I read 800 pages last week (stayed up until 1:00 a.m. two week nights) and I still have more than 15 partials and full ms. that I should have read weeks ago.
There is just no way to really catch up with my reading.
When I was a younger agent with fewer clients, I used to take Friday as a reading day, and I would read for about 4 or 5 hours, but I haven't been able to do that for the past 5 years. All my reading is done nights and weekends.
I had hoped that by getting more agents and interns, I would be able to catch up, but what that means is that I now have even more to read, because they need my input on a lot of their projects.
Life also always gets in the way. We have a death in the extended family early this week, and I am out of the office all day Friday. Saturday night I have a family function and Sunday is Mother's Day, so I know I'll probably fall even further behind this week.
And Book Expo America looms at the end of the month, taking me out of the office for two weeks (I'm visiting San Francisco after, but seeing clients and publishers too).
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7 comments:
I can't say I'm surprised by how much you have to read in your profession, but I wish you the best in catching up, especially considering everything else going on in your life right now.
I'm always amazed at how much time agents put in, between reading manuscript submissions, meeting with editors, supporting their clients, and keeping up on the industry. Agenting is truly a career for the tough-minded. I enjoy reading this blog because it gives me more appreciation for just how critical (and underappreciated) the agent's work is to writers.
Aww Lori, I know how you feel. When I had university papers up to my ears, work, and my writing, I wanted to run away. All I wanted was to just write all I wanted without all the responsibility.
We've recently had a death in the family too (uncle), and I know how that drags you down. Hang in there, things will get easier. People will just have to patient. Writers have to have a thicker skin after all.
Years ago, one of my colleagues told me that every successful worker gets more assignments heaped on them until their work becomes mediocre.
You are not mediocre, Lori. Your large work load just means that you need to get even pickier.
Speaking of more work for you Lori, I am one of the winners of the Dear Daughter contest. I found out about this on your site. I was wondering if you had any info on that project. Besides finding out I was a winner, I have no idea when the book will be out, who will be publishing it etc. THere's been no communication.
Anything you can share?
Also, a question. Do publishing credits such as these catch an agent's eye, or should they not be mentioned as it was a "contest?"
Thanks!
I enjoy your blog, posting about the life and times of an agent. It's just what aspiring writers need to know. Hang in there with all the reading yet to be done.
My condolences on your family loss.
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