By Debb Hackett @debb_hackett

The first time I met an agent, I began creating content for a future conference seminar, “How Not to Sign with an Agent.” I added points to it every time I attended a conference, and it became a topic of great hilarity between my critique partner and I. Now both agented, we still laugh about it. And no, that first agent doesn’t represent me. But she does admit to knowing me and that’s an accomplishment given the fifteen minutes of awkward I treated her too. I do, however have a wonderful, brilliant agent, so clearly have learned something. Today I’m going to share the things I picked up absolutely the hard way…

Pray

This is the key part. Pray for divine appointments. You want to sign with the exact person God intends to team you up with. Like Moses and Aaron or David and his slingshot. The Lord has work for you and your agent. Pray for discernment so you can tell where the Lord is directing your steps. And while you’re at it, pray for all the agents at any conference you attend. These are the people who fight to get the books that God gives writers, out into the world. They are warriors of our words.

Pick Your Agent Carefully

I cannot stress this enough. I sometimes hear writers talk about their work and wince when they talk about doing something against their agent’s advice. Your agent doesn’t need to be your best friend, but they do need to be someone you respect and feel blessed and privileged to have in your corner. Remember, this person puts their reputation on the line every time they submit your work to a publisher. There is no point in having an agent you don’t trust and respect. Zero.

Do Your Research

I recently read a blog post where an agent estimated over 90% of querying writers didn’t read agency guidelines for submissions. Friends, with love, at best that’s unprofessional and at worst, rude. Do your research and make sure you’re approaching the right person the right way. I was once given verbal advice that conflicted with an agency submission website, so I emailed the agent and requested clarification. Yes, I felt awkward, but that agent knew I wanted to do things the right way.

Invest In Meeting (if possible)

This might be tricky. But invest the time in figuring out if the agent of your dreams is attending particular conferences and then try to attend one. While an estimated 98% of your work with an agent will be done via email/Zoom/phone, it’s always great to meet someone in person, look them in the eye and chat. That way you’ll get a sense of whether you’ll work well together. If you can’t make it to an in-person conference, investigate virtual ones that offer appointments. There are still some out there.

Be Considerate

If you do get to meet with an agent, consider things from their side as you prepare. In an initial meeting, an agent really wants to get a feel for you, your writing and your level of professionalism. There isn’t time for much more. Go in and be honest with where you’re at and what you’re looking for. Agents work in many different ways and as per earlier remarks, a good fit is essential and powerful.

Be Reliable

This is a big one. Be a person of your word. If an agent is generous enough (because they are bombarded with queries and pitches), to invite you to submit a proposal to them, follow through promptly, and if you are invited but don’t think you’ll be prompt, be honest. “Thank you, I’m excited to share my work. I have some things I’d like to polish first so can I send that to you in a month?” This lets the agent know you respect their time enough to want to send your best work.

Behave Like A Professional

My mother once told me to ‘dress for the job you want, not the job you have (unless they are one and the same).’ This advice has stayed with me for twenty-five years and hasn’t hurt me once. The same is true of conduct. Behave like an industry professional. Be prompt, polite, communicative, and respectful. Work diligently to be the best writer you can be. If you say you’ll do something, follow through. If agents are warriors of the word, be a writer who keeps theirs.

In summary, prayerfully do your research and find an agent you can respect. Then endeavor to meet with them in person, but if you can’t, make sure you approach them correctly and be professional. If you’re meant to change the world together, you’ll want the perfect foundation before rolling up your sleeves and pursuing God’s call.

Writer, broadcaster and speaker Debb Hackett has been a radio journalist for more than twenty years. Married to a Royal Air Force test pilot, Debb has written a Bible study for military wives.

A regular contributor to the Advanced Writers and Speakers Devotional Arise Daily, she’s also been privileged to writer chapters for Write Well Sell Well. For now, based near London, England she’s having lots of fun working on a contemporary romance series and was an ACFW Genesis award semi-finalist in 2020.

When she’s not writing, Debb can be found leading worship, playing bass or skiing. If you can swing by her house while she’s making scones, that would also be a win.