Will I get an agent for my book?

Question

My family is telling me to get 'a life' and a real job, but I'm waiting to hear back from two agents who've asked to see my novel.

What are my odds? Or will I be spending the rest of my life serving pasta at an Olive Garden? (my real job)

Answer 1

My family has said the same thing from time to time--now more so with my MIL. lol

But the fact that you've gotten the attention of two agents must mean your book is that good! (like mine were. BTW: Would you be interested in exchanging sample pieces for each other to read? I'm actually intrigued by your unknown book.)

However, even if you do get "represented", don't think that this will mean Easy Street for you. 98% of the first-time authors these days don't make it past their advance before they are dropped all together after the first year, and less on their second.

Kay Kenyon sent me an interesting e-mail on what happened after she got her Maximum Ice novel published. Her sales weren't stellar either. And she was sorely disappointed that her publisher turned down her idea of a sequel. (Which most of us were BEGGING her for! lol)

Most first-time authors these days simply don't make enough money to live off of. So while you are getting traditionally published, just remember to hang onto that day job.

But don't give up writing, okay?

Sky

Answer 2

Why not do both, get a real job and keep on searching. Here are the odds as I understand them....In each publishing house there are any given number of agents, looking for a new good novel. However, they the publishing house only publishes so many novels a year, I believe it is 12 a year. So, with each meeting each month, each agent brings with them a number of novels to present to the publishing house for publishing...as many as 1000 may appear at any given time. You chances are slim, but...then again so WAS every other author at one time or another.

I believe the story of Clancy, goes a bit like this. I present my novel for publication 37 times (maybe a lot more) before it was ever even looked at.

Get a real job, and keep working on that novel.

You have a better chance if you can write for children.

Also, writing for magazines is a good way to get your work out to the public eye. Do not put your novel into a magazine, it then becomes their property. But write for some other forum and you will make it.

I self published my first book, it was really fun and I still make money off it and get all the royalties I want...

Good luck

Answer 3

You dont want to know the odds. They aren't good. That said, you really shouldn't 'depend' on anything-- especially at this stage. i already have an agent and I'm still working, thats for sure!!

Also, not to be too tough on you, but even if you get a publishing deal, you still need a day job. The average debut author gets between $5,000 to $15,000. That's not enough to live off for any amount of time. Most authors that do it for a full time job have 2-4 books coming out a year. So if it takes you more than couple months for a rough draft.... you'd have to have a substantially larger than average advance to live off of.

edited to add: OOPS! sorry to be so negative. If your book is good, then your odds are good...and well...you know the rest. :-). If you're used to the wages of a part-time olive garden job, then the book deals could be equal to that-without benefits like insurance, of course.

Answer 4

What you decided to do is very difficult. If you want to be sure an agent will read your novel, you should try to connect to people who might help - other novelists who have already published their works, and, you know, some guy who knows some guy...
While waiting, why not try to get a job in some newspaper agency? It could be something...

Answer 5

To be instantly successful is a rare thing. You will likely have to get a job to support yourself until your novel or subsequent work hits. Writing it not profitable unless you're successful. That having been said, what do you write? Staring out in Harlequin (and you can find out how to submit at eHarlequin) can build your name. Several current female NYT authors started at Harlequin - which no longer just does romance.

Answer 6

My Muse is always telling me, "Don't quit your day job." She knows what she's talking about. I should quit this and get back to writing. :-/

Remember, pasta slinging has benefits beyond a regular paycheck. You meet lots of people and get to observe them in conversation. Might pick up some points for future characters.

Answer 7

I think the pasta-bility exists you will continue to work at Olive Garden but let's hear what about your novel idea.

Answer 8

For your first book the odds are very bad. It is sometimes easier to self publish but you may be stuck with hundreds of books with no place to sell them.

Answer 9

Let me consult the Magic 8 Ball, it always knows.

Answer 10

If the agents are legit you should be hopeful. Good luck!