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I have a phone interview with a potential agent
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gabriella
 24 Nov 2009, 18:08 #77026 Reply To Post
I have a phone interview tonight with a potential agent. Does anyone know or can anyone tell me what I should expect? I have submitted a query and first 3 chapters. She has asked I allot one hour for the interview.
Jen

"Those who control their passions do so because their passions are weak enough to be controlled." William Blake

my blog
Babylon
 24 Nov 2009, 18:38 #77030 Reply To Post
Blimme, sounds like she's going to want your life history!

My advice is put on clean underwear and remember the lyrics of 'I Wanna be a Paperback Writer'.

Good luck and make sure you report back.
pam123writing
 24 Nov 2009, 18:39 #77031 Reply To Post
Quote: gabriella, Tuesday, 24 Nov 2009 18:08
I have a phone interview tonight with a potential agent. Does anyone know or can anyone tell me what I should expect? I have submitted a query and first 3 chapters. She has asked I allot one hour for the interview.


Good luck J. I'll be keeping everything crossed for you. E-mail me later and let me know how you go on. I, personally, wouldn't know what to expect but maybe others do and will come along to chip in. It's very exciting.
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Dollywagon
 24 Nov 2009, 19:12 #77033 Reply To Post
Might be too late to answer and I can't give you any personal advice, but:
Have you sent it out to other agents - have they asked for a full?
Has this agent asked for a full? Could be she thinks you have huge potential and wants to get a foot in the door first (you have good reviews on YWO) so don't jump at anything yet.

Always remember that an agent is there for your benefit - it has to be somebody you could work with and has your best interests at heart.

Good luck!!!
paula8888
 24 Nov 2009, 19:21 #77034 Reply To Post
I saw an interview with an agent recently where she said she always gave potential clients a thorough questioning first. She wanted them to be able to talk freely and confidently about their book and basically know 'what their book was about' - which most don't, apparently.

My advice would be to stand up when taking the call. I always do this when i want to come across as confident (and get my own way).

I have everything crossed for you.

Paula x
gabriella
 24 Nov 2009, 19:58 #77035 Reply To Post
Quote: paula8888, Tuesday, 24 Nov 2009 19:21
I saw an interview with an agent recently where she said she always gave potential clients a thorough questioning first. She wanted them to be able to talk freely and confidently about their book and basically know 'what their book was about' - which most don't, apparently.

My advice would be to stand up when taking the call. I always do this when i want to come across as confident (and get my own way).

I have everything crossed for you.

Paula x


The interview is in less than 3 hours away (I'm on the east coast of the US and 5 hours behind you guys in the UK). I am nervous but calm, too. I would assume she will ask about the book, where I am with it, etc. No, she has not asked for a full and no, I haven't submitted to other agents.

I guess I just don't want to come across as sounding like a babbling idiot. I always pace when I talk on the phone and have the hand gestures going, etc. as if the person on the other end can see me. LOL. Thank you for your votes of encouragement and I'll keep you all posted.

Of course, anyone who has actually been through this or who has further comments - I would love to hear from you.
This post was last edited by gabriella, 24 Nov 2009, 20:01
Jen

"Those who control their passions do so because their passions are weak enough to be controlled." William Blake

my blog
Dollywagon
 24 Nov 2009, 20:09 #77036 Reply To Post
To be honest I think Paula has got it closer than any of us. I think Pat Wood mentioned that one thing they want to know is if you know your book. They expect you to be concise, confident, know your characters and plot - know how to summarise it. Being enthusiastic is not enough on its own.

I know I phoned an agent who will only take submissions if you phone her first. I'd phoned her for four years on the trot about children's picture books and never got past the first hurdle ie, I'm not taking on any new writers.
This year, she said, Okay, tell me what your book is about? It completely threw me, I wasn't ready for it and to cut a long story short - I blew it.

Ho hum.
Be prepared, have a bucket load of legible notes in front of you that make an impact.

Finger's crossed for you!
paula8888
 24 Nov 2009, 20:20 #77037 Reply To Post
Ooh, I hadn't thought about notes. Yes, I think i would have a list of statements in front of me which would sell the book to her.

Pivotal moments etc.
How the character 'grows'.
How far along you are with your second book (so publishers know you are not a one trick pony).
blah blah blah.


taggie01
 25 Nov 2009, 00:03 #77045 Reply To Post
You may already have had your I/V by the time you read this, but an agent did exactly that to me earlier this year. Phoned me, and began to grill me. (I did stand, I have to confess) And then she proceeded to mock and denigrate the path I had chosen to POD until I fired up and told her that it would give her an interesting point with which to market me.

The story of what she asked for has been told already on YWO, so I won't waste time. Suffice to say that we came to a parting of the ways three months later. My advice is that you have to feel comfortable in your skin with the agent's manner, their questions, their interest and whilst yes, you should remember the song afore-mentioned, remember that this person will be your agent, your friend and your mentor.

I wish you heartfelt luck and look forward to an update.
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gabriella
 25 Nov 2009, 00:56 #77047 Reply To Post
Well, the interview/phone call went better than expected. It was really more of a 'get to know you' kind of talk - that sort where we sort of feel each other out. We talked about what each of us was looking for, what our goals were, what we had in mind and how to get there. We discussed marketing techniques, things to do to get my name out there, she even helped me set up some information online. It was a really great conversation and she is willing to continue working with me and is willing to look at the manuscript when I'm ready to hand it over. No pressure, no strings. And she was incredibly pleasant and nice.

So, with that said, not much else to report except that I am looking forward to working with her. And, the great thing about it - she's local to me - within 30 minutes travel time! How awesome is that!
Jen

"Those who control their passions do so because their passions are weak enough to be controlled." William Blake

my blog
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