John Talbot
The Talbot Fortune Agency
DOSSIER: Since agents are often seen as gatekeepers into publishing, they often have a lot of sway on getting a writer discovered. We know you work hard so that your writers succeed, but where is the line for you in determining a writer’s potential and whether you feel it’s worth it to develop that person to a point where you both can find success with a submission? Writers want to know if you’re thinking only about that manuscript or if you’re looking at what the writer might be capable of down the road?
TALBOT: It’s about potential. If a story is well-crafted and sticks with me after the first read that author will be someone I want to work with. There’s no time limit on a first sale; it can take from a few weeks to a lot longer, and it might be the manuscript as originally submitted to me or it could be a revised version. But the original manuscript has to show me a lot, and the author has to be willing to revise and then hang in there for the long run. Ultimately I’m trying to match an author with the right editor, then build their career and guide them to long-term success.
DOSSIER: What are some of the things you find writers worrying about that aren’t really a big deal?
TALBOT: Not sure, maybe small errors in the cover letter, which aren’t a big deal, versus errors early on in the manuscript, which are a big deal…. Closely following the original submission with a revised version of the manuscript is not necessary; I’m looking at the big picture, and small changes that may look important to you are probably not going to sway me one way or the other.
DOSSIER: On the flip side, what do writers need to be aware of that can hurt them when it comes to finding representation or getting published?
TALBOT: It’s never great knowing that other agents have had more time than I’ve had to consider a manuscript. I think it’s important to feel that there’s a level playing field, and that we as your prospective agents are being treated courteously and fairly. It can be a little off-putting when authors publicly blog about their submission process. Should we become agent and client, I would expect our relationship to be professional and somewhat confidential.
If you are on social media please make sure your all your posts and links are up to date. Also, if you’ve self-published and have only a handful of reader reviews or very modest sales, it might actually be better to pull those books down while you’re out on submission.
DOSSIER: Agents have different preferences when it comes to query letters e.g., citing comps, or going over one page. There’s a ton of advice and guidelines out there, but what do you definitely want to see in that first paragraph?
TALBOT: Our submission guidelines are on our Web site, and we don’t have strict rules such as the ones you cite, though it’s helpful if you include your complete contact information, including phone number, on the cover note, and add your title and last name as running heads in the manuscript itself.
There are no tricks to the first paragraph of a submission letter. You don’t have to impress me with your writing there, just tell me about your book in a straightforward way. Overall I’m looking first at whether I work with that particular kind of material and if it fits the general parameters of what I think I can sell. After that it comes down to the writing. Voice and authenticity, good use of detail, compelling characters, these will jump out at the reader even in the first few pages.
DOSSIER: Is there at least one do or one don’t you have? Anything you’ve been dying to tell the writing community?
TALBOT: Remember to have fun. Be inspired by and support your fellow writers. Don’t wait for the muse; sit down and write everyday.
Online: Talbot Fortune Agency
A few of John’s clients with Dossiers…
