Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Poll

Since life seems bent on interrupting my writing, thought I'd post a poll for y'alls opinion! After you vote, post a comment as to why you voted as you did.







Which would you rather have first, an agent or an editor?
An Agent
An Editor


  

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13 comments:

Unknown said...

I voted for getting an agent first. They can help you plot your career, and they have contacts and know the business better than I could ever hope to.

Of course, some people say it's harder to get an agent than an editor...

Unknown said...

Guess I should post my own reply, huh? LOL

I voted for getting an agent first because I want someone on my "team" to advise me, make suggestions, and help guide my career. I don't want to be a "one-hit-wonder"! LOL

Anonymous said...

I voted for getting an agent first because of the reasons already mentioned :)

Kelly (Lynn) Parra said...

I've voted agent because doors are more open for you. They can help guide your career, and look out for your interests. =D

Paula said...

I didn't vote yet. I'm not sure I know the answer, LOL. I'll take either! :o)

Ronie Kendig said...

Okay, I'm weird. LOL I voted for an editor--because I think if you have a contract, you'd have a better chance of getting teh agent you want. Of course...it works the other way too.

WAIT. Is this a trick question?

Camy Tang said...

I believe that getting an agent first will get me through more doors, give me career guidance, and be a really objective reader for my writing, as well as doing all that contract stuff I don't even want to think about.

My new agent has been phenomenal. She's opened doors for me that my old one didn't even touch.

However, I heartily agree that no agent is better than a bad agent. I want someone who is really working for me in all areas of my career, not just letting me do all my own networking and then reaping any benefits. I want my agent to be my teammate. So far, my new agent has been just that.

Camy

Heather Diane Tipton said...

I voted editor... because I'm odd like that :-p

Dana Pollard said...

I'm not looking at the comments because I feel as though I'm not in the majority here.

I voted to have an editor first. Why? How in the heck do I know? WHAT do I know?

Maybe for me it would be better to have an editor first because they are attached to publishers, right? Dunno.

I hope no agent reads this and remembers I said it when I'm looking for one... but here goes: Sometimes I get the feeling that an agent can taint YOUR view of what you want. Sure an agent knows what's hot on the market and can get you into all the "cool parties" that us unpubbed gals can't.

I may change my mind after reading everyone else's comments.

Lynetta said...

I voted for an editor first. I've heard that once you have a contract, you can more easily line up an agent. Sometimes, if you get an agent it can take years (if at all) to get a contract.

The Girl You Used to Know said...

I voted Agent first because, A: I already have the best agent in the world. and B: I think career wise, it's a smarter move. You get with someone who knows the biz, guides you through, and helps you make tough decisions. Plus, they know about every publishing possiblity and have way more contacts than I do. They can shop me around more than I can shop myself.

Karenee said...

An Agent. I need all the help I can get.

Mirtika said...

I voted for editor first. If you have an editor first, this happens:

One: You have immediate satisfaction of knowing someone is willing to pay for your work. It's esteem woohoo time!

Two: You get some good feedback at revision time, which gives you a professional's opinion on your strengths and weaknesses.

Three: You have an "inside" champion.

Four: Having that editor allows you to have more freedom in choosing and BEING CHOSEN by an "outside champion", ie an agent. I don't believe anyone who has a contract offer will have a big problem getting agented. Someone without a contract may have to slog through and accept a less experienced agent.

Five: Advance. MOOLAH, baby. Agents don't pay you right off. An editor gets you an advance. That means I can go buy me a MAC! ")

So, definitely--editor.

Mir
http://mirathon.blogspot.com
http://onceuponanovel.blogspot.com