The oracle speaks
To cheer me up as I consult other experts this morning, getting on with research, I asked the my favorite Magic 8 Ball a few questions...
1. How do I know that I need a literary agent?
In Dulce Jubilo, the Elizabethans
Because my book makes me high. That or because God says so: in my lexicon, they're the same thing. God is a writer too.
2. Where should I look for literary agents?
The Irish Girl - Lissa Schneckenberger
a) In County Cork, b) on a Yankee Clipper, or c) where people value noble blood more than hard work... while the singer values caloused hands.
Let the wind blow high and low boys,
let the sea run mountains high.
It is a seaman's duty the helm to stand by.
3. What kind of literary agent is right for me?
Ragtime Annie - Flying Garbanzos
One with a flair for improvisation, easy intelligence, and a sense of humor?
(I first heard this tune in an Adironcack cabin by a hard-frozen, lake with 20 musicians sitting arund the living room and boiling maple syrup to pour over snow.)
4. What should I say about my book?
Never know how much I love you. Never know how much I care... you give me fever.
Right. Roger that.
5. How should I open my query letter?
Wintertime and the frozen river, Sunday afternoon.
And how's the weather on the Empire State Building?
6. What should I say about me?
She's graceful and she's charming like the lilies on the pond. Time is flowing swiftly by; of her I am so fond... - Forget-me-not, Great Big Sea
Either I'm really hipped on myself or I've got a good memory for places?
7. What should I *not* say or do?
Starr Reel, Dudley Laufmann; Oh Shanendoah, Richard Thompson
No fiddling, no serenading, no swimming.
Right on.
8. If I meet an agent, what should we talk about?
Sawannee Mountain, Drew Bunting
How not to get struck by lightening, apparently.
9. How can I tell whether an agent knows her job?
Reno Dakota, there's not an iota of kindness in you.
You know you enthrall me and yet you don't call me; it's making me blue.
Ok, keeping in touch is definitely a good start.
10. What is your biggest advice overall?
Washed in the Blood of the Lamb
- er, my soul should be spotless?
Well, it's marching music. Up and at 'em, I guess.
They're surprisingly coherent, when you think about it...
1. How do I know that I need a literary agent?
In Dulce Jubilo, the Elizabethans
Because my book makes me high. That or because God says so: in my lexicon, they're the same thing. God is a writer too.
2. Where should I look for literary agents?
The Irish Girl - Lissa Schneckenberger
a) In County Cork, b) on a Yankee Clipper, or c) where people value noble blood more than hard work... while the singer values caloused hands.
Let the wind blow high and low boys,
let the sea run mountains high.
It is a seaman's duty the helm to stand by.
3. What kind of literary agent is right for me?
Ragtime Annie - Flying Garbanzos
One with a flair for improvisation, easy intelligence, and a sense of humor?
(I first heard this tune in an Adironcack cabin by a hard-frozen, lake with 20 musicians sitting arund the living room and boiling maple syrup to pour over snow.)
4. What should I say about my book?
Never know how much I love you. Never know how much I care... you give me fever.
Right. Roger that.
5. How should I open my query letter?
Wintertime and the frozen river, Sunday afternoon.
And how's the weather on the Empire State Building?
6. What should I say about me?
She's graceful and she's charming like the lilies on the pond. Time is flowing swiftly by; of her I am so fond... - Forget-me-not, Great Big Sea
Either I'm really hipped on myself or I've got a good memory for places?
7. What should I *not* say or do?
Starr Reel, Dudley Laufmann; Oh Shanendoah, Richard Thompson
No fiddling, no serenading, no swimming.
Right on.
8. If I meet an agent, what should we talk about?
Sawannee Mountain, Drew Bunting
How not to get struck by lightening, apparently.
9. How can I tell whether an agent knows her job?
Reno Dakota, there's not an iota of kindness in you.
You know you enthrall me and yet you don't call me; it's making me blue.
Ok, keeping in touch is definitely a good start.
10. What is your biggest advice overall?
Washed in the Blood of the Lamb
- er, my soul should be spotless?
Well, it's marching music. Up and at 'em, I guess.
They're surprisingly coherent, when you think about it...