Into the Fire

(**DISCLAIMER** The effect of this entire post is of course contingent upon someone actually liking my writing voice, style, and stories. Okay? I get that.**)

If I could hand pick an agent for myself, I’d choose one whose love for the Lord permeated every aspect of his/her decision making processes, who prayerfully considered where to direct submissions, who could easily discuss spiritual matters as comfortably as discussing the publishing industry.

If I could hand pick an agent for myself, I’d find one who loved a challenge, who wasn’t afraid to defy the norm by championing contemporary long novels because of his/her belief in their ability to find an audience, and who liked the idea of stretching publishers to accept something beyond the status quo 300-350 page, 80-100,000 word novel.

Don’t get me wrong: I totally understand the job of an agent is based on sales of manuscripts. It’s not enough for an agent to believe in the work of an author—agents have to be able to sell that work to a publisher and secure a fair and hopefully lucrative deal for the client to receive payment for the agents’ hours and hours of work. Believing in someone’s work, regardless of its length, genre, or writing, doesn’t earn that someone a free pass into publishing.

And on any given day, I wouldn’t doubt that queries can all start to sound the same, no matter how well done. I bet Solomon’s words “There’s nothing new under the sun” start to echo in the mind’s synapses after checking emails on some days. Even good writing could seem mundane after straining the eyes to read multiple submissions.

Just as selective as the publishers have had to become in the tightening economy, so the agents strive to peddle their wares and serve their authors as best they can . . . Some agents continue without new clients or budget for fewer new authors in their stable.

The clichés still ring out: “We’re always looking for that fresh voice.” “Great writing finds a way to get published.” Those who’ve been researching the publishing industry for any length of time know them by heart. It’s our only opportunity to roll our eyes from our side of the game.

But . . . since I can’t hand pick my entire experience in this biz, I’ll do what it takes to be faithful to the One who makes my path straight and be thankful in the process.

Father, ordain my steps. Continue to make my paths straight. Thank you for watching over me, Lord. Thank you for the stories you’ve given me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.