La-Tessa
I came across this article by Dean Wesley Smith via the message boards on the FF&P site. Now, I’m a newbie to this industry, but I found this article very interesting and conversation starting.
Mr. Smith’s article takes a look at what life would be like if the role of agent just dissappeared one day. He provides bits of history on the publishing industry and speaks to the roles & responsibilities of agents in relation to those of the writer and the editor.
It’s a very though provoking article, to say the least. And it did challenge some of my beliefs about agents and their role in the grand scheme of things. All in all, it’s given me a bit of perspective, which we all need from time to time. My main take away is this quote : “YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN CAREER.”
Great advice.
Estelle Harte
This got me thinking too. I can’t watch that Life After People show though. It freaks me out, LOL. As for the agent thing, some of my chaptermates have given some pretty blunt talks about what an agent can and can’t/should and shouldn’t do for you. I know I read a quote somewhere by Sandra Brown where she said something about (I’m definitely paraphrasing) the importance of staying in control of one’s career and not blindly trusting one’s career path to anyone else. I’m sure that includes agents. I think “You are responsible for your own career” is a good motto. Thanks for sharing this. 🙂
La-Tessa
Thanks for visiting Estelle 🙂
I’ve recieved similar advice some my chaptermates and other authors as well. I am still a ways away from needing an agent at this point, but I will keep an open mind when that times comes.
One thing I’ve learned so far on my journey so is to trust my instincts about my writing. So I am definitely taking my motto to heart 🙂