessary so you don't have to. If an agent isn't willing to do that, what's the point? 4/?
4. Your agent should always make you feel like you matter. Beth does this; it's obvious she cares about my well-being--which of course translates back to my career. She listens to my questions and concerns and lets me know what to expect in this topsy-turvy industry of ours. 5/?
5. Not every agent is editorial, but I'm really glad Beth is. She had me make STAR DAUGHTER the best it could be before she sent it to editors, and I appreciate that. But otherwise, she's always helping me brainstorm, both ideas and marketing-wise. Because my success is hers. 6/?
6. Basically, every writer who wants to publish novels traditionally deserves an agent who values them and what they bring to the table and has their back, so even if it seems like it'll never happen (I crashed and burned with my now-trunked MS, so), hold out for that. ❤️ 7/7
What Agent Beth says!
