Sandra gets a word in edgewise ...

Thanks to everyone who's written recently asking when I'm going to blog again. We've had some great guest bloggers, and of course Chip is always so loquacious ... er, I mean, informative.

Actually, Chip is incredibly generous and always urging me to blog more often. I just couldn't resist giving him a hard time and making note that it's impossible to keep up with the man. Even when he does have a pain in his neck.

I'm finding that I'm frequently asked some of the same questions, both in person and via email, so thought I'd squeeze in while there's an opening and answer a few of them here.

I'll confess, I spoke last night before some 100 members and guests of the Northwest Christian Writers Association in Seattle where I shared a lot of this information. But, I happen to know the sun is shining in Seattle, so I'm hedging my bets that most of those folks are outside soaking it up while they can. Hence, I'm feeling okay about repeating myself.

WHAT DID YOU DO, SANDRA, BEFORE BECOMING AN AGENT?

Lots of things, actually. Out of high school I joined the Marines. Went to college. Worked for a couple of non-profit organizations for about ten years. Then, I went to work in the marketing departmentof a large Christian publisher where I helped write marketing plans for nonfiction authors. This was back when Christian fiction could fit on one shelf in the Christian bookstore and the notion of marketing fiction was unheard of.

Most recently, though, and during the decade before I joined MacGregor Literary, I'd built a freelance business by writing articles for local and national magazines, writing promotional copy for publicity professionals, consulting on book proposals for authors, creating marketing copy for local business owners, and producing and writing monthly columns for local and national trade publications. I also enjoyed a three year stint as a feature writer for Street of Dreams Magazine, a premier publication produced for the local chapter of national building trade association.

WHAT'S IT BEEN LIKE MAKING THE SWITCH FROM FREELANCE WRITER TO AGENT?

In some ways, though the processes and pace are certainly different, I'm still about the same thing as an agent that I was as a writer. Helping to produce and present a quality product in written form which communicates, entertains, and educates readers.

The deadlines I negotiate are now hanging over the heads of the authors I represent, and not directly looming over mine. Still, there are always plenty other tasks at hand.

Where I once spent my time hunting down worthy ideas to pitch to editors, I'm now hunting down worthy editors to whom I can pitch ideas.

I love helping my fiction authors improve their storylines, eek up the suspense, ratchet up the romantic tension, draw out the emotion from their characters. I help nonfiction authors hone in on their unique message and figure out how and where to get the word out.

DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL OR HAVE SPECIAL TRAINING TO BECOME AN AGENT?

Truth is, it doesn't take a certain set of credentials to call oneself an agent. Though it does take a unique set of skills to be good at it, I think. Organization, drive, instinct, tenacity, equal parts humility and bravado. Personally, I'm glad I came to agenting after having made my living as a writer because I understand the heart of a writer. I know how hard it is to write well. And to write consistently. I know the personal sacrifices writers make as they toil over the keyboard while others relax and enjoy free time. I understand the disconnect when friends wonder if you'll ever get a "real" job. And when family members silently resent that you're working in your slippers when they're schlepping off to punch a time clock somewhere. I also understand the pressures of juggling deadlines, family commitments, marriage, household duties, travel, and serving others. I've still got tons to learn, and many areas of needed improvement, but I believe my experience as a writer brings a lot of value to the table. 

DIDN'T YOU CHOOSE A TOUGH TIME TO START AS AN AGENT?

Definitely. The last year has been tough in publishing. From canceled contracts to tightened staffs, we're all feeling it. Yes, deals are slower, and lower, than ever before. Still, I feel really good about what I've done since Chip invited me to join the agency a year and a half ago. I've added more than twenty authors to our list, done nearly as many deals (fiction, nonfiction, memoir) in both CBA and the general market. I've got some exciting projects on the horizon, and I'm helping authors at various stages plan for their next and subsequent career steps.

DO YOU INTEND TO SPECIALIZE?

I've yet to put a definitive answer to that. I'm too curious a person to see restricting myself to fiction or nonfiction. Beyond saying that I don't get science-fiction, am not interested in erotica, and generally don't handle childrens books, I'm not interested at this point in specializing in a specific genre. We'll see.

If you've got specific questions for me, fire them off. I'll see if I can figure out when Chip's sleeping or watching his beloved Ducks so I can slip in here again soon.

On my way to ACFW tomorrow. If you're already there, do me a favor when you see Chip and say GO BEAVERS!

Sandra

Comments

[Wendy]

Sandra, I enjoyed learning this about you. Glad you got a word in edgewise. Have fun at the conference.
~ Wendy

[Nicole O'Dell]

Great post! Thanks for sharing. :)

[Gina Logue]

Sandra, I'm surprised that you were in the Marines. I bet you have a lot of interesting stories from that experience.

What are your thoughts on Christian fictions? What kind of Christian fiction do you wish you could find more of?

Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself.
Gina

[Rebecca Stuhlmiller]

On Monday I flew to Seattle to hear Chip speak at the NWCWA meeting. I wanted to get acquainted with your agency. Instead, I heard you. Great! I liked what I heard. Be looking for a query or proposal one day. Is there a place on this site that lists the conferences and events your agency will attend in the 2009-2010 season? Thanks, Sandra.

[Lynnette Bonner]

Sandra, It was nice to hear you speak. (The clouds rolled in so I'm back in front of the computer. :)) I'll be sure to remember to bring chocolate if I ever have a proposal for you to look at. :) Hope your upcoming anniversary is a blast! God bless,

[Lynnette Bonner]

BTW, Chip I hope your back is feeling better soon!

[Robbie Iobst]

I am a big fan of yours, Sandra. It's fun to read about your background a little. Hope Hawaii is full of sunshine and rest for you.

[Sandra Bishop]

And, Robbie, I'm a big fan of yours. We'll keep working 'til we find a good place for you in this crazy publishing world. Perhaps somewhere, over the rainbow ...

Can you tell the final countdown to paradise has begun?

[Sandra Bishop]

Rebecca,

Glad your airfare wasn't wasted! Chip always says I'm the brains, he's the cute one. I do think you got the better end of the deal, for what it's worth.

We're still in planning mode for conferences next year. I'll do my best to get things settled by the end of November and perhaps post the plans then. Thanks for writing.