Comments on: What Makes Your Agent Cringe?

By: Julie Surface Johnson

Julie Surface Johnson — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:11:03 +0000

Of course, everyone would like an immediate response. But, as my mother used to say, “patience is a virtue too few of us possess.”

I appreciate the fact that you DO come to conferences and that you are “present” when talking to us. Your smiling face and words of encouragement are just what we need to press on in the sometimes lonely (but often exhilarating) task of writing.

By: Kim Kasch

Kim Kasch — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:18:05 +0000

Love those stickers

By: Katie Ganshert

Katie Ganshert — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:06:03 +0000

“It is what it is” and “You can only do what you can do.” are two quotes I really needed to hear (err…read) today.

As a wife, mother, 5th grade teacher, and writer trying to get back into a routine now that school is back in session…well, let’s just say I’ve been more than overwhelmed and very grumpy about it. I’ve been praying for an attitude adjustment. I’m pretty ocnfident God will follow through with that one.

You’re so right. I can only do what I can do. As much as I’d like to, I can’t add more hours into the day. It is what it is. As much as I’d love to quit my day job right now, I can’t. Whining won’t help a thing.

Thanks for the post! I love getting an insider’s view into an agent’s world. And I appreciate/admire your authenticity.

By: Valerie C.

Valerie C. — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:24:59 +0000

Wendy: “… my current number, 21,195, would scare the casual observer.)”

Actually, it makes me feel pretty good

Keep up the great work, Wendy.

By: DeAnna Julie Dodson

DeAnna Julie Dodson — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:41:14 +0000

Yes, add me to the appreciative group. I have trouble keeping just one writer going day to day. I can imagine agenting for several would be like herding cats.

I have cats. I try to herd them. I know.

Thanks, Wendy!

By: Sharon K. Souza

Sharon K. Souza — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:17:23 +0000

Wendy, I don’t envy you your job, but I appreciate all you do!

By: KC Frantzen

KC Frantzen — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:28:03 +0000

Thanks for the reminder to batch my emails – I tend to hit send as soon as I read something. It’s a bad habit that I’ve known about for years.
Can you send over some of those Post-Its please ma’am?!

By: Lynn Rush

Lynn Rush — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:25:24 +0000

Wow. I liked that picture you posted of the post it notes. It made me smile. You’re right. You can only do what you can do. I like your honesty.

You know? My writing mentors told me from day one to expect things to move slowly — not because agents are mean “career crushers” but because they are busy . . . so I’m not surprised. Nor do I pace by my computer wringing my hands. Faith, family, THEN work, right? God’s timing.

Have a great day, everyone.

By: Traci DePree

Traci DePree — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:23:59 +0000

I’m so glad to read this! You aren’t alone, dear. (translated: it’s coming, really it is)

Hugs!

By: Wendy Lawton

Wendy Lawton — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:52:40 +0000

Valerie, you wrote “I’ve even considered adding a running total of emails in my inbox to my blog – maybe someone will at least find it entertaining.”

I think it would be interesting. Most of us struggle with the avalanche of email and few of us realize how universal the struggle. (Of course I keep all important emails in my inbox for search purposes– even after they are read. So my current number, 21,195, would scare the casual observer.)