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Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Why You Need an Agent...Really

I have a wonderful agent. Her name is Joanna Stampfel-Volpe.  She is the bomb of all bombs.  I know you are asking yourself what is so great about Jo?


Let me tell you.

My first nine books were sold without an agent.  Now, that would make it seem like I knew what I was doing...but really, I was just pretty lucky.  But persistent.  There was a time when editors might send you a personal rejection, inviting you to send something else in if you'd like.  So, I'd keep track of where I had sent which manuscript and try to match stories to editors, NEVER submitting simultaneously because that was frowned upon at the time.  Again, I was lucky to find editors for some of my books.

But.It.Took.a. LOT.of.TIME.  Response times were slow and research took a lot of time, too.

Enter Jo.

In the past fourteen months since I found her (and she is a find, my friends), Jo sold my book, negotiated my contract, offered numerous editorial comments on manuscripts, prepped items for submission, AND did TONS of things to help out with a book (which releases next week) that was sold long before I met her.

She has done ALL of this for more than a year and is only now seeing any kind of financial payment.  Seriously.

The passion and dedication she shows blow me away.  *I am so lucky!* (Seriously!!  No payment until now!!)

And the best part is that because she looks out for me, I have more time to write!!!  With working a full time job and all, it is lovely to know that there is someone in my corner, calling my publisher to make sure that books get to events on time, commenting on my work, negotiating with my best interests at heart...

Again, someone up above smiled on me the day Joanna Volpe stepped into my life.


Jo=Awesome!!!


















What?? You're still here?  You want to know where the next StoryQueen video is?

Okay, here it is...

But I need to say a few things first:

1.  Yes, I read to dogs. (Mikey saw me put on the crown and cape and he came to sit and listen!  And yes, that is him that you hear making strange growly noises.)

2.  Mikey does not want to eat cats.  (He loved little kitty.  Wha???)

3.  Yes, that is a toilet in the background.  Sorry.

Enjoy!



hrh

P.S.

Seriously youtube? I look like Popeye recommending spinach.

15 comments:

Stephanie Thornton said...

As my four-year-old would say, you are a lucky duck! I've only heard wonderful things about Jo-this just confirms that.

Yay for both of you!

Matthew MacNish said...

Joanna IS awesome. No question.

Anonymous said...

Your agent sounds AWESOME! I have to say that I enjoy watching your book videos. The books are great!

Hardygirl said...

Okay--

Jo-Love over here as well.

She is so wise--with a great editorial eye.

I feel like I won the lottery.

sf

Hardygirl said...

Oh, and I'm waiting for my favorite first grader to wake up to watch your second fabulous video!!
sf

Kelly Polark said...

I'm extremely impressed at you having 9 book deals with or without an agent!
Hee on the toilet flush!

Kelly Polark said...

I was anticipating a toilet flush then watched and it's just the toilet. Darn! ;)
You do such wonderful voices!

Shannon O'Donnell said...

I think it's wonderful that you have her now. You more than earned the benefits that having an agent provide! :-)

Renee Collins said...

That story was so cute! I didn't know you have a lovely British accent. :)

I'm going to show this to my son. :)

Kelly H-Y said...

She DOES sound awesome! Can I have her too?! :-)

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

I can't wait for your book release. I can't wait!
:D:D:D

Michelle D. Argyle said...

That's wonderful you've found a great agent! And even more wonderful that she's truly needed! Not every writer needs one at every stage. I'm not needing one right now, but I have a feeling in the future I may depending on where my career takes me. :)

Catherine Denton said...

Go Jo!! Ask if she has a twin agent sister she'd like to share. Shelley, you have a knack for making me laugh.

Thank you for your sweet note on my blog.

trump said...

WRITING CONTEST .....My blog Amish Stories is having its first ever contest this week. The First prize winner will win 2 tickets to tour the farm where the 1985 move "Witness" staring Harrison Ford and Kelly Mcgillis was made in Strasburg,Pa . This farm is now Amish owned, and the family has given permission for folks to tour their farm. This may be the last time anyone will be able to walk and see the same things that Harrison Ford and the other actors saw during the making of "Witness". The Witness tour should last about 2.5 hours. In addition to the Witness farm tour tickets, 1st prize winner will also receive 2 tickets for Jacobs choice. There will also be a 2nd place prize, which will be 2 tickets for the Amish Homestead. Please go to My blog www.AmishStorys.com for contest details, and more information on the prizes. Richard from the Amish settlement of Lebanon county.

Anonymous said...

Please stop by my blog to pick up the award I've nominated you for.