What To Do When a Publisher or Literary Agent Approaches YOU
Every so often, I receive a message like:
An editor at PUBLISHER reached out to me. What should I do?
Or —
A literary agent sent me a DM on Instagram. How do I know if they are legit?
These are both awesome questions.
Frankly I’m always happy to see them because it means that you’re doing something to stand out — and the publishing world has noticed what you’re up to.
Yay you!
So: after you stop freaking out, hyperventilating, or refreshing your app to make sure the message is real — here are five things to do.
Celebrate! A publishing insider reaching out is a great sign that you’re on the way to a book deal. And that’s true whether the person who reached out to you ends up as part of your team or not. Feel the excitement and let that goodness in.
Do your research. Google is your best friend for publishers, editors, and literary agents. You can also use specific tools like Publishers Marketplace (well worth the $25 monthly fee) to check out the past success of a literary agent or editor. And always check Writer Beware to ensure you’re not talking to someone sketchy or could be the target of a scam.
If the person who reached out is reputable, ask yourself: is this the type of publisher or literary agent I envisioned? When the answer is yes, schedule a meeting.
Like any other professional, a meeting with a literary agent or an editor at a publishing house is preliminary. It’s just a meeting and you are under no obligation to say yes to what they’re offering or work with them right now or in the future. And it can often be helpful — and thrilling! — to hear them out.Get help. You know an impartial publishing professional who is always on your side … Me! And whether you are a good fit to work with me or not, I offer paid consultations for situations like this where my primary goal is to give you good advice.
Know you have leverage. In publishing, there’s not usually one “big break” where somebody important calls and if you say no, you’ll never ever get that chance again. So, when a literary agent or editor reaches out, remember that you can afford to be both patient and choosy. In general, when someone reaches out there will be more people reaching out soon. So you can and should wait for when you’re ready and the deal of your dreams.
And — cheers to YOUR success!
