Offers of representation are as exciting for me as an agent as they are for clients. Since I am actively developing my list, I am eager for that magical moment when the relationship with a new client begins.
But getting to that offer is tricky alchemy. To help me with this decision I’ve developed a three-step litmus test.
Is it “top to bottom quality?”
Before I finally left my job at a publishing house to join a literary agency, I spent several months speaking with editors about their relationships with agents. One editor’s comments in particular stayed with me:
I love when an agents’ list is top to bottom quality. Even when I don’t think a book may be for me, I read it because I trust them.
This is exactly the reputation I want to develop! When I read a query, the first thing I ask myself is whether I’d call it “top to bottom quality.” It doesn’t necessarily mean I want a perfect book. But I am looking for a book that excites me to the point of gushing. Would I be proud to send this to my peers and colleagues? Would I be willing to metaphorically fight for this book?
If the answer is NO, I pass.
If the answer is YES, I move to the next question.
Will it be ready to sell soon?
I am perpetually inspired by potential. I can see the kernel of talent in a book or a writer and envision an entire future for them. But that future only exists in my head and is often not aligned with reality or even the writer’s vision! The core of my work as an agent is selling books so I need to start prioritizing books I can sell. When I do editorial development with clients, my goal is to address any issues I can spot and remove any potential barriers for the acquisitions editor. It would be a shame to get a rejection for something we knew wasn’t working. To that end, I try to estimate how much editorial development a book needs before it is “ready to sell.” “Soon” is quite flexible—it depends entirely on my workload and the publishing marketplace at any given time.
If the answer is YES, I offer representation!
If the answer is NO, I move to the next question.
Does it have the crossover potential?
Crossover potential is the secret sauce that every sales person hopes a book has. Genres like the ones I represent—romance, fantasy, and historical fiction—have their core audiences but the books in any category become bestsellers by appealing to a broad range of readers. It’s hard to predict which books will be breakout hits but sometimes the themes of a book address a cultural moment so deftly that a seasoned marketer can see the hooks that would reel various readers in.
If the answer is NO, I ask the writer to revise and resubmit.
If the answer is YES, I offer representation!
I hope this insight into my process is helpful! It’s not an exact science but it works for me for now. If you are interested in working with me please see my full guidelines for more details.
