Submissions woes, part #39898347837
Aug. 25th, 2009 12:02 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
megwritesI know I've said this before, but I think it bears repeating. I really, really, really wish some agents would be more specific about what they want or do not want, especially if they don't accept e-queries.
Before anyone thinks I'm ranting about how terrible agents are (they aren't!), this is a problem with some agents, not all. Most agents have submissions guidelines that are easily found and very specific. I appreciate those agents. A lot.
Some agents, however...
I wish agents would make sure their AgentQuery, PublishersMarketplace, and LitMatch listings are specific and accurate. So many have several (or every) fiction genre listed, but very demonstrably - and by demonstrably, I mean looking at their client lists and recent sales - only represent one or two types of books. A literary book about angsty ghosts is not the same as fantasy or horror or mystery. They're not even on the same side of the bookstore! Why in the world does your page list every conceivable genre when your client list is telling me that you've probably never picked up an SF/F book in your life? Why?
I don't know whether this is because of the way that AQ, PM, and LM list agents or how the form is filled out, but it's problematic.
Especially when that agent doesn't have a website, blog, or other place where I can see their guidelines. Or the ones who like to add a little Vague Sauce. You know the ones I'm talking about. The ones where the agent says something like, "I'm looking for a book that stands out from the rest and sweeps the reader away! I want something with a unique voice and an interesting perspective!"
Which makes me say, "Yeah, that's real cute. So, do you represent SF/F or not?"
I used to get mad every time I saw submissions guidelines saying, "Absolutely no SF/F! No vampires or werewolves!" Now? I want to thank those for being straightforward and specific. Once I know that they don't want to pick up what I'm throwing down? I can hit the back button and save us both some very precious time.
Before anyone thinks I'm ranting about how terrible agents are (they aren't!), this is a problem with some agents, not all. Most agents have submissions guidelines that are easily found and very specific. I appreciate those agents. A lot.
Some agents, however...
I wish agents would make sure their AgentQuery, PublishersMarketplace, and LitMatch listings are specific and accurate. So many have several (or every) fiction genre listed, but very demonstrably - and by demonstrably, I mean looking at their client lists and recent sales - only represent one or two types of books. A literary book about angsty ghosts is not the same as fantasy or horror or mystery. They're not even on the same side of the bookstore! Why in the world does your page list every conceivable genre when your client list is telling me that you've probably never picked up an SF/F book in your life? Why?
I don't know whether this is because of the way that AQ, PM, and LM list agents or how the form is filled out, but it's problematic.
Especially when that agent doesn't have a website, blog, or other place where I can see their guidelines. Or the ones who like to add a little Vague Sauce. You know the ones I'm talking about. The ones where the agent says something like, "I'm looking for a book that stands out from the rest and sweeps the reader away! I want something with a unique voice and an interesting perspective!"
Which makes me say, "Yeah, that's real cute. So, do you represent SF/F or not?"
I used to get mad every time I saw submissions guidelines saying, "Absolutely no SF/F! No vampires or werewolves!" Now? I want to thank those for being straightforward and specific. Once I know that they don't want to pick up what I'm throwing down? I can hit the back button and save us both some very precious time.
no subject
Date: 2009-08-25 04:32 pm (UTC)Periodically, when someone calls to their attention that information is out of date, they update, but otherwise...
no subject
Date: 2009-08-25 07:00 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-08-25 07:35 pm (UTC)Doesn't PW have one that agents register for?
It's been so long since I researched.
no subject
Date: 2009-08-25 07:36 pm (UTC)