Rude Literary Agents

Rude Literary Agents A long-time follower and fellow mystery author wrote me recently after the smack-down from a rude literary agent. I recently got a nasty rejection letter from an agent that said, When we said we were looking for new Southern writers, we were looking for the next Pat Conroynot the next Dukes of Hazzard. I should have been insulted, but it kind of rings true, and I reminded her the show was on the air for seven years! A back-wood badge of honor! I understood. An agent once asked me in a rejection letter, Why would we want a book about an insurance agent? She was talking about Carolina Slade, the protagonist in my original mystery series who was an investigator for agriculture. My first instinct at reading that ignorance was that I didnt need an agent with that attitude or lack of sense, and I considered that rejection as me dodging a bullet. Ive been to enough writers conferences to see agents act foolishly, behaving as if they were royalty walking amongst the commoners. Theyve laughed on panels at the naivete of certain writers, chuckled behind their hands during blind critiquing panels, and sat at tables at banquets, only with other agents, mind you, while sniggering at the speakers. Regardless of how lofty these souls think they are, you do not want that personality representing you. They will not be loyal. If they sign you, youll be the current favorite toy until a brighter, shinier thing comes along. Last week, I spoke of self-respect. The more self-assured you are, the better your chances are of landing an agent. . . the right agent. Of course, your writing has to be good, but if you are confident in yourself, a good agent will recognize that strength. Theyll see you wont be deterred Most of all, theyll see that youre interested in creating your stories and spreading them to the world, and thats what any reputable agent wants, too.