Thursday, May 13, 2010

How Interested Do I Have to Be?

I was just wondering, in that vague kind of unfocused fashion that comes after just having had a full meal, what it takes to be an agent?
A lot. Have you read any agent blogs, or is your interest too vague for that?
Is there a course somewhere to prepare you for it?
No.
Is it merely a discerning eye for good stories? For what will sell?
Yes. PLUS a knowledge of WHERE it will sell. Agents know the differences in publishing tastes between one publisher and another; one editor and another. AND they know the ins and outs of publishing contracts. AND they know industry practices and norms. AND they know the terrain of the modern author's career path, and what's best for them.

If those sound like things you'd like to learn, then you could try interning at an agency.
I'm a writing student at the University of Technology, Sydney, in my final semester and I've always loved editing, have always desired to enter the publishing industry in some fashion (be it as an editor or writer) but I've never considered what is required to become a successful agent, hence my question.
If you could give me tips re: the editing front as well, I would appreciate it. I've tried offering myself as an intern for most of the publishing houses in Sydney (though there are probably several hundred I've missed) to no avail, so tips there would be nice.
Knowing something about writing is a definite plus. But what matters more to people in publishing houses is being acutely interested in CURRENT books, and in what's GREAT and what SELLS.

Have you conveyed an acute interest to the publishing houses you've applied to? Or only a vague one?

11 comments:

Unknown said...

I think I need it. Thank you
i like play games descargar facebook | descargar facebook apk | descargar facebook gratis

Anonymous said...

Banned complain !! Complaining only causes life and mind become more severe. Enjoy the rhythm of the problems faced. no problem no life, no matter did not learn, so enjoy it :)

Obat Tradisional Benjolan Di Hidung
Pengobatan Filariasis
Obat Toksoplasma Untuk Ibu Hamil
Obat Penghilang Wasir Pada Ibu Hamil
Obat Kehamilan Ektropik

Sophie Grace said...

I was very impressed by this post, this site has always been pleasant news. Thank you very much for such an interesting post. Keep working, great job! webstagram

Eva E. Murphy said...

I appreciate what you have shared with us. However, this is my first time visiting your blogs, but I really enjoyed reading them. Even though your blog has convinced me to visit more of yours, but first, I have to find a service from which I can Buy Essay Online at an affordable price. I promise I will visit your other blogs right after I get free from my essay.

yadongbiz said...

Excellent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely excellent. 한국야동

Also do visit may web page check this link 야설

koreayadongcom said...

Thanks for this post!! it was great reading this article!! i would like to know more!! keep in touch and stay connected!! Cheers! 야동

Also do visit may web page check this link 국산야동

japanyadongcom said...

Thanks For such a valuable post. I am waiting for your next post, I have enjoyed a lot reading this post keep it up 국산야동

Also do visit may web page check this link 한국야동

chinayadongnet said...

Nice one! thank you so much! Thank you for sharing this post. Your blog posts are more interesting and impressive. 한국야동

Also do visit may web page check this link 야동

Slot said...

หยอดยา
roma-slot-เว็บตรง

Anonymous said...

วางเเผนทางการเงินของคุณได้ง่ายๆ กับเว็บไซต์ khaohotdara ดูเว็บไซต์ ซึ่งเราได้รวบรวมเอาข้อมูลขข่าวสารด้านการเงินการลงทุน เทคนิคการออมต่างๆ ที่จะช่วยให้คุณมีสุขภาพการเงินที่เเข็ง รวมไว้ในเว็บไซต์เดียว ติดตามได้ที่ทุกที่เวลา.

Gary sobers said...

This blog is very much helpful for me. Nice work is done in this article. Keep it up the good work mate. Now its time to avail limo service east bay ca for more information.