Surprise Opportunities: One of the benefits of having an agent
Blogger: Rachel Kent
One of the occurrences that we enjoy at Books & Such is when surprise publishing opportunities are presented to us that we can then pass along to our clients.
Here are a couple of examples:
1) An editor came to one of our agents and asked if a big-name author would be available to write a book on a specific topic. That author didn’t have time in her schedule for a new project so the agent suggested another client to fill the need.
2) an editor told us that he was looking for a book in a certain genre and wondered if we had an author who could write it. We suggested a few of our clients who were ready and willing to write that book; the editor picked the best fit.
3) A contracted author at a publishing house missed his or her deadline, and the editor filled the scheduling hole with a Books & Such client’s project because the book was already completed and ready to go.
I’d say opportunities like this pop up at least fifteen times each year. We love it when we’re able to match a publisher’s need with one of our client’s writing interests.
This does require a writer to be willing to write a book that isn’t exactly what he or she had planned and sometimes requires the author to come up with a storyline for a book really quickly or to change plans to meet a quick deadline. So it’s very important to remain flexible if you would like to an unforeseen publishing slot. These openings have allowed some of our debut writers to get books published that have then launched their writing careers.
Having a good agent can bring wonderful publishing opportunities your way. It’s because of our relationships with these editors and reputation in the industry that these opportunities are presented to us for our clients. I hope if you don’t yet have an agent that this blog will encourage you to keep seeking representation and, if you are already represented, know that this is one more thing that your agent is doing for you. While actively working to sell your current projects, we are also promoting you and your ability to write to fill unexpected publishing opportunities.
How flexible do you think you are? Would you be comfortable coming up with and writing a story with only a few days to plot?
What are some of your interests that you could write a book about without it being too much of a challenge?
By Rachel Kent on Jan 30, 2013 in Agents, Authors, Blog, Publishers, Writing Life | 60 Comments
Thanks for the encouragement Rachel. I was wondering if this is easier to do if you write contemporary. I’d have to do some fast historical research to jump decades. But I’m assuming you are suggesting that you could produce a premise and skeleton plot along with a few first chapters–enough to show the book had merit?
Yes, exactly, Anne. You wouldn’t need to write the whole book right away, but if you know enough to put together a quick synopsis set in a certain time period you would be an author who could be eligible for this type of placement.
Love the idea of unexpected opportunities. Those are so often God things! My challenge isn’t being flexible or comfortable, it’s knowing when I ought to say “no” because I’d be taking on too much or I’m not the best fit. I do love to say “yes” when exciting opportunities crop up!
That little two letter word can be difficult to say, can’t it?
I’m with you, Sarah. “No” is difficult but necessary.
My most excellent agent opened a door for me to write for a best-selling annual devotional. Just enough lead time to get it done, and now an invitation to write for the next year too. What a great privilege and blessing to have a great agent.
Awesome opportunity!
Thanks for sharing your example, Bill!
Always encouraging to hear!
I love hearing the ways an agent can help out. Looking forward to the day when I have personal guidance from one.
I have no doubt I want an agent in my corner
I love unexpected surprise like that. I like the way that can stretch your creativity and open up new doors you might not have planned yourself.
Love this post, Rachel! It’s so cool to hear about behind-the-scenes deals.
I’m very flexible. I’m at a place in my life where I can be–and I’m grateful for that!
The Books & Such agents have a great reputation because you all have earned it.
Anyone need a baseball book? I’m there. Thirteen days ’til spring training, everyone.
Rachel, I knew that type of thing happened, but fifteen times a year? That’s a lot more than I expected. Wow.
Sally, I’m the same way with football, I think it’s required when you live in the Husker state:).
Rachel, such an uplifting post…it’s fun to hear about opportunity blossoming unexpectedly, and Bill’s comment makes me smile. God is so faithful and good in His blessings!
Sally, my favorite season of the year is baseball! So glad to read of another woman counting down the days to spring training.
I’m with you, Sally. Fifteen times a year was more than I would have expected too.
Sports? Love them. I just wish I had more time to sit and watch them. 
Wow, all these sports fans.
Love it!
And that’s just at our agency, Sally. I’m sure this happens with other agencies too.
I love baseball too!
Wow! Just wow! I had no idea that publishing houses went looking for books. Another great reason to have a great agent. I’m definitely flexible, and for that kind of opportunity, I’d clear the calendar. There are so many different genres I’d like to write that it’s unsettling to think about branding myself. And interests? The law, higher education, disabilities, adoption, large families, family dysfunction (although how many could say that?). Thanks so much for the encouraging information, Rachel.
Lol! I think a lot of us are experts in family dysfunction.
What a fabulous post, Rachel. I think we need more news like this.
I’m somewhat flexible on content, but my stories need to stew for a bit. Even though I work best under pressure, I’m not sure I could write a book with only a few days to plot it out.
My strengths are time management and organization, but often what I find out there in books of this nature is the same information. I wonder if there is a new direction to take it.
I actually approached a young adult e-book publisher a few weeks ago asking if there were projects she was looking for. I know her fairly well, and I would love to work with her. I’m not sure I’m up for a contemporary romance aimed at that market, though. I’m definitely not a paranormal writer. Historical fiction seems to be more middle grade than YA, so I thought a book that blended the past and the present (Circle of Secrets, Amber House) or had a time travel element might be worth thinking about.
Thanks for this encouraging post.
You’re welcome, Cheryl! I’m glad the post was an encouragement.
I think the great thing about writers being so creative is that most of the time you have ideas running through your head–little bits and pieces that can be adapted to lots of situations or project needs. It’s not about coming up with something completely new; it’s about molding what you already have to fit the request.
This is probably true in a lot of cases, Lacee. Authors are very creative people and I love them!!!
Right now I have notes for a contemporary romance, a fantasy, and an historical novel on file, so I like to consider myself flexible.
Over the years I have asked people to give a story idea, or even a scene idea, and some of my best work has come from those prompts. I enjoy taking someone’s story seed and making it come alive. I would gladly accept the challenge from an editor or publisher.
Great attitude, Mindy! I hope an opportunity like this comes your way one of these days.
Thank you, Rachel. I hope so, too!
Huh, the fifteen times a year thing is a real shocker. I guess I always pictured publishing as an all you can eat buffet, too many yummy titles and not enough room on the plate.
I know I am capable of writing on various topics with very little notice on a small scale, journalism breeds speed, but an MS would be tricky. I need to simmer on a good storyline. Although, I do have a “debut” MS eating up room on my hard drive that proves I can plot, write, and edit in less than three months, but that does not mean I should.
Wow, Rachel. What a great post. And, yes, I am praying that I’ll have an agent, at the right time. I definitely want the reassurance of someone who can see opportunities and details I can’t and help me with my career.
Flexibility? Yeeeesssss. Sometimes.
It depends on where I’m at in my life. Right now with two kids 10 and under, I find my days pretty full, and not as much time for writing as I’d like. I think as I grow as a writer and in craft I will be able to become more flexible with topic and time management (still figuring out how long it takes me to walk through each step from brainstorm to query).
Thanks for this encouragement, Rachel!
Lol! I read your post as 10 kids 2 and under. A regular Octomom.
I’m glad that’s not the case for you. Two children under 10 is enough to keep any mom busy.
Whoa! Yep, God knew we couldn’t handle 10 kids.
Honestly, there are topics I’d be very comfortable writing about on short notice, especially those involving parenting, suffering, miscarriage, faith, Christianity, and disabilities.
Others, not so much so (tech stuff–no way!). I had no idea, books may actually be assigned spur of the moment. It does motivate me to continue my search for representation. Thanks for the heads up.
It’s great to know both your strengths and weaknesses so that you aren’t tempted to say yes to something that you should really say no to.
And you’re welcome! I’m glad you were encouraged.
Thankfully I’m not short on book ideas. I’ve been blessed with a growing list of future novels within my branding, “Historical Fiction That Travels.”
I have a special notebook where I designate a couple of pages per new book idea. When scene ideas, research tidbits and more crop up, they go onto the pages, so I have a constantly growing collection.
I think I could be flexible with putting out more books within the historical fiction genre if I needed to but I’m not sure how flexible I could be otherwise. I’m willing to consider any opportunities that may arise though.
I love your brand, Morgan!
thanks, Kiersti!
While I’m sure every writer knows that they technically “shouldn’t” write a completed book until they have a publisher willing to pick it up (“Why write something you didn’t get paid for”, as the advice goes)…..
…..I wouldn’t be surprised if most writers have a story or several hiding away in a desk drawer waiting to be published, leaving agents and editors surprised at our amazing literary skills to produce such masterpieces when we are asked to do so.
Sadly, because the competition is so fierce these days, most publishers won’t even consider a project unless the book is complete. This used to just be for debut authors but I’m seeing it more and more with published authors too! It’s amazing. It’s true that this is the case most often with fiction, but it happens with non-fiction as well.
And I agree, I know quite a few of my clients came to me with completed manuscripts tucked away for a later date.
I didn’t know that was becoming the trend for those who are already published, and that really worries me as a writer, but moreso as a reader:
I’d hate to think that I could go to a library and not find any good books because the industry has finally reached the point that potential and established authors just decide to try writing for TV, movies, or online entertainment, instead of putting up with ever-increasing absurdity of publishers.
Though as far as being a writer, when approaching agents or publishers I feel like sometimes we resemble cheap infomercials:
“So you decided to represent / publish my book? Wait, THEEEERES’ MORE! If you liked the action-filled story of “BOOM-BOOM BOB”, then how about this NEW and IMPROVED historical romance, “Horses for my Cowboy.”
If you ACT NOW, you’ll also get a sneak peek at the action-filled historical sci-fi mystery romance, “BOOM-BOOM BOBs’ Cosmic Cowboy Capers With Cupid!”
CALL NOW!!!
Because it’s not like a writer sits by their phone all day waiting……waiting……waiting….”
I’m flexible, but I’m not fast. Definitely more tortoise than hare, so I guess I wouldn’t be able to jump at a last minute opportunity like that (pun intended).
But as others have said, I think it’s wonderful when you share these “insider” publishing details.
Speed isn’t always necessary–it just depends on the situation.
How cool for the publisher, agent and author to be lined up for an opportunity they didn’t anticipate. A moment for simultaneous cheer-leading moves indeed.
Since I’m not published yet I’ve not had the privilege, and challenge, of working to deadlines. Still learning my flexibility skill set in that regard.
I’m with Meghan … wow, I had no idea! I learn something new every day about the publishing industry. That’s why I ‘need’ an agent.
It must feel a bit like being a match-maker–connecting the right editor with the right author at the perfect time.
Exciting opportunities!
It does! I love making these matches.
I guess I’m more flexible than I thought. In the past few weeks, several opportunities have presented themselves, and I’ve been in the position to say “Yes!”
Now I’m excited to move forward but needing to balance some other areas of my life so I can be productive.
As for being open to writing something spur-of-the-moment, I could probably do it but only with my brother’s help. He’s the best plot doctor in the world! I could call him with “alligator wrestlers in space” and he’d help me hammer out an awesome plot.
May I be nosy, and ask what the ‘yes’ opportunities were?
I had never considered that there were opportunities like this out there – but it doesn’t surprise me. And, it doesn’t surprise me that publishers would call on Books & Such and their amazing clients to fill the slots. I’ve been so impressed by all the agents at B & S and the authors you represent.
As a mom of four, I’ve had to learn the fine art of flexibility, within boundary lines. I could be very flexible creating a plot if it fell within the boundaries of my historical knowledge – even if I have only a little knowledge in that area. But, I’m sure I’d need some time for adequate research after the plot was established.
You got me at “opportunities.”
That is one reason I’m determined to send my MSS through the “first cold presses” of the traditional publishing route before I try self-publishing. IMO, rejection emails are badges of honor. Better to have tried and be turned away, than never to have tried at all.
As for writing requests, IMHO your examples support the notion that writers shouldn’t pigeonhole themselves into one genre. One never knows the doors of opportunities that might open for an author to stretch her writing skills. Since I write in multiple genres, I’m happy to keep doing what I’m doing, just in case I need to diversify to pay the bills LOL.
It is encouraging to hear there are so many last minute opportunities like that. As far as flexibility, I know I can be pretty flexible and fast for fiction. Non-fiction might be a bit harder. Writing on short notice is an interesting concept to keep in mind.
I definitely could write a book set in Alaska eons ago, but I’ve also done a ton of research about weaving and about the early 1900s. I seem to pick subjects that editors don’t ask for!! I love writing suspense, but I’d also love the opportunity to write a literary novel, but when you’re looking for sales (to publishers) suspense garners more interest!
I loved this post. It gives me so much hope!
So wonderful to hear this, Rachel. I’ve read of publishers being left hanging at due date so it’s probably a great relief for them to know they can go to Books & Such and ask for a certain type of book, knowing it will be done right and on time. Good work!
I’ve never been in such a situation so would say if a publisher wanted a book I had never done but thought I could do, I’d sure give it a try. Many accomplishments are achieved by a person tackling a job in which they had no experience, but learned real fast and did it. Having never written a novel, I find it difficult to say how flexible I’d be or if I could come up with a plot in a few days. But you know, why not? The old 4-H motto is Learn by Doing after all.
I prefer non fiction, God stories I like to call them. I’m interested in prayer, and angels, I am working on a book of them right now that I’m bringing to Mount Hermon and would like you all to take a look at if possible.
I am from Montana so I also love horses and cows and farms and ranches.
Thanks so much for this blog and questions. It was a good one.
Very encouraging post Rachel. I’ve heard about agents requesting book projects from a couple of my published author friends! Always so exciting to be asked. Of course, these authors are reliable and flexible. Good examples for those of us not yet represented.
My favorite genre is cozy mystery with a little romance, but I have ideas for many, many other fictional stories. I occasionally write an etiquette column for an online news journal. Many years ago, I wrote and assembled a monthly newsletter for grieving parents. (That was a hard, but necessary task!)
The serendipity moments in life are such a blessing! I wrote a blog post on my struggles with being a “tech savvy” grandma. A CNN columnist happened to find it…out there in cyber world… and ask to interview me for a piece she was writing. Now that was a surprise!
Thanks again for your reassuring words.
I would find it difficult to write a science fiction novel in a few days, especially if I had to construct an alien language. However, I also write devotionals and could contribute to a compilation or follow guidelines for an envisioned book.
Quite a variety of writing interests in the community here. If this ever happened to me, I would consider it a total God thing. I would be thanking and praising God for his favor! At home with spiritual growth, bible study, devotional, crisis and healing, or Christian leadership projects, I would welcome such opportunities. This post makes me want to accelerate affiliation with an agent. You never know!
Wow Rachel what a great post, I’m so intrigued and eager for surprise opportunities now!
I had never considered these possibilities, but I can see how opportunities like these would come up from time to time.
This is encouraging to know; thanks for pointing it out.
Such an encouraging post, Rachel. And yes, I’d feel comfortable being assigned something that related to my over-arching theme–love after marriage. I’ve written a paranormal, a historical fiction, and now a suspense novel, but the MC in all of those is a married woman. It’s funny that married women probably make up the bulk of the CBA readership, but many CBA books don’t present life AFTER the “I Do.” This is definitely my target audience–women who want books that accurately portray their married lives and struggles.
BUT I do have this YA dystopian rolling around in the back of my head, just in case…hee.