Agenting: Week 1
The thrill of the Inbox
Photo by Brandi Redd on Unsplash
It’s one week since my official launch as an agent for Rosecliff Literary, and I thought I’d write a short update.
As a writer, I know how hard it is to finish one draft of a novel, let alone several, before feeling ready to query and look for representation of the story that writers has been obsessed with for years. It’s often more than just a book, a single story, but more a time capsule for everything the writer has experienced in the crafting of this narrative.
So it’s been a thrill and an honor to be trusted with the writer’s story, their story, their art. I love that I’m getting the opportunity to work with writers on their long-form stories and play a part in connecting them with their editor, publisher, and eventual readers. So thank you to everyone who has queried now and in the future.
Things I’m noticing:
Having the metadata (title, word count, genre) right away has been so helpful for me to immediately start thinking about the vibes of the book and the possible editorial pitch. It also makes it clear which books are not in my current wheelhouse.
There are so many creative concepts and pitches out there! I love the amazing creativity showing up in my inbox!
I’m more intrigued by queries that have a clear hook, logline, and 5 Ws approach at the end of the first or the start of the second paragraph. This 1-2 sentence pitch is what agents use to sell your book to editors and in which they then sell it to their acquiring teams. Don’t skip this part!
I’d love to see more action in the pitch paragraphs; really let the tension of your book shine in these descriptions. Feeling words are often too abstract! Help me imagine each moment/plot point.
Think about the back cover of your book in these two pitch paragraphs. Try not to rely on just a large summary. Save this for your synopsis, where you have more room to highlight each plot point.
The biography paragraphs have been so interesting! It is so cool to see the writer’s dedication to their writing craft and what also makes them unique!
I love to read books that open in scene, with a moment that allows the character to exhibit some small or large action. Introduce us to your main character as soon as possible!
I love how excited everyone is about their books and how excited they are about the possibility of us working together to reach their publishing dreams and goals!
It will be hard to say no, but I’m dedicated to finding the projects that entertain, intrigue, and excite my love for my current requested genres! I’m ready to hustle for my clients!
Prompt: List 5-10 ways you could introduce your character, including the one you’ve used in your current work in progress. Write a paragraph for several of the openings. Change the tone/mood in each one. Give your main character a small, medium,or large action (subjective!) for us to visualize them, to understand what is important to them, and what they love and/or hate doing. Interacting with other characters will deepen the reveal of their character as we compare them to the other characters. Comparing adds tension, makes us ask questions, pulls us into the next sentence! Should you start with weather? Setting? An Object? A unique Voice? A unique activity? Danger? Safety? Annoyance or anger? Love? What do you want the movie in our mind to focus on? Which opening is the most specific and unique?
Resources:
Story Structure: The Magic Bullet that Nearly Killed Me by Matthew Quirk
FIVE WAYS TO BUILD A BETTER MONSTER by Tim Wagonner
Getting in and out of trouble by Austin Kleon
Until my AALA membership is approved, I’ll be taking queries at tommy @ rosecliffliterary.com. My MSWL is here!
Want to pitch me live?
Writing Away Refuge Zoom Pitch Retreat
April 05, 2025 11:50-3:50 Central Time, Zoom
The 2025 Writing Workshop of Chicago
June 21, 2025 9:00-5:00 Central Chicago, IL