when your agent hates your second book

[Noreen]

what do you do when your agent loves your first book but hates your second (which is a 180 degree move stylistically)? what happens when she tells you to put it aside and move on, but you disagree with what you sense is her highly subjective opinion?

[scribbler2]

Noreen, I can't believe you asked this question - today my agent is reading the first 100 pages of my second book! And it is pretty different from the first. The difference between us is, my agent inherited me and my first book from a departed agent, and she, while doing a good job following up on the houses that are considering it, isn't real enthusiastic about it. So in my case, maybe being different is a good thing.

Regardless, I'm holding my breath until I hear. I may be popping in here to commiserate later. I don't know what I will do should my situation be the same as yours - who wants to go through all the pain of getting another agent? On the other hand, you have to believe in your work.

I will be interested in hearing other's reactions.

[Missie]

Scribbler,
I met Linda Kruger at the Pikes Peak Writers Conf. and am sending her three chapters. I have written a family saga. (women's fiction, general fiction... I don't know what to call it.) I started not to meet Linda because she represents mostly romances, but I remembered that your novel is women's fiction and she is your agent.
Linda was one of four agents in a panel discussion. She said that among her clients are two new authors.
Congratualtions being one of them.
Good luck,
Missie

[E.N]

Been there, done that!

The agent who represented my first book and sold it for a lot of money said the main character of my second book wasn't believable/sympathetic, flat, etc., and that he couldn't/wouldn't represent it. He actually told me that he HATED it. He told me to put it away -- start *another* book. I was wiped out. I had spent two years writing it, and I believed in that book!

So I queried 100 agents -- all in NY, all members of AAR. 29 days later one of the biggest agents in US publishing called me and told me that he LOVED my main character, said the character was complex and compelling and went on and on and on about my book's potential. Yipppeeeee for me!

Your agent's opinion *is* subjective. If *you* believe in your work, my advice is to find a new agent who'll believe in it too.

Luck!

EN

[scribbler2]

Missie - well, you're one up on me! I haven't met her, but she sounds very nice on the phone!

My new book sounds like yours - I'm not sure if "saga" is the right word for mine, but it's definitely about family. I have asked her about the romance thing - I know that's her speciality, while my (not so dearly) departed agent expressed interest in more general fiction.

But she said she is interested in mainstream stuff, so good luck to you! Was the conference productive? How many other agents did you meet? That conference sounds like a good one, and one of these days I might let loose of the old purse strings and sign up for one.

Meanwhile, back to working and waiting (for oh so many things).

[Missie]

Scribbler2,
I learned a lot. I plan on ordering some tapes by the founder of PPWA, Jimmy Butler who wasn't able to attend due to illness. His article on dialog in the newsletter was fresh and informative. (The registration fee included memebership in PPWA.) The speakers presented good seminars. The other agents I met and sent chapters to are Nat Sobel, Jessica Faust and Emily Kim. So I revise and wait.

Good luck to you,
Missie

[Noreen]

EN- thanks for your post, i really appreciate it. the fact is i do believe in my second book even if she doesn't. if she can't sell the first one in a reasonable amount of time, i suspect i'll be looking for a new agent for both of them.

[I Am a Great Writer]

Big authors like me never have any trouble getting the top agents interested in our work, whether it be our first novel or our hundredth.

[bri - cali]

GW--why do you ignore me? sniff sniff I am BEGGING to see one of your titles. There are so many to choose from. Just gimme one--it can even be a mid-lister if you want. It can even be one that only got you a $40,000 advance rather than a $50,000 advance. But PLEASE don't keep me in suspense anymore...

brian

[Sheergen]

There are others who suffer in silence, in the hope that the great writer shall condescend some day.