QueryTracker Blog

Helping Authors Find Literary Agents

Monday, March 1, 2010

Leap and the Net Will Appear


Leap and the net will appear. This Zen phrase has been cropping up in odd places in my life lately, most recently on a scrolling marquis at the dinosaur museum as I drove past. And it made me think. How can we as writers put this into practice?

The biggest hurdle. First, let's take a look at the biggest hurdle. I spoke with Bree Despain, author of The Dark Divine, at a local bookstore. We were discussing her journey to publication, and she made a comment that struck me: "The hardest part about getting published is finding an agent; once you achieve that, things get easier." Many of you who follow this blog are striving to find an agent, and I want you to realize that just by being here, by learning all you can about this industry, you are improving your chances of success. You are already on your way to surmounting the biggest hurdle.

The trait you need most. I've heard this time and time again from authors, agents, editors, etc. In order to succeed in this biz you need perseverance. To quote bestselling author Jodi Picoult, "Writing is grunt work - you need to have self-motivation, perseverance, and faith… talent is the smallest part of it." Perseverance is something we blogged about in 7 Characteristics You Need to Get Published. So if you run into a wall, don't give up - figure out how to climb over it.

Dare to Be Remarkable. If you don't believe in yourself, why should an agent or editor take a chance on you? The key is to go forth with confidence in all you do. How? Here's a good place to start: Commit one act of bravery per day. Comment on an agent's blog, join a discussion in a forum, make contact with an author you admire, query your dream agent. Before long, these daily acts of bravery will become second nature, and you'll discover that you have built the bridges that will lead to your success.

Go ahead - make the leap!

Suzette Saxton writes books for tots, teens, and in-betweens. She is represented by Suzie Townsend of FinePrint Literary.

33 comments:

Valerie Geary said...

Good post today Suzette! Thank you! "Leap and a net will appear" is now going up on my inspiration board! :D

Valerie Geary said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tere Kirkland said...

What inspirational advice. Just what I needed today, thanks, Suzette.

Happy Monday!

Suzette Saxton said...

Happy Monday - and Happy March - to you, Tere!

Valerie, thanks for putting me up on your inspiration board. I'm all smiles. :)

Mary Lindsey / Marissa Clarke said...

Loved this post, Suzette. Fantastic advice that I needed today. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Great way to point out faith is KEY.

Love the point about when you face a wall, find a way to climb over it. FANTASTIC!

Thank you!

feywriter said...

Love the dare. I think that's what I need right now. I finished a book last night, and a lot resonated with me, especially in the afterword. I should actually follow through and send some fan mail.

Angie said...

Thanks for a great, motivational post, Suzette!

Christine said...

I love that quote. I'm going to print it out and hang it above my desk. And thanks for the great advice. I'm currently seeking an agent to represent me and my work and it is so frustrating. Especially since my book has already been contracted with a publisher. I know it's good enough, it's just finding the right agent who will believe in me. That's where the perseverance comes into play. Pushing forward.

Lydia Kang said...

More upliftance! I love it! We all need a dose here and there.

Gerry said...

"Dare to be remarkable"" I copied that paragraph where I'll see it every day. Thanks, Suzette. (This is my act of bravery for today!)

kathrynjankowski said...

Suzette: This was my mantra when I left teaching for the writer's life. I've never regretted it. The net DOES appear! Thanks for the post.
;-)

Unknown said...

I love this post and try to live this way every day -- thanks Suzette!

Suzette Saxton said...

Thanks, everyone, for your uplifting comments. I'm thrilled! You guys inspire me every day.

Feywriter, I would love to know which book made such an impression.

Jude said...

I love all of your advice! Lots of great quotes in this post.

David said...

If I can count commenting on an agent's blog as an act of bravery, I'm pretty reckless today.

feywriter said...

Suzette, the book was Ariel by Steven R. Boyett. The cover caught my eye. So glad I got it.

Elana Johnson said...

Oooh, fabulous post, Suzette! :) :)

Stina said...

Thanks for the great post, Suzette! It's just what I needed. :)

Anonymous said...

I think this is a killer post, Suzette, and one that I'm sure a lot of people appreciate. I know I do!

Amanda Gaume said...

Thanks for the wonderful post, Suzette! Just what I needed to hear today. :)

Suzette Saxton said...

:) :) :) Aw shucks... :) :) :)

Tess said...

Yes, very inspirational...I must agree. And, so so true. It is a difficult journey we have chosen, but it is do-able. We can do hard things!

Unknown said...

Great advice as always. Thanks for the reminder to persevere!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this! It's just what I needed to hear right now. :)

Luna said...

I'm placing this post in my writer's tool kit! Thank you...

Valerie Ipson said...

I loved the quote, but my first thought was that it meant leap and the INTERnet will appear. I laughed when it was actually referring to a good old-fashioned net. So glad it was a blog filled with good advice instead of ways the internet fills our lives!!

I love the instruction to commit one act of bravery each day. Perfect!

Suzette Saxton said...

"Difficult but do-able." I like that! I'm glad you all are finding this useful.

LOL, Valerie! I didn't even think of the double meaning, but you are so right. :)

Marcia said...

PERSEVERANCE is the most important. Absolutely.

Victoria Dixon said...

Thanks for this, Suzette! I know it's true, but I need it pounded into my skull sometimes. LOL

Jemi Fraser said...

Love the quote and the pic - even though the thought scares the bejeepers out of me! :)

Kathy McIntosh said...

I needed this post and I thank you for it.
I went back and read the 7 Traits post, as well.
I too will post the advice Dare to be Remarkable.

Suzette Saxton said...

Glad you liked it! :)