The Call, and Questions you should ask

I love making The Call. The call that informs a writer that I really, really love their ms and I want to represent them. There are a few reasons for the call and why an agent may not offer representation right away or at all during the call. Firstly, we want to just talk with you and get a feel for who you are. We have to make sure that we are compatible; it's a professional relationship and you don't want to make a commitment lightly. Secondly, we'll probably talk about revisions and make sure you're open to revisions. Also, I like knowing our visions for your ms are the same. Thirdly, I'll probably bring up your career. What else are you writing? What do you want to write? Have that ready and a quick pitch for your WIPs (I mean quick, we're here to discuss your current ms, not everything you've written since second grade).

There are many, many great resources out there with lists of questions for you to ask an agent. I'm not going to reproduce said list here, but I'll highlight a few questions that I think are great for you to ask.

Here's a few questions that will just help inform you about the process.

• Time Line: how long do you foresee edits taking and when are you expecting to be able to pitch?
• Sample Contract: Agent contracts are pretty standard, but if it's your first you may not know a lot of things in it, so request to see one and bring up any questions you might have before making a commitment

And here's a few questions to get to know the offering agent a little better (remember, you are allowed to say no if you don't think you'll work well with the agent, we would much prefer to work with someone who actually wants to work with us, rather than finding out the hard way down the road).

• How many clients do you have currently? Genres? What stages of editing/publishing?
• What is your favorite book? (I was blown away when asked this question and realized how telling it really is; of course, we'll probably ask the question in turn so be ready)
• What is your preferred communication style?
• What about my ms caught your attention? Why do you love it? (I usually lead with this, but it is good for you to know what is strongest about your ms and why the agent loves it)

Like I said, there are many more questions to be asked, but these ones are the ones I've found to be most helpful. Any agent's blog is going to be helpful, so be sure to visit those in your search for more.

Oh, and we know you're going to be super nervous and excited. Go ahead and let that show a little (even the most callous of agents like to be reminded of your excitement and their own importance). And take notes, who knows how much you'll actually remember once the excitement and nervousness wears off?

For represented writers out there, what questions did you find most helpful during this process? If you have a blog post about your own journey, share it in the comments.

For represented and non-represented writers, what are the best resources to find out more information about this process?