Miss Snark's Greatest Hits (vol 23)

More Miss Snark:

Your job is to write. Your agent's job is to sell what you write. Getting the two confused is counterproductive. One thing she failed to mention in this post is the exception of knowing an editor and having them ask for your stuff--she's covered it elsewhere, but it should be mentioned in this context.

Don't put the dedication or acknowledgements page in a submission copy of the manuscript. That's added after a project has sold and (my note) should include your agent and editor for the project.

What to do when an agent requests revisions. Miss Snark suggests you do them. If not, make very sure you explain why you'd rather not and have a dialogue with the agent on the topic. I'm mostly in agreement with her provided that you as the writer agree that the revisions will make the book better. You are the writer and you have to make the final call on what you will and won't do. But that has to be informed by the understanding that if you won't do what an editor or agent wants, you may not be working with that person anymore. This is a tough one and I think I'll do a front page post on it later.

Thanking an agent who's rejected your work. This is fine if it's just a "thank you" and not a "but wait." Apropos of which, don't argue with the rejection or go back and say neener neener. My note: Not only is that impolite, it's also a really dumb career move for more than just the reasons Miss Snark lists. Publishing is a small world. We all know each other and "idiot" stories get around.

Finally, because it's fun, how to deal with family who want to know about the cousin who's "published" (vanity press) and why you're not doing as well.