So They Want A Phone Call...Now What?

[LeahClifford]

Agent written list of questions to ask during your first phone call!

http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/08/what-to-ask-agent.html

[Zooks]

Thanks for posting.  Hopefully, I'll need this info very soon. 

[Dogandme]

Agent written list of questions to ask during your first phone call!

http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/08/what-to-ask-agent.html

Thank you for posting that! Very helpful.

[Duff]

Thanks for posting! Man, I hope to need this list.

[fuzzilove10]

Thank you for the information dogandme! I saved the site and might need to use it someday =)

[TJ Forrester]

This is a great list, but it's missing something that's VERY important.

I've had an agent sub a manuscript six times, then give up. I have friends who've had similar experiences with even less subs. Because it is extremely difficult to secure new representation for a manuscript, publication chances for these manuscripts were exhausted.

So, it's a good idea to ask how many subs the agent plans to send out in the first flurry. Then ask if she will send out a second flurry if you don't get an offer on the first. I know an agent who subbed a novel 22 times before giving up. That's the kind of agent you want.

Don't be shy. If she's taken the time to call, you've got the goods and she's more than likely going to make a pitch to sign you. Ask the questions now, so you aren't sorry later.

[Dogandme]

I'm in this surreal process now. I have 2 offers of representation and 4 agents with the full proposal who I've asked to respond by Wednesday (and one responded with a "getting a second read, hang on for our response"). I've talked with both offering agents and really liked both of them. Both did discuss how they'd handle submissions (10 to 12 in "tier one" followed by a tier 2 if necessary).  I'm now calling authors to check references and reviewing contracts. It's a great position to be in, I realize. But also a bit daunting! any advice is appreciated!

[Magic_Seeker]

  Woot!  Congrats and karma!!!!!!!!!!!!

Start your own thread in success stories, so we all can cheer you on.  I get the impression not many people look here -- we're still hoping.

           

[Dogandme]

Gee, I hadn't even thought about that. Feels like bragging to call myself or my process a "success." But then again...well, that's what we're all trying for here. Over to "success" I go!

[AshK]

If I could have known then what I know now...gah!

[Cheryl]

So, I have what may seem like a silly (read: self-doubting) question.

Do agents ever ask to set up a call without the intent of making an offer of representation? Would an agent call for an R&R? 

[MaryL]

Yes. They do call for R&R. 

[Dogandme]

I actually got a phone call rejection. Highly unusual but he had good reasons for making the call personally and he was very, very kind about it. Still though I would think the vast majority of calls are offers, followed next by R & R and then...way done the list, the phone call rejection. (Or maybe that's just my dumb luck!).

[Cheryl]

Oooo... Thanks for the replies! Karma to you both! I will now commence worrying and sweating until Monday morning...

*fingers crossed it's not a rejection*

[Cheryl]

I really cannot believe I didn't come back and share my news... Granted, I was a little scattered, but still, you'd think I'd remember to come back!

Anyway, I got THE phone call Monday morning, and long story short, am now happily represented by Brianne Mulligan at Movable Type!

*happy dance*