Hi Everyone! I'm so excited to announce that Rachelle Gardner has become my agent. I think it's really important if you haven't had an agent before or if you've recently signed with an agent to address this very important issue of communication. This is taken directly from Rachelle's blog. Please go to http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/ for outstanding information.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Communicating with Your Agent
One of the primary questions my clients ask when I first sign them to the agency is "How should I expect to communicate with you?" This is a GREAT question by the way, and one that should always be addressed in a new agent-client relationship.
While each agent will have their own preferences, I believe most of them have the same general philosophy as I do:
1. Email is the preferred method of communication.
2. There are times when it's necessary to talk something through, and it's especially helpful at the beginning when you're first getting to know one another. So don't hesitate to call if necessary (if your agent has indicated that it's okay) or even better, email to set up a phone call.
3. Once you have an agent, you shouldn't feel guilty or hesitant to contact them. I've noticed clients are usually very considerate, not wanting to "bug" their agent, and it's appreciated. My philosophy is that, once I've agreed to represent you, I like to keep an open line of communication, so don't avoid contact when you have questions or concerns.
4. If you have several minor questions or comments, you may want to save them up for a once a week email. Write your questions in an email, save it to "draft," then later when you have more things to say you can add to it.
5. Many agents are on Twitter and/or Facebook. It's perfectly fine to have casual conversation with your agent via social networking sites (including blogs). But if you have something important to say, it's best to do it through email rather than a Facebook message or a Twitter DM. Here's why: My email inbox is my top priority each day. It's one of the ways I keep track of what needs to get done. Twitter and Facebook are not anywhere on my "to do" list during the work day, and I may not be checking them. If your communication is important, I really need an email.
6. When in doubt about how best to communicate, ask your agent what he/she prefers.
7. If you're having trouble reaching your agent, i.e. you've emailed a couple of times and haven't heard back within a few days, there could be an email glitch. In this case it's appropriate to try another method—phone call, Twitter, Facebook—and ask if they've received your emails.
What about communicating with an agent who is not your agent?
→ Email only.
→ Twitter and Facebook are fine for casual conversation, but don't always expect a reply.
→ Don't call on the phone or stop by the office (yes, it happens).
→ Do not add agents to your newsletter or other mailing list.
Hey! I've moved. You'll be directed to my new blog in 3...2...1...
ANYONE SEEN MY MOTIVATION?
I've been having a difficult time concentrating. Maybe it's because the snow piled up about nine inches high over the past three days and all I wanted to do was sleep. Is that normal? I know a lot of people have been snowed in worse than we were here in Ohio, but I thought that would give me lots of time to get things done. Not! At least not writing. Maybe it's because I was snowed in with my hubby, youngest daughter (17), my Mom and six assorted critters. The more I think about it the more I wonder how I got anything done at all. Oh, and the Olympics were on. Duh!
I'm starting to feel that tingle in my fingertips. My computer screen is calling to me and more plot ideas are forming in my foggy, snowed in brain. I have got to go exercise. What was I thinking?
Ahhhhhhhhhh. That's better. Now I can get down to business. What do you do when the words won't come or you can't get started?
Wait. Wait just a minute. I'm back!
The Power of Habits
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Habits can make you or take you in directions you don't want to go. Instead of focusing on all the bad habits you've developed and want to change, pick one, just one. This way you won't get overwhelmed and quit before you get started. Think about it. What is it that's most important for you to change. What will make the biggest difference for your life? What's been preventing you from making this change?
Procrastination is my worst bad habit. I think if I didn't procrastinate I'd have a real headstart on those other habits I need to work on. But before you think there's no hope for me or you, don't despair. We all have good habits too.
What is something that you are proud to have made a good habit in your life? I know for me that reading my Bible and going to church are healthy habits that feed my spirit and bring peace to my hectic life.
What is a habit you long to change? I desperately want to show up at my computer screen each day and type my 3-4 pages I need to get my next novel finished, but it's really proved difficult. So I am going to work on that this next month. I discovered a cool website at www.habitforge.com I encourage you to check it out. It's easy to sign up for and you can share your progress or keep it private.
Let's see if we all can't make some headway on these habits we want to develop. Feel free to drop in anytime and share your experiences.
Smiles and Blessings,
Jill
Procrastination is my worst bad habit. I think if I didn't procrastinate I'd have a real headstart on those other habits I need to work on. But before you think there's no hope for me or you, don't despair. We all have good habits too.
What is something that you are proud to have made a good habit in your life? I know for me that reading my Bible and going to church are healthy habits that feed my spirit and bring peace to my hectic life.
What is a habit you long to change? I desperately want to show up at my computer screen each day and type my 3-4 pages I need to get my next novel finished, but it's really proved difficult. So I am going to work on that this next month. I discovered a cool website at www.habitforge.com I encourage you to check it out. It's easy to sign up for and you can share your progress or keep it private.
Let's see if we all can't make some headway on these habits we want to develop. Feel free to drop in anytime and share your experiences.
Smiles and Blessings,
Jill
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