Comments on: Best Part of Being an Agent: Discovering Treasures

By: Janet Grant

Janet Grant — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:06:54 +0000

Kirk, just to jump in to answer your question about a children’s book author finding an agent, it really is easier, if you’re writing picture books, to find a publisher and then an agent. The picture book market has been flat-lined for some years, but once an editor discovers and loves a voice, then an agent can bring some nice energy and guidance to the process.

By: Camy Tang

Camy Tang — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:02:32 +0000

Wendy, every day I thank God AND Gayle Roper for bringing me to you!!!!
Camy

By: Ame Raine

Ame Raine — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:25:36 +0000

I’ve never had the chance to ‘discover’ anyone before publication, but for me, a joy has always been to find a brilliantly written book that has fallen through the news feed one way or the other. Wandering used bookstore shelves, sometimes you can find a treasure of a story. To me, that is my favorite sort of discovery.

By: Rachel Zurakowski

Rachel Zurakowski — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:08:39 +0000

Jill, Anne Elisabeth is a joy to work with and I love HEARTLESS too! Thank you for being a supporter and encourager for her. I can’t wait for HEARTLESS to actually release.

I get so excited about my clients’ books. I’m always telling everyone I know that they need to watch for my authors’ books on the shelf. I feel like a proud mama.

By: Jill Eileen Smith

Jill Eileen Smith — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:35:06 +0000

Rachel, I would feel like a proud mama too! I’m so glad you enjoy Anne Elisabeth. I am truly impressed with her and her writing. So glad you are working with her! And I can’t wait to see her book on the shelves – her whole series, in fact – soon!

By: Robin Prater

Robin Prater — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:29:30 +0000

Hello.It is so great to meet you here on this wonderful page. I am in search of so very much really. I want to write. I have been writing a blog since the beginning of the year. I use to make up stories for my children when they were small after they had read all of them at the library.My blog is a christian blog about my walk with Christ, struggles we face, how to overcome them, family, friends, and love. I want to place my blog in a one year devotional to reach many others seeking to walk closer to Christ. I am at a lose on just how to do this, and I am looking for someone who is honest, and willing to step out for me, for I know I can write, and my writings bless others in many ways. I would be so thankful for your advice, for your help and to go to my site and really read, and give me a chance to prove just how I can write and I am willing to work hard to produce a book, and hopefully many more to come. Thank you for giving me your time. I will wait to hear from you, again thank you, Robin Prater

By: Kirk

Kirk — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:03:33 +0000

Thanks for the encouraging blog, Wendy. I read many blogs but this is one of the best around, no doubt.

On a not completely unrelated topic: how difficult is it for a picture book writer (who is not an illustrator) to land an agent in the current market? I have read some places where it’s more advisable to find a publisher, THEN approach an agent. Thoughts?

By: Miss Britt

Miss Britt — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:19:24 +0000

I don’t have anything to add to the list of discoveries, but it’s interesting to me that you talk about discovering “books” rather than “writers”.

I have heard of non-fiction writers being approached and represented before there was even a complete “book” to be found.

By: Lynn Dean

Lynn Dean — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:52:11 +0000

After an online class in writing deep POV, the instructor asked if I would be willing to critique with another student. I was enthusiastic about the project but not about the genre–contemporary romance.

Before I offend anyone, let me say that I love a good chick flick as much as the next gal. Contemporary romance tops the charts, but the sheer volume of stories makes it a challenge to come up with a fresh plot–one that’s neither hackneyed nor contrived. Obviously, skilled writers manage to do just that, but I always skim the first chapter with some skepticism.

Melinda’s story surprised and delighted me! Her vibrant, 3-dimensional characters soon seemed as real as my next-door neighbors. The heroine is not young. The hero is not handsome, yet both are so endearingly flawed that I cheered them through to the delicious end. The story was completely original. I will sign up for Melinda’s fan club as soon as she’s published.

Seeing the potential in a story and rooting for the writer is such fun!

By: Jill Eileen Smith

Jill Eileen Smith — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:26:56 +0000

I “discovered” this author through my dear friend and critique partner (and published author) Jill Stengl. Her daughter, Anne Elisabeth Stengl’s first novel HEARTLESS will release from Bethany House next year. I got to read an early draft and loved it – and happily gave my endorsement for her query to Rachel! I can’t wait to read the final edited version. Annie is one talented author, whose work I look forward to reading for years to come!