All Good Things Must Come to an End

Think about this for a minute...

4 years.

Hundreds of posts. 

250 average readers per day. 

A half-million visitors. 

Time to hang it up. 

I've said what I have to say, and while there are still questions out there (including about 300 in my in-box that I meant to get to), I'm going to wrap it up. I feel like I've said plenty, I'm starting to go over some of the same material, and I need to just go focus on the authors I have the privilege of representing. So I'll blog once more, to say good-bye, but then I'm done. I'm going to fold up my tent, cash in my soup ladle, hand over my keys, and all those other overdone metaphors for wrapping it up. 

No more blog posts. No more bad poetry. No more whining about dopey queries and stupid ideas. No more offending the faithful. Time to spend my words on something else. I'll leave it all up, so you can wander through the archives a bit (once more, for the hundredth time -- if you come to the bottom of the page and see a little yellow arrow that looks like this > , there are more pages to see on the topic). But I'm done. It's been fun. 

Chip

Comments

[Sarah Forgrave]

You'll be missed. Not sure where I'll find out about the fabulous new products at ICRS now, but I'll find a way.

[Lisa Grace]

Thank you for blogging your knowledge and opinions all these years. You will be missed.

[Pegg]

Say it ain't so!

[Brian T. Carroll]

Thanks, Chip, for all the posts, and now for all the archives. And if, just maybe, in the middle of the night, you can't sleep for something you just must say, we'll be here to listen.

[Daniel Smith]

Thanks for sharing everything. Reading your posts has been a highlight on more than one of my days.

[Chris Loach]

lame.

[Carol J. Garvin]

I haven't commented often, but I've found your posts full of helpful information. I'm sorry to see you leaving the blogosphere. Thank you for all you've contributed... your time, energy and expertise. (And as Brian says, even an occasional word will find an eager ear!)

Blessings to you as you dig into the other work at hand.

[Michael K. Reynolds]

Chip,

I can only hope that this is a case of identity theft. Perhaps, one of your students got a hold of your password and you're being punked.

If not...please step down from the bridge carefully. Don't jump!

It would be a lonely Blogosphere without you.

[Dayle]

Bummer. Now there's one less person in blogland who not only shares useful information, but makes me laugh, as well. You will be missed.

[Michael Hyatt]

It’s not April, so this can’t be an April fools joke.

I would humbly beseech you to reconsider. You have made a difference. You ARE making a difference. You need to blog, Chip.

You may think you are repeating yourself, but you are not. You are getting first-hand experience building a platform—something that is invaluable in terms of passing it on to your clients.

It is also a way for you to sort out your best thinking and share it with the world. I ALWAYS read your blog, and you will leave a big hole if you stop. Get a good night’s rest—take a break if you must—but don’t quit. Ignore the Resistance!

[Larry Hehn]

It has been a pleasure following your posts, Chip. Thank you very much for sharing your insight. Much appreciated! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

[Katherine Hyde]

Thank you, Chip, for all the time you've invested in helping writers through this blog. It has indeed been fun, and very educational.

[Cheryl Barker]

Like others have said, we are going to miss you! So glad you're going to leave the archives as a resource, but we'll definitely miss your take and current info on everything going on in the publishing world. All the best to you!

[Angela Ackerman]

We'll miss you greatly. Thanks for all your time and expertise that you so generously gave to make us stronger, more knowledgable writers. :)

Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

[Momma Mindy]

So sorry to see you go, but I respect your personal aspirations. You've been a great help to many, and I know you are trying to just channel your energy in other areas. Hope you leave the blog up just so we can use it for reference.

PS....can I have your readers? :)

[April]

First Miss Snark, and now you.

The Internet needs more blunt literary agents sharing their advice like you do.

Thanks for all the effort and time you've put into this in the past, and thank you for leaving it up for those to find years from now.

[terri tiffany]

Oh wow. You will be missed! Have so much enjoyed your posts and getting to know your personality. Hope to meet you in person one day at a conference.

[Wendy]

Nooooooo!

You’ve taught so much here. I’m in denial. Think I’ll click through the archives regularly to pretend you are still posting, but it won’t be the same.

It just won’t be the same.
(consider Michael Hyatt’s points seriously)

~ Wendy

[ramona]

My morning tea just became a little bleaker. Thanks for all your humor, info, and reality checks.

[Britt Mitchell]

Awww...I just got here. But thanks for your contributions to writers all over the web!

[Sharon A Lavy]

No! NO! NO! Tell me this is not true.

[Danyelle Ferguson]

Good luck in all you do from here. And if you feel inspired to come back and write an occasional post here and there, we'd love it! =)

[Debbie Lynne Costello]

It's a sad day, Chip. It was fun meeting you at conference.

[Marti Pieper]

Much as I'll miss your unique brand of wisdom and snark, I think you've made the right decision. You've served us well. And you have more to say, do, and write elsewhere.

Blessings and (only because I'm grateful) GO DUCKS!

[Jill Kemerer]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom these years. Your blog will be missed!

[Bobbe Brooks-Fischle]

Chip,
Ahhh man!
I totally agree with everyone else, AND especially Michael Hyatt. None other compares. Your blog is as vital as that first cup of coffee each morning!
Incomparable gratitude & His best to you!

[Nina Walsh]

I had already thought about those things and expected this notice eventually.

What a blessing you have been to so many!!! Your posts are meat to chew on. I do assume that your blog will remain online forever!!! Surely I don't have to print out my favorites; do I?

Aha!!!! Speaking of that! Please make a book of your blog posts!!!!

We would "forgive" you for coming back once in a while to post some new tidbit you hold on the changing industry!!! :)

You aren't going into oblivion. See you around!

THANKS!!!!

[Theresa Lode]

Oh wah. Nothing like getting up bright and early and....reading this entry that makes me very sad. Your blog has been one of my absolute favorites. Yes, I read other agent blogs but no one, but NO ONE, makes me laugh or gives me the insight that you do. I also appreciate your candor and transparency.

Now, I'd like to say "What Mike said," but I know this is a decision you've no doubt been mulling around for some time and far be it from me to...aw, hell...

What Mike said.

[Julie Garmon]

Thank you for your years of blogging. Love you honesty and humor.

I understand.

[Eva Everson]

Can't we talk you into once a month? Just before a major event (like ICRS, a conference, etc)? Do you need chocolate? Brownies? Chocolate brownies?

Do you not see? Can you not see? The world around us will collapse without your unique blog. The blog-o-sphere will fold like grandma's meringue due to the oversize hole left by your departure.

CHIP!!!!! Is this any way to behave on a Tuesday? (Is this a Tuesday?) We beg. We plead. We beseech of you... (okay, that's a line from an old sitcom...)

Just think about it. Are you thinking?

[Eva Everson]

April... as per your comments on Miss Snark... I was thinking the SAME THING!

Eva

[Ron Benson]

I confess that a few bad words crossed my mind when I read this post. And I have a kind of literary nausea going on somewhere in my gut. The emotions are very similar to being dumped by my fiancée when I was 17 years old. (I have a bit of poetry I wrote at the time that I was hoping to offer . . . oh well.)

I'm with Mr. Hyatt on this one. I consider your blog indispensable. I recommend it to anyone with a serious interest in writing. Witty, honest, punchy, and lively.

I often write with my tongue firm against my cheek, but this is not one of those bits: I really do not know where I will be able to get the straight scoop on the publishing biz, especially the Christian side of the industry, anywhere else.

(I'm going to say this very quietly - I would pay money to get your insights. No kidding).

So - if begging will nudge you at all - (and I'm down on my knees here!), please don't stop.

[Ron Benson]

Oh - And God just told me to tell you not to stop.

[Tina]

I agree with Mr. Hyatt. Your blog posts will be missed in the blogosphere. On the other hand, I get it.

[Rick Barry]

Well, if you must go, at least you're going by your own free will. The Tribe has not voted you off the island, and your torch hasn't been snuffed.

Thanks for loads of observations, advice, interesting commentaries, Chip. But are you sure one of your colleagues wouldn't like to continue this time-honored blog, even if only a couple times per week? There will always be new trends, new laws, new outlaws, etc., to talk about in the literary realm.

[Laurie Winslow Sargent]

Chip, please consider creating a book from your wonderful posts, organized by topic. I'd buy it and urge my students to do so. Yes, I can search my computer to read your old RSS feeds. I can read archived posts online. But nothing beats a real BOOK (that's why you're in the business, right?) to mull over by the fireplace. I tire of the glowing computer screen. Do the Julia and Julia thing! You already have the readership.

[Daniel Decker]

Is this like a Blue Like Jazz movie deal where we need to take matters into our own hands to bring a rebirth? :)

Seriously, I wish you'd reconsider. Maybe change up your topics and add more of your thoughts on other things than JUST publishing. We all love your perspective and insights into life and the business. Hate to see your voice leave the conversation.

[April Henry]

Your blog has given me so much! I'll miss it - and hope to see you in RL someday.

April

[Ruth Hansen]

You have been a wonderful coach. Thank you for everything.

[Lynette Sowell]

As a former blogger and someone who has tried to get 30 hours out of her day instead of 24, I completely understand, Chip. Sometimes we have to reevaluate things that are good, maybe great, but might not be the best use of our time at the moment. I hope you'll keep the old posts available, though.

[Sharon]

As a fairly new follower of your blog, I am beyond disappointed though I do understand your reasoning. Thank you so much for your candid, organized and practical teaching, and THANK you for leaving the site up so that I can continue to learn from you. More than any other blog I follow, your posts got moved to my "Blogs to Remember" file.

Blessings to you ...

Sharon Thomas

[Judith Robl]

Oh, no! I just sent your link to my daughter who is starting her writing career. She's only had about a month of your wisdom, savvy, and snark.

Grace to you as you work your words in another direction. And maybe you will see fit to rejoin the blogosphere at some point in the future. I can't believe you've actually said it all.

I'm hoping you'll be back after a hiatus. (Hope does spring infernal, doesn't it?)

[J. L. McInnis]

I'm going to respect this, chip. I swear I'm going to respect this. I understand. I understand (I think i'm convincing myself more than you at this point...)

Deep breath, just take a deep breath...okay...OMG, CHIP? REALLY??!!

*Another deep breath* Understandable. Blogs take a lot of time. Hellofalot of info already on this site. OMG I'VE BEEN FOLLOWING YOU LIKE, FOUR YEARS!!!!!!!!

Ignore this post...having a moment. Seperation anxiety...I think. Totally respect your decision. The right one, I know.

...I don't drink, but I think I need a drink right now. (Any suggestions? I wouldn't know wine from vodka.)

I'M GOING TO MISS YOU!!! (You would never have guessed that, would you?) *sigh* Okay, I'm done mentally hyperventilating.

Good luck, Chip, with the rest of your literary career. You were the first lit agent I followed and you taught me a lot. I respect your...wit, lol, and honesty. :) And experience.

Horrible Poem just for Chip MacGregor

I knew a literary ranger...
Who was amazer,
And knew lots of stuff,
About books and pubs and (insert word that rhymes with ranger)

He taught me to dream,
About lotsa things,
He’s really cool,
With his bloggin’ tool.

PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME!!!
*Janiya! You promised no more hyperventilating! Get yourself together, girl!*

Ahem. And now I say goodbye,
Cause he’s LEAVING MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE…*Sobs hopelessly*
I’m good. I’m good. Ready to continue poem again.

And now I say goodbye,
To a really awesome guy,
Who’s really awesome, awesomeyness,
Inspired me to really try…

To write literary awesomeyneeesssssssss *insert high-pitched, uh, squeal is not a good word to use here, is it?*

The end.

You can stop wincing now, Chip, *chides grumpily* it wasn’t that bad. I’m a wannabe novelist, not freakin’ Shakespeare…

Good luck! I hope to attend one of your master’s conferences next year. Um, you are having them next year, right? I don’t see any scheduling for them on the website…*insert pointed look*

Whatever, I’ll meet ya one day at some kind of conference or somethin'(I am praying for that pleasure, just cause you taught me so much and I really appreciate that.)

Blessings!
Janiya

P.S. *continues rediculously dramatic sobbing*

[yarnbuck]

There shuud be Pipes coming through the mist for a skirted soldier 'o such faithful service.
Don't know how you kept it so fresh so long. But Thanks.

[Cecelia Dowdy]

WHAT???!!! Stop the presses!!! This is one of my absolutely favorite blogs!!! And it'll be gone!! I hardly ever comment, but I read each and every word that you type!!! I'm speechless!!!!!!!!

[Richard Mabry]

Chip, Sorry to see you go. And I look forward to running into you (figuratively, that is) at ACFW and future conferences. Be well.

[Elton Brooke]

I really enjoyed the bad poetry. Sorry to see you leave, but all good things do come to an end. Wish you the best!

[yarnbuck]

Great hook, Chip. So real it actually had me going. OK, so . . . now what?

[Cindy Noonan]

As a newbie, I've gleaned much from your expertise. Thanks so much. You have impacted many.

[Kym Mcnabney]

Good for you.Doing what your heart tells you to do.

Blessings.

Kym

[Deb Welch]

How ironic. Just this morning, I had only about five minutes to spare and I chose you from my list of writing blogs, thinking, "If I could only have one..." As an aspiring writer, an orphan out here on my own, I have fed hungrily from your table. I can only say, "Please, sir, I want some more."

[Tina Farewell]

Hi Chip,

I just found your blog through a mutual friend and have been so blessed.

If the Holy Spirit is telling you to move on, I pray you obey Him. If you are burned out and frustrated, and need a sabbatical to refresh yourself, I pray you listen to Him and obey.

May His grace be with you, brother!
Tina Farewell

[Melody]

1. Your blog has been helpful. Very helpful. Very, very helpful.
2. Your informative writings are going to be missed. A lot.
3. So is your sense of humor.
4. This is one of my favorite, most informative writing blogs, and I'm sorry to see you go.
5. I'm sure I shall be using the archives on a regular basis.

[Robert Treskillard]

Say it ain't so, Chip! Ah well, I've always been amazed at your blog and how much helpful information you've given and your self-sacrifice on behalf of all of us unpublished authors.

Three cheers for Chip ... hip-hip-hooray! You're fantastic, man, so enjoy yourself!

-Robert

[Dianne E. Butts]

Thanks for everything, Chip. I've been the richer for every word.

[Amy @ My Friend Amy]

This is the saddest news I've read all day!

[Tricia]

Something's in the air. Bloggers are folding everywhere. I, myself havent written a post in 3 weeks. I have nothing to say. It's weird (me having nothing to say, that is).

I'll miss you Chip. You were more than just another agent blog. You have a rare voice of reason. You tell the truth. And, dagnabit, I'm really going to miss your bad poetry contests, of which I've entered every year and never won. The reason was always that, while yes it is bad, it never qualified to be in the ranks of super bad.

I feel a super bad poem forming right now in the tune of your leaving us. I'll save it though just in case you hold one more contest.

[Alison Strobel]

Wow. Didn't see that coming. As one of your authors I certainly appreciate your desire to have more time for us, but I also hope you'll consider doing just one post a week or something. Your voice and experience are so important. But as someone who just stopped blogging herself, I understand the relief of taking something off your plate.

[Judith Millar]

But we've been meeting like this over breakfast coffee for like forever! I thought we had a thing going (nothing Patti had to know about, but still, a thing) ... and now you say it's over between us, just like that? With no warning? No "Let's try counselling"? You'll just be NOT SHOWING UP?!
If there can't be any more blog posts, couldn't there at least be the occasional blog postCARD?? Just a few words (you can't fit much on a postcard) ... when there's something new you really want to share??

Let a girl down gently, Chip. It's the gentlemanly thing to do (she said hopefully).

[Stevie Rey]

Chip, I hate to hear that. Ye been there fer me time and time again. I wished ye'd reconsider. Yer the closest thing to a agent that I ever had.

Stevie

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=520726901]

I agree with Michael. Please return. Take a hiatus. Contribute once a month at best. Do not go quietly into that good night...

[Angelaperry]

I don't blame you. I'll miss your posts and your humor though.

[Leah Morgan]

My friends will certainly wonder why I've taken to looking all gothic but when they see me planting the R.I.P. sign in your blog's honor they'll at least blame it on Halloween. For the first month or so.
Your blog was the one thing in my inbox that was always read. There's just one explanation for that, only this reason could sustain that degree of faithfulness - you are an incredible communicator. It's what you were gifted, designed to do. You possess more than the single necessary ingredient for writing, something to say, you have that indefinable magic that makes readers actually want to hear just what in the world that is!
It's a rare and prized thing that everyone else blathering on wishes they had. So do their listeners.

[Holly Schurter]

Oh, Chip -- say it ain't so!

But if you really, really mean this, thank you one more time for sharing your expertise, your sense of fun, and your perspective.

And if you change your mind . . .

[Tiffany Colter]

I'm so sad seeing your blog come to an end. Your name is always the first thing I scan my emails for. You make me laugh and think.

There will always be eager listeners here should you ever decide to pop in again and say "Hi" and share a nugget.

The countless hours of selfless information was such a gift. I pray God multiplies all the time back to you in the way you need it most.

I also hope you realize how much you've meant to everyone here by all these comments.

Tiff

[Mesmerix]

Fantastic posts and valuable information. Thank you for taking the time to do this for so long, Chip. I learned a lot and laughed a fair share. Best of luck in all your endeavors!

[Jenny B. Jones]

Is this so you can dedicate more time to your new hobby of men's synchronized swimming you were telling me about?

I will miss this blog. I read it faithfully for laughs and inspiration. Thanks for four years of blog excellence.

[Nicole O'Dell]

Jenny, it's actually rhythmic gymnastics...he likes the ribbon.

Chip, part of me wants to beg you to reconsider, but the other part understands.

Your posts are valuable information and great reads! This site will always be one of the first places I recommend an aspiring author to begin their journey.

Thankful to be your client...

[Carla Gade]

I hope you don't get too many tomatoes thrown at you for this. . .none will come from my direction. But really, you set an example for us again in doing the wise thing. I appreciate all the words of guidance and information that you've provided for us all for so long.

Thank you.

[D. Ann Graham]

I agree with Mr. Hyatt. Laddie, we barely knew ye!

[Julie Surface Johnson]

Adding my thanks to all the others, Chip. Your blog quickly became my favorite, and I'll continue to prowl the archives for needed info. Also grateful for opportunities to learn from you at future conferences and seminars. May God bless you as you continue to represent your clients.

[Kristen Bissontz]

We'll keep in touch via FaceBook, eh? Your wisdom will be missed. Thanks for all the great information shared, hopefully you'll consider posting when/if there is something worth posting in the future.

[Vonda Skelton]

Nooooooo!!!! I'm gonna miss your snarky self, but I certainly understand. Thank you for all your years of teaching and for encouraging us to do writing well.

You'll be missed.

[PatriciaW]

Thank you, Chip, for four years of education and entertainment. It's been fun and enlightening, and you will be missed.

[Lauren Sylvan]

Whump! That was unexpected. But every time I think about starting a blog, I think, "No too much commitment, I'd have to move something else out of the way." And it sure wouldn't be time with my granddaughter! Or writing for publication.
So I guess I shouldn't be selfish and wish you lots of fun with yours. Now I'll have to root through the archives for my Chip fix.

[Jill W]

You'll be missed! On to bigger and better things I suppose. :)

[Cindy Downes]

Time for you to write a book and put everything you know in it so we'll have it all in one spot!

[Genny]

Chip,

I will sincerely miss your blog posts. I have learned so much from the information and tips you've shared; thank you!!! I wish you the best!

Sincerely,
Genny Heikka

[Susan Meissner]

Life is busy and I read very few blogs but always yours. Sad that I soon won't be able to. I don't like it, but I get it. Blogs are like hungry teenagers that want to be fed all the time.

But I will miss the bad poetry. And the queries that can't possibly be real but are. And the jokes. The snarky snarks. All of it.

Glad I have a bit of an in. I may have to ask you to tell me a joke now and then. . .
Sooz

[lynn]

Chippie, we hardly knew ye. May your snark and wisdom brighten the days of whoever is blessed enough to hear it. You will be missed.

[Janalyn Voigt]

Say it ain't so...!!! Oh well, thanks for all you've given through your blog.

[Nancy Mehl]

Well, of course. I just recently found you. Sigh. Great posts. Very helpful. Guess I better start going through the archives!

Thanks for all the help you've given me so far. (S)

[Susy Flory]

Chip, thank you for freely and graciously sharing your wisdom and expertise with us...for free! I will miss this blog. It was like taking a writing workshop every few days and it made me laugh a lot, too.

[Deborah J. Thompson]

I respect your desire to focus on other things. And I appreciate you sharing your wisdom and knowledge with us over the years.

Perhaps you are going through a period of "burn-out". Maybe you could blog only once a month or so. Give yourself permission to spread your wings, but know that you can always come home to roost! (Sorry about the cliche's)!

Besides, I have a feeling that a little time away will make you realize that you DO indeed have more to say! And thankfully, we will still be here to listen--God Bless and thank you for your unselfish service to us all.

[Jodie]

"Wow." That's all I could say when I read your post this morning. Thanks for pouring so much into this for so long. (And I really hope bad poetry rises like a really tacky-colored Phoenix to live again...) Going to miss the posts, Chip. Going to miss them a lot.

[Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts]

Thank you for your service, Chip. And that's truly what you've been to the hundreds, if not thousands, of writers who have been blessed by your words (the soft and the harsh-smile)--- a servant.

You are appreciated.

Best,
Tracey