@jjabely I had the exact same experience with Robert. He was gushing over my book, told me there would be a bidding war and that agents wait for years for a book like mine. I signed with him, even though something in my gut felt wary of such effusive praise. He had no editorial comments and then, ultimately, could not sell my book. I was his client for five years. During that time it was very difficult to get information from him about which houses he was submitting to, what our plans were, and he was very bad at responding to emails. I kept telling myself it would work out because of the reputation of the agency and I couldn't imagine why he would take me on if he didn't really think he could sell my book. But I ended up parting ways with him, and he wasn't particularly professional about it, insisting he should at least get to see my next project. It's hard to know what's right, and it's hard to let go of an agent when you have one. But after five years I finally understood my work deserves better.

@jjabely Thank you for this warning! I'm sorry you had that experience.

Beware this agent. He took me on as a client and when my book didn't sell within 2 weeks...he ghosted me completely. No, really. This was after a vetting process on both of our parts in which he assured me that he knew books can sometimes take months to sell, and that he was dogged in terms of finding his clients' books a home.

I later learned that this is his m.o. He takes a flier on clients, hurls their work out there for a week or so, and if it doesn't sell right away? You're dusted with no further communication.

Yes, I know, Sterling Lord, but remember, it's a great agent you want - who could be at any agency. There are bad apples everywhere.

EQ 9/14/2024, with first 3 chapters via publisher website

Former client. Robert's a nice guy but absolutely terrible at communication and keeping clients updated. It typically takes him a long time to respond to email, notes on manuscripts, submission lists, etc.