Oh wow, this brought back memories. I started as a copy editor/proofreading mgr at a small publisher in the early 90s. I sent out multiple hard copy mss to freelancers daily, and it was cheaper to have a courier on staff than try to do that by mail. (I was in the Midwest at the time and also freelanced for NYC pubs via FedEx!) Our freelancers had to live w/in a 15-mile radius. I handled 4-5 stages of print-copy files for every published work. I'd accept or reject changes with my pen/highlighter/sticky-notes system, and a designer implemented changes, which I cross-checked. We kept all stages on file until well after publication in order to trace origins of any errors or other issues if necessary. In those days, hopeful writers regularly stopped in or called to check on whether their unsolicited mss had been received, or if we just happened to have some idea in mind that maybe they could write for us since they were right there. I loved that job and that time, but I'm ALL for the advancements!
This brings back so many memories. I spent so much money on typewriter ribbons, carbon paper, and stamps and envelopes! When I hear authors complaining how slow the publishing process is today, I say ‘oh, you have no ideal!’
Nice segment. I remember going to the library and signing out, The Children's Publishing book through the resource desk. Then writing down all the information in a notebook. Afterwards I would borrow about 10 picture books by the publishers I liked.
I'm old. I remember those days. Jessica was one of the first agents to request anything from me. I wrote a chapter about querying in the olden days in my first book - an Erma Bombeck-type chapter book on random topics. The chapter is called, "The Art of the Query," and it mentions the dreaded SASE. The chapter and the book are still, quite hilarious (if I do say so, myself!). Sometimes, when I need a laugh, I pull it up and read a chapter or two. Anyway, again I love your videos. You two are literary agent rock stars. xo Debbie
I was a reader at Ploughshares Magazine back in the day. I will never forget my first day going into the office and seeing an entire wall stacked with submissions! Brown envelopes everywhere. We had Xerox copies of rejection letters. This was back in the 1980s.
Wow! The process seems to be much less challenging and complicated for everyone now that snail mail is not the norm. I can’t imagine how overwhelming the process must have been then considering how much work still happens now. Excellent video! And thanks for giving us a glimpse into the differences between the querying/submission process then and now.
Back in olden times when I worked in a small literary agency, the fax machine came on one day and wouldn't stop. Turns out an author was faxing her manuscript, page by page. My boss flipped out as it was not only using up our expensive fax paper, but our normal fax communications had to pause. We turned it off, called the author and asked her to stop, turned it on, and the pages kept coming....
@@elissahunt It was! And my boss's reaction was the funny past.. Ordinarily, she was easygoing, but she freaked. I think she imagined the writer telling all her friends to do this, and we would be deluged with manuscripts flowing out of the fax until the end of time.
Hi, James and Jessica. I have a question about deal contracts, specifically why it takes about a month or more for an agent/agency to draft an agreement with the publishers? What usually takes place in the negotiations and what are the factors/multipliers on why it takes time before the author could receive, sign, and deliver the contract? Thanks!
Great question! The first round of negotiations before the deal is made is usually between the editorial team and the agent about things like rights and advances. Once those are satisfactory, the book is "sold." Then the publisher's contract team will take the negotiated information from the editor and draft it into their standard contract boilerplate and send to the agent for review. The agent will review the contract and begin a second round of negotiations usually getting down to the nitty gritty of the contract language/details/option clauses/etc. Then that will be returned to the publisher's contract team and reviewed again, and this can continue for several rounds before it finally gets signed by the author and the publisher!
Yeah, paper, large envelopes with SASEs inside...post office...weighing...additional postage...wait a week just to have it ARRIVE...then wait some more...
Why do you guys keep ignoring my request for you to talk about how the book publishing business has changed in the woke era? For example, how much are agents and publishers influenced by radical Far Left woke ideology? Look, if you guys are hardcore Marxists, okay, just say so. I disagree with that dreadful ideology, but you are free to think as you choose. If you support the woke agenda to censor art and emasculate authors, okay, just say so. I disagree with that dreadful ideology, but you are free to think as you choose. But please guys, at least speak and tell us where you stand. Are you pro-woke or anti-woke? Your silence is starting to look like cowardice. Don't you have any conviction?
You think the "woke" movement is censoring art? Oh my. I could never have gotten published twenty years ago- I am gay, disabled, and a minority. Books with native Americans simply were not published. Nor were books with gay authors. That is censorship I waited and waited for them to open to queries -- just sent my query. I have fulls and partials out there with big name agencies now when decades ago, stories with native American characters, showing social injustice and economic disparity and racism, just were not getting agent interest They are not obligated to make podcasts per your dictates Thank GOD people like me now have a chance, and important issues like poverty/ racism are incorporated into the themes. Radical leftist? I see nothing radical about economic justice and BLM and exposing racism They are obviously "woke".
I hate to say this, but your comment comes off as very troll-like. It seems belligerent and judgemental. I personally can't see any upside for them to respond to you.
@@catcrazed Agents and publishers don't know if a person is gay, disabled or a minority when they read a manuscript (unless they've been told in advance). Authors should simply submit their work and let their writing ability speak for itself. If a writer is good enough, they'll get published no matter what their background or personal circumstances. Pretending that people are being held back in society based on being gay, disabled or a minority is nonsense. The year is 2023, not 1823 lol. There are no barriers to success anymore. It comes down to talent and effort. The woke censorship is real, just ask any author who's been affected by woke censorship. Do the research. But if you have a different opinion and support the woke movement, that's your choice of course. You have a right to express yourself. We all do. Peace and love x
@@beheadingbuddha4256 Respectfully, you are incorrect. A story about a gay or trans person, or one with a native American protagonist, is readily apparent to an acquiring editor. Furthermore, stories about the above mentioned people were typically written by white people alone, who, frankly, unintentionally, unknowingly, demeaned native Americans and gay people. With the advent of ownstories, we now get stories written by natives, people of color, and queer individuals, so that the stories ring true. As a consequence, how these groups are portrayed, and consequently viewed changes. This results in straight people, white people, understanding the groups better and then being able to accurately and sensitively portray those groups in their future writing. One percent if YA books have indigenous main characters. I am not familiar with other groups but I bet it's still too low. My opinion: this change was necessary. Most agents and acquiring editors and writers are, in fact, white. To my knowledge there are no native American literary agents. There is now Heartdrum, an imprint that focuses on NA stories. I add--. You state that the woke movement is censoring art. That would be the group you classified as radical leftists. I hate to point out the obvious, but it is rather the RIGHT which is 'burning books'. It is the RIGHT that abhors the WOKE crowd, who are screaming at schools and demanding books be removed from reading lists and school libraries. Censorship? Yes. From schools who cannot stand to see the status quo questioned and are removing books from libraries.
Oh wow, this brought back memories. I started as a copy editor/proofreading mgr at a small publisher in the early 90s. I sent out multiple hard copy mss to freelancers daily, and it was cheaper to have a courier on staff than try to do that by mail. (I was in the Midwest at the time and also freelanced for NYC pubs via FedEx!) Our freelancers had to live w/in a 15-mile radius. I handled 4-5 stages of print-copy files for every published work. I'd accept or reject changes with my pen/highlighter/sticky-notes system, and a designer implemented changes, which I cross-checked. We kept all stages on file until well after publication in order to trace origins of any errors or other issues if necessary. In those days, hopeful writers regularly stopped in or called to check on whether their unsolicited mss had been received, or if we just happened to have some idea in mind that maybe they could write for us since they were right there. I loved that job and that time, but I'm ALL for the advancements!
Yes, Jeff Herman! I had that one! And Writer's Market! (2007, 2008...)
This brings back so many memories. I spent so much money on typewriter ribbons, carbon paper, and stamps and envelopes! When I hear authors complaining how slow the publishing process is today, I say ‘oh, you have no ideal!’
I loved watching video, but stopped at 10:26. It's because of me, but love this video idea and full support.
Wow, I remember those days! So much easier now!
I cannot imagine printing and mailing a manuscript today!
Nice segment. I remember going to the library and signing out, The Children's Publishing book through the resource desk. Then writing down all the information in a notebook. Afterwards I would borrow about 10 picture books by the publishers I liked.
I'm old. I remember those days. Jessica was one of the first agents to request anything from me. I wrote a chapter about querying in the olden days in my first book - an Erma Bombeck-type chapter book on random topics. The chapter is called, "The Art of the Query," and it mentions the dreaded SASE. The chapter and the book are still, quite hilarious (if I do say so, myself!). Sometimes, when I need a laugh, I pull it up and read a chapter or two. Anyway, again I love your videos. You two are literary agent rock stars. xo Debbie
I was a reader at Ploughshares Magazine back in the day. I will never forget my first day going into the office and seeing an entire wall stacked with submissions! Brown envelopes everywhere. We had Xerox copies of rejection letters. This was back in the 1980s.
What a wonderful segment. I love this. But I also think that somewhere a tree is watching this as a horror story!
I recently found a rejection letter in my self-addressed envelope from 2005 right before I started the querying process for my current book.
😢I’m weeping for all of those dead trees 🌳🌴🪵🌲🌿🍃
Change can be so difficult but it definitely has its merits 😊
Wow! The process seems to be much less challenging and complicated for everyone now that snail mail is not the norm. I can’t imagine how overwhelming the process must have been then considering how much work still happens now.
Excellent video! And thanks for giving us a glimpse into the differences between the querying/submission process then and now.
Thanks so much, felt like I was in the room with a big smile.
My first submission was printed and posted to the agent in London. BTW, do you still have an office?
All of our agents work remotely!
That was a fun one :)
Back in olden times when I worked in a small literary agency, the fax machine came on one day and wouldn't stop. Turns out an author was faxing her manuscript, page by page. My boss flipped out as it was not only using up our expensive fax paper, but our normal fax communications had to pause. We turned it off, called the author and asked her to stop, turned it on, and the pages kept coming....
That sounds like a horror story.
@@elissahunt It was! And my boss's reaction was the funny past.. Ordinarily, she was easygoing, but she freaked. I think she imagined the writer telling all her friends to do this, and we would be deluged with manuscripts flowing out of the fax until the end of time.
Yikes!!
Hi, James and Jessica. I have a question about deal contracts, specifically why it takes about a month or more for an agent/agency to draft an agreement with the publishers? What usually takes place in the negotiations and what are the factors/multipliers on why it takes time before the author could receive, sign, and deliver the contract? Thanks!
Great question! The first round of negotiations before the deal is made is usually between the editorial team and the agent about things like rights and advances. Once those are satisfactory, the book is "sold." Then the publisher's contract team will take the negotiated information from the editor and draft it into their standard contract boilerplate and send to the agent for review. The agent will review the contract and begin a second round of negotiations usually getting down to the nitty gritty of the contract language/details/option clauses/etc. Then that will be returned to the publisher's contract team and reviewed again, and this can continue for several rounds before it finally gets signed by the author and the publisher!
Yeah, paper, large envelopes with SASEs inside...post office...weighing...additional postage...wait a week just to have it ARRIVE...then wait some more...
Any literary fiction that is anti-woke, perchance? Healthy opposition? Multiple perspectives? Or just woke book after woke book after woke book?
👏👏👏
Why do you guys keep ignoring my request for you to talk about how the book publishing business has changed in the woke era? For example, how much are agents and publishers influenced by radical Far Left woke ideology? Look, if you guys are hardcore Marxists, okay, just say so. I disagree with that dreadful ideology, but you are free to think as you choose. If you support the woke agenda to censor art and emasculate authors, okay, just say so. I disagree with that dreadful ideology, but you are free to think as you choose. But please guys, at least speak and tell us where you stand. Are you pro-woke or anti-woke? Your silence is starting to look like cowardice. Don't you have any conviction?
You think the "woke" movement is censoring art? Oh my. I could never have gotten published twenty years ago- I am gay, disabled, and a minority. Books with native Americans simply were not published. Nor were books with gay authors. That is censorship
I waited and waited for them to open to queries -- just sent my query. I have fulls and partials out there with big name agencies now when decades ago, stories with native American characters, showing social injustice and economic disparity and racism, just were not getting agent interest
They are not obligated to make podcasts per your dictates
Thank GOD people like me now have a chance, and important issues like poverty/ racism are incorporated into the themes.
Radical leftist? I see nothing radical about economic justice and BLM and exposing racism
They are obviously "woke".
I hate to say this, but your comment comes off as very troll-like. It seems belligerent and judgemental. I personally can't see any upside for them to respond to you.
@@catcrazed Agents and publishers don't know if a person is gay, disabled or a minority when they read a manuscript (unless they've been told in advance). Authors should simply submit their work and let their writing ability speak for itself. If a writer is good enough, they'll get published no matter what their background or personal circumstances. Pretending that people are being held back in society based on being gay, disabled or a minority is nonsense. The year is 2023, not 1823 lol. There are no barriers to success anymore. It comes down to talent and effort. The woke censorship is real, just ask any author who's been affected by woke censorship. Do the research. But if you have a different opinion and support the woke movement, that's your choice of course. You have a right to express yourself. We all do. Peace and love x
@@elissahunt I defend your right to express your opinion x
@@beheadingbuddha4256 Respectfully, you are incorrect. A story about a gay or trans person, or one with a native American protagonist, is readily apparent to an acquiring editor. Furthermore, stories about the above mentioned people were typically written by white people alone, who, frankly, unintentionally, unknowingly, demeaned native Americans and gay people. With the advent of ownstories, we now get stories written by natives, people of color, and queer individuals, so that the stories ring true. As a consequence, how these groups are portrayed, and consequently viewed changes. This results in straight people, white people, understanding the groups better and then being able to accurately and sensitively portray those groups in their future writing.
One percent if YA books have indigenous main characters. I am not familiar with other groups but I bet it's still too low.
My opinion: this change was necessary. Most agents and acquiring editors and writers are, in fact, white. To my knowledge there are no native American literary agents. There is now Heartdrum, an imprint that focuses on NA stories.
I add--. You state that the woke movement is censoring art. That would be the group you classified as radical leftists. I hate to point out the obvious, but it is rather the RIGHT which is 'burning books'. It is the RIGHT that abhors the WOKE crowd, who are screaming at schools and demanding books be removed from reading lists and school libraries. Censorship? Yes. From schools who cannot stand to see the status quo questioned and are removing books from libraries.