Chris Richman: Hooking an Agent

Upstart Crow gets about 400 submissions weekly. So in this competitive industry, how do you make your work stand out?

1. Submit the absolute best book that you can. Note: this is definitely not your first draft. Join a crit group. REVISE.

2. Network! Go to conferences *cough SCBWI Midsouth* Join message boards like Verla Kay. Twitter! (Follow us at #midsouth)

3. Research the agents you are going to be submitting to. Spend time and effort to make sure the agent you are sending your work represents your work! Try http://agentquery.com

4. PITCH—the dreaded query! What to include: information about the book and information about you. List your relevant writing experiences and a brief bit of personal information. *MOST IMPORTANT PART. Pitching continues in every stage of a book’s life. TWO TYPES OF PITCH: query versus elevator pitch. The elevator pitch is 25 words or less.

5. The waiting game, which includes all the lovely waiting involved in this industry. Be prepared to wait!

*note: Chris currently has seven clients and is looking for more.

More about Chris Richman from the website:

Chris Richman received his undergraduate degree in professional writing from Elizabethtown College, and an MA in Writing from Rowan University. A former playwright, contributor to The Onion, and sketch comedy writer, Chris broke into agenting in 2008 and has quickly made a name for himself by selling several noteworthy projects. Chris is actively building his list, enjoys working with debut writers, and is primarily interested in middle grade and young adult fiction, with a special interest in books for boys, books with unforgettable characters, and fantasy that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Chris Richman of Upstart Crow Literary

Chris Richman of Upstart Crow Literary had great advice on finding the right agent for you.

Questions you should ask yourself before you begin querying agents:

-What kinds of books do you plan on writing throughout your career?  If you’re querying on a picture book, are you also working on a YA?

-Do you want an agent who will work with you on revisions?  If so, how much?  You want an agent who is right for you.  At Upstart Crow, agents prefer to be involved in revisions.

-How experienced is this agent?

-How large is his/her client list?.  If you’re one of 60 clients, you will get 1/60^th of his/her attention.  You also have to take into account that the “star” clients do get priority. 

 

What happens when an agent offers representation:

-Remember this is not the end goal.  It’s a stage to get you published. 

-Ask the agent:  do you revise?  What kinds of revisions do you see for this book?

-Ask if you can speak to some of their other clients.

-Ask: what other genres do you represent?

-Ask: do you know places where this book could go?

-Tell your agent about your research on the market – what editors you’ve met, who has expressed interest, etc.  

"The agent works for you.  Without writers, we wouldn't have jobs."