Hands-on
After a complete reordering of my novel, which resulted in the deletion or streamlining of several scenes, and the writing of additional scenes and subsequent transitions… and then rewriting two major scenes as my agent suggested… and THEN softening the narrator’s stance toward her mother…and much honing, sweating and worries, I submitted the manuscript back to my agent for review. I am delighted to report that it took only 3 weeks for them to read it (in its entirety, for the third time) and email back to me.
In fact, Chelsea thanked me for my patience while she and the agency head, Maria, read the revision. After much detailed praise (the kind of praise I’ll print and post above my computer to read on the days I feel deserted by the muse), she concluded her email by writing, “I am fully confident sending this story out, and will start my query process after Labor Day… In the next couple of weeks, I will diligently be working on my list of editors to contact, and will keep you updated on my progress.”
The best part is: I trust that she will do exactly that.
You deserve this kind of agent
What makes this so remarkable is that several years ago I worked with an agent on a different novel, and had a very different experience, with ignored emails and superficial deadlines. For nearly a year, I thought that was the way it was supposed to be, after all, agents are very busy people, even though something told me her lack of response and lame excuses were disrespectful. I finally cut the cord when it became clear to me she hadn’t even read the entire mss, even though she’d told me she was a “hands on” agent.
So I am floored by Chelsea and Maria. Floored. Chelsea responds to my emails asap. She is a cheerleader. She is a mentor. She makes me work hard. She is honest and upbeat. I’ve finally realized this is the way it’s supposed to be. And I’m loving it.
I did a little research on my former agent, and sadly enough, there are stories similar to mine concerning her floating around the web. I’m glad it wasn’t just me, but it’s also disheartening. So let me warn you: it’s hard to switch agents, but if you feel as if things aren’t quite right, you deserve better.
Linda K. Sienkiewicz is the author of In the Context of Love, about one women’s need to tell her story without shame. 
Publisher: BuddhaPuss Ink LLC
2016 Sarton Women’s Fiction Finalist
2016 Eric Hoffer Book Award Finalist
2016 Readers Favorite Book Finalist
2016 USA Book News “Best Book” Finalist
Angelica Schirrick had always suspected there was something deeply disturbing about her family, but the truth was more than she bargained for.
“With tenderness, but without blinking, Linda K. Sienkiewicz turns her eye on the predator-prey savannah of the young and still somehow hopeful.” ~ Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of the #1 NY Times Bestseller, Deep End of the Ocean
“At once a love story, a cautionary tale, and an inspirational journey.” ~ Bonnie Jo Campbell, author of National Book Award Finalist, American Salvage, and critically acclaimed Once Upon a River,and Mothers, Tell Your Daughters
Buy now: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
That is such fabulous news, Linda. Thrilling. And your work ethic so inspires me. Glad to hear it. I think that for new writers, there is a hesitancy in speaking up for ourselves because we aren’t fully knowledgeable of the whole
process. There are, too, people who take advantage of others or just aren’t
totally professional, and so forth. How on earth does a writer with a fledgling career navigate such waters? I am so appreciative of your willingness to stretch out your hand (and pen, so to speak) to others who are on the journey.
You Rock!
It’s very hard. And honestly, I don’t know what more to say about my former agent because she’s opened up a new agency and ‘represents a lot of writers! Anyways, I’m glad to know I inspire you. Any luck finding a Buffy Saint Marie LP yet?
well, now this just makes me smile and smile again. first for you: congratulations on finishing the revisions and edits, finding an agent that clicks with integrity and personality, and for starting the next trail of the journey soon. yes, smiles.
and that positive feedback you mention? oh, that’s wonderful, too. when i was in grad school and got my thesis back from my 2 readers, i went through the original page by page and tore out all their comments (very few were negative). i made a collage from them, and when i get around to it, i still plan to transfer them to fabric and make pillows for the chaise in jeannedom. fuel. that’s what it is. fuel for what’s next.
What a fabulous idea–pillows for the chaise in jeannedom! I like the idea of cherishing the positive comments, in whatever way you choose, because writing is damn hard work, harder than most people would think (I say this as I’m watching a reality show about air force pararescue water training- ugh).
Thanks for your sharing your thoughts. Yes, here’s to fuel for what’s next!