Agent Critiqued Manuscript
When I got back from vacation I was thrilled to see an e-mail in my inbox regarding Grendar's Tale, the latest manuscript I'd sent off to my agent for consideration.
The first line of the comments read:
"Heather has created a detailed and inventive fantasy world that looks good to intrigue a wide fantasy audience. The writing style is easily readable and involving."
Much squeeing commenced. Thank goodness I was home and not still in the hotel lobby on vacation. Folks would have thought me crazy. And they would have been right, crazy excited! Especially since that was followed by dancing around and chanting, "he likes it, he likes it!"
For those of you who are unagented I'll share a bit of mystery and let you in on what an agent critique is like. The thing to remember is that every agent is different so they way they critique your work is going to differ slightly from one agent to another. However, I'm on my second agent now and I've got to tell you, the critique isn't a thing like what I imagined. I always thought I'd get my printed manuscript back with red ink all over it. Boy was I wrong! That is very atypical now days so don't expect it.
First of all, our agents are NOT our editors and if you're expecting that level of critiquing, don't. My agent expects my work to be up to a level to where I need very minimal editing, more of a tweaking really. Most agents feel this way and won't accept your work until it's structurally sound with little to no grammar issues. They expect it because editors expect it. It's not that editors don't edit, they do, they just want authors who are at a level craft wise where all they have to focus on is the story. It's a tougher business than it ever has been, which is why it's so important to attend workshops, retreats, or classes to get your work up to par. Don't worry though, if grammar isn't your thing you can always use a reputable freelance editor before you submit. If you can avoid it though and use the money to learn to edit on your own, I highly recommend that route instead.
So what can you expect from your agent? A rare few will send the manuscript back red line edited others will send it via email with comments in the margins on what they'd like you to tweak or change. For the most part they'll be focusing on plot, pacing, and character arcs. Most agents send out a critique letter that is usually between 2~4 pages long and addresses the strong and weak points of the book as well as the changes they want to see. The critique letter has been my experience with both agents I've had.
Once I got past the excitement of Grendar's Tale being accepted I read thoroughly through the letter to see what my edits would involve. All things considered it wasn't bad. I have to do a bit of work on the supporting characters, tone down certain elements, spotlight others, and add a few chapters.
By the way, I have much love for my agent's critique format. The story elements (Mechanics, Characters, Structure, Market Value, and Film Production Value) are broken down on a scale and marked either Solid, Fair, Needs Work, or Rethink. I'm very happy to say I only got a few marks under Needs Work and no marks under Rethink! Most things fell between Solid and Fair. I'm completely happy with that but plan to work harder so that everything falls under Solid. I'm off to edit, happy writing everyone!
The first line of the comments read:
"Heather has created a detailed and inventive fantasy world that looks good to intrigue a wide fantasy audience. The writing style is easily readable and involving."
Much squeeing commenced. Thank goodness I was home and not still in the hotel lobby on vacation. Folks would have thought me crazy. And they would have been right, crazy excited! Especially since that was followed by dancing around and chanting, "he likes it, he likes it!"
For those of you who are unagented I'll share a bit of mystery and let you in on what an agent critique is like. The thing to remember is that every agent is different so they way they critique your work is going to differ slightly from one agent to another. However, I'm on my second agent now and I've got to tell you, the critique isn't a thing like what I imagined. I always thought I'd get my printed manuscript back with red ink all over it. Boy was I wrong! That is very atypical now days so don't expect it.
First of all, our agents are NOT our editors and if you're expecting that level of critiquing, don't. My agent expects my work to be up to a level to where I need very minimal editing, more of a tweaking really. Most agents feel this way and won't accept your work until it's structurally sound with little to no grammar issues. They expect it because editors expect it. It's not that editors don't edit, they do, they just want authors who are at a level craft wise where all they have to focus on is the story. It's a tougher business than it ever has been, which is why it's so important to attend workshops, retreats, or classes to get your work up to par. Don't worry though, if grammar isn't your thing you can always use a reputable freelance editor before you submit. If you can avoid it though and use the money to learn to edit on your own, I highly recommend that route instead.
So what can you expect from your agent? A rare few will send the manuscript back red line edited others will send it via email with comments in the margins on what they'd like you to tweak or change. For the most part they'll be focusing on plot, pacing, and character arcs. Most agents send out a critique letter that is usually between 2~4 pages long and addresses the strong and weak points of the book as well as the changes they want to see. The critique letter has been my experience with both agents I've had.
Once I got past the excitement of Grendar's Tale being accepted I read thoroughly through the letter to see what my edits would involve. All things considered it wasn't bad. I have to do a bit of work on the supporting characters, tone down certain elements, spotlight others, and add a few chapters.
By the way, I have much love for my agent's critique format. The story elements (Mechanics, Characters, Structure, Market Value, and Film Production Value) are broken down on a scale and marked either Solid, Fair, Needs Work, or Rethink. I'm very happy to say I only got a few marks under Needs Work and no marks under Rethink! Most things fell between Solid and Fair. I'm completely happy with that but plan to work harder so that everything falls under Solid. I'm off to edit, happy writing everyone!
Congrats on the good review! :) And thanks for letting us know what to expect.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the edits!
Thanks Sticky! You're very welcome on the info. I know when I was first starting out it was like stumbling about in the dark. I had no idea what to expect. Hopefully this info will help others.
ReplyDeleteCongrats and thank you for clueing in the clueless! I'm not ready for an agent yet, but my first chapter was read by a well-pubbed author who is going to give me a critique as a prize in a contest, so I'm hoping it will be that kind of informative.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up!
ReplyDelete~Fida
Oh wow that gave me goosebumps it's so exciting! Congrats in a huge way.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait until I get an agent review some day... Which reminds me, thanks for posting this because I've been imagining all sorts of things and it's wonderful to have a few real facts and experiences to go on.
You're welcome Fida! Thanks for stopping by, haven't seen you in a while. I hope everything is going great for you!
ReplyDeleteMadison, you're very welcome! Congrats on winning the critique! My fingers are crossed that you get a lot out of it.
That is great news! I'm so happy for you! I'm not even as close as you were with already having a first agent but I did receive a request for a full manuscript. Thank you for your experience. It was truly eye opening and something I don't hear about at the conferences I attend. Now get to work:)
ReplyDeleteCongrats and thanks for sharing your agent experience.
ReplyDeleteYay! So awesome to have that boost of confidence. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteYay, Heather! You go girl! I can say from experience, it does feel good when your agent loves what you've written. It's like getting affirmation from someone who really knows what they're doing! (Not that we don't but we do tend to doubt ourselves) Isn't it nice to have someone to give you that final, solid, critique before it goes to publishers?
ReplyDeleteA full request llt806? That's fantastic! Sounds like you're well on your way to catching up with me! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThanks Elle and Kristi, it is a great feeling!
ReplyDeleteSo true Lisa! It helps remind me that I'm doing what I was meant to do. And it helps a lot to know that my agent helps immprove my novel! Now, to sell it to a publisher...
Cool its neat hearing about the different agent styles of editing:-) I actually have the rare agent who sent me line edits, but that was mostly because every element of my story was 99% in place. Congrats on the great comments!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome that your agent does it that way Frankie! Every agent is different, which is why it's so important we choose the one that is right for us. BTW, love your agent! You two are perfect together!
ReplyDeleteSuper Congrats are in order!!!! Awesome :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love the insiders' viewpoint on what to expect from an agent! Thanks so much!!
Thanks Olleymae! And you're very welcome for the insider's viewpoint.
ReplyDeleteCOngrats and I agree. It's is really interesting to hear : )
ReplyDeleteThanks Bekah I hope it helps in your own literary journey! And thank you for following! Be sure to stop by the link on the right and enter my contest if you'd like to win a book.
ReplyDelete