I just re-read a million of these lists and by the end of my ten calls, I finally got it down to a science. Here's my strategy— - ThreadSky

rowanbrightonbrown.bsky.social • 30 days ago

I just re-read a million of these lists and by the end of my ten calls, I finally got it down to a science. Here's my strategy—

Reposted from Sonya Afnan is choosing her path ✨

For those who’ve had ‘the call’ with an agent, editor, or publisher—what were the most important questions you asked (or wish you had asked)? #WritingCommunity

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marigoltart.bsky.social•30 days ago

Thank you for posting this! I’m saving this for the future if I finally a get a call! 🤞

sonyaafnan.bsky.social•30 days ago

I’m sure you will 🤩

marigoltart.bsky.social•30 days ago

Thank you! I hope so too 😊💛

rowanbrightonbrown.bsky.social•30 days ago

I started with questions about the current book. What edits did they want to make? How many rounds of revisions? And most importantly, what was their understanding of the story? Did their vision of what the book was trying to do and say match mine?

rowanbrightonbrown.bsky.social•30 days ago

From there, I'd ask about their vision for where the book would sit on the shelf--how they'd categorize it, who they'd comp, what editors and imprints they might be thinking of, and what their submission strategy would be to get it there.

rowanbrightonbrown.bsky.social•30 days ago

Then questions about agenting style--communication methods, frequency, and most importantly what working on my next book together would look like. This question really gets to the heart of how much creative control they're seeking and what they can provide in return.

rowanbrightonbrown.bsky.social•30 days ago

Then simple logistical questions--Number of clients, commission rates, response times, location+bookfair attendance, etc.

Finally, I asked for a copy of the current contract and to speak with a current client, and ended it by seeing if they had any questions for me.

rowanbrightonbrown.bsky.social•30 days ago

My favorite guides for the call came from Alexa Donne, Ann Zhao, and Bookends Literary, though I did end up adding some of my own unique questions that seemed more suited for a call in 2025--

rowanbrightonbrown.bsky.social•30 days ago

Are your clients in community with each other?
Are there opportunities to meet other people at the agency?
What about film rights & IP work?
What would your involvement look like in publishing short stories or other creative work?
What happens to me if you leave the agency?

mylankohler.bsky.social•25 days ago

📌

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