Writers can learn how to develop their craft, but it’s much more difficult for them to learn how to develop their voice. A memorable voice is one of the main things I look for as I know that that’s something future readers can connect to.
“Editing is part of any serious writer’s journey. We all need eyes other than our own on our material, even if it’s scary to put your soul on paper and hand it over.”
“It’s a wistful feeling, knowing that you had something very special in your grasp but losing it to someone else, but I have to say I’ve learned that it’s best to send best wishes to that author and agent and move on.”
“I can’t really imagine *not* getting attached a writer’s work. The whole reason you agree to represent a book or books by a writer is that you are in love with the work—there is nothing objective about personal taste.”
The former literary agent speaks openly about authenticity in platform building, when and why he takes on a client and what’s at stake from his side of the desk.
When I look up and find that I am giddy and self-conscious with delight at my own little participation in the project, and see, joyfully, that I have been tricked or seduced into this condition and eager, finally to see the writing succeed and scared that it won’t, well, that’s what has to happen.
