Literary Agents
I consider myself very fortunate as a writer. I’ve had a literary agent since my first days of writing back in 2009. Of course, I went through a lot of rejection before that agent and I found one another. Still, it was a good experience, and I learned a lot from her.
A few years later, I felt that I needed to change agents in order to see my writing career grow in the direction that I wanted. It wasn’t an easy thing to do. It sort of felt like a “break up.” I have a tendency to avoid difficult conversations. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. The change was a good one for me, and I’ve been super happy to see my books appear on bestseller lists, in Walmart stores and bookstores, and most importantly in the hands of my readers.
I’m often asked questions about literary agents. Does every writer need one? What does an agent do for you? Is it worth the 15% you pay them? In my experience, it has helped to have an agent. An agent is an intermediary between you and a publisher. An agent is, or should be, your advocate. She or he represents your work, finds it a publishing home, and then helps negotiate the terms of your contract. Is it worth the 15%? Again, in my opinion, absolutely. Every author doesn’t need an agent, of course. It depends on your goals and where you plan to publish. Many indie authors are hugely successful without one.
An agent is an intermediary between you and a publisher.
Tweet
Recently, I again felt that it was time for a change. My second agent was fabulous, but I wanted to turn my writing in another direction, try my hand at a different genre, broaden my audience. And I had exactly one agent in mind who I thought could do that for me.
This week, I was thrilled to sign a contract with Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency (the very agency I started with twelve years ago.) Nicole comes to me highly recommended, and I was thrilled when she agreed to represent me. Can you tell I’m excited in this picture? Yup. I am. I will keep You up to date regarding new books coming your way. In fact, I should have an announcement about that in the next week or so.
Until then, blessings to each and every one of you. I hope–and pray–that your spring has been a good one.
~V
How do I get an agent who is interested in works of African authors?
Congratulations on your new venture with you new agent! That is exciting. Thank you for continuing to write such great books! Debbie
You look and sound so happy with your decision fir a new agent.
Wishing you a lot of successful years to come and a lot of bestselling books to be published.
Readers will be happy too.
I understand that “break up” feeling as I have found that to be the case in my life’s work sometimes as well. It can be hard but sometimes we have to decide what is the path we want to pursue. Best wishes as you make the changes in your life!
I can’t wait to read what’s coming up. Been hooked on several books. Rereading books always finding something I didn’t catch that I didn’t before
Congrats! I’m excited to see what this change will bring for us readers.
What new genres will you be writing? I hope you will continue writing Amish romance!
Congratulations on your new agent! May your relationship be a great blessing to you both as well as to your readers!
Congratulations on signing with your new agent! Seems like having an agent, working on your behalf, leaves you more freedom to devote to your writing. Blessings to you both! ?
Congrats on the new agent Vannetta! Can’t wait to see all the new books coming out 🙂
Please enter my name for your June drawing. I would really appreciate it. I love reading about the Amish. They are so interesting.
The Baby Next Door is a wonderful book.
Congratulations on your new agent. I look forward to reading more of your books.
It will be interesting to see where your new writing path will take you. Thank you for this chance to win.
My library in my home contains all of my “best friends” and they
are there when I need company, or a shoulder. Thank you for
each of those “friends.”
Very Interesting.
Wow, Congratulations, that is super nice! I will be looking forward to your new book. Have a Great week and stay safe. God bless you and your family.
Congratulations on getting excepted with your new literary agent. Anxious to learn about your new genres and future books .
Glad that you are excited about your new agent.
Keep writing, enjoy your books so much.
I love your books
Yes…I do think an agent is beneficial to your success. You should feel comfortable and friendly (at home) with this person . I love your books and love seeing them on display. I’m slowly working my way through them and eventually hope to read every one. I wish you the best with this new agent!
Funny how some things come around full circle. Congratulations and blessings for a prosperous writing career.
I love reading your books.
Please don’t stop writing Amish stories. I love your Amish books better than any other author
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW CONTRACT WITH THE SEYMOUR AGENCY. BEST WISHES TO YOU AND NICOLE AS YOU WORK TOGETHER.
I LOVE READING ALL OF YOUR BOOKS
Congrats on your new endeavor!!! ???
I am very excited about the new season you are in. I look forward to many books coming from you.
I hope everything works out for you, Vannetta. Sometimes you need a change to propel you in the right direction and sometimes people get so used to you they don’t see small changes and don’t really listen to you or comprehend what you are saying. I’m not speaking about Literary agents because my background is medical but I know many Doctors quit listening after about 30 seconds. It can be frustrating to be ‘pigeonholed’.
Good luck and God bless. I have enjoyed many of your books and look forward to your new writing .
Sincerely,
Celia H.
Great reading, Hidden and Protected.
Thank You.
Sounds like a wonderful book can’t wait.
Congratulations and best wishes for much success with your new agent. I look forward to reading anything you bring to the table. Blessings
Sounds like a good read
Congratulations on your new agent! I love your books and look forward to seeing the books in your new genres.
I am very excited about the new adventure you are having with the new agency. I hope to have lots of new books from you soon.
I am so excited for you and your new literary agent, and I am excitedly looking forward to your new works and the new genre you are going to add. I wish you all the best, Vannetta!
Wishing you well as your writing continues to grow@
Continued success with your mew agent.
Marilyn
I hope your Agent represents you well Vannetta & gets you exactly where you want your writings to be. Good Luck ?
Love all your books. Really look forward to them.
Great news!
Congratulations on your new book deal.
Joan
Good Luck with your new company.
Marion
I have enjoyed the three different series that i have read. I love the receipes at the end of most books.
I love reading your books. I am glad you have a new agent. Can’t wait to read your next book! God has blessed you with the ability to write wonderful books!!
Hello, Vannetta, and congratulations! Looking forward to more of your work. Happy writing!
I just noticed that you are also in Texas. We are living in Weslaco, TX!
You were one of my very first authors I grew to love. Due to my 7 weeks of Covid in respiratory distress, I still have trouble remembering some things and having to rely on oxygen even yet, I don’t remember the first book I read of yours but I still remember enjoying your books!
Thank you for continuing to write such good stories – I enjoy them!!
Congratulations! Looking for new books and more announcements as you go forward.
I have read and loved just about all the books you have written. I especially like the Indiana books as we are not far from the Amish area. Keep up the great work and God bless you.
Congratulations – yes, you definitely seem excited. Thanks also for the explanation on why because I have often wondered why there are authors with agents and also tons of Indie authors. I read both. Your explanation makes a lot of sense.
Looking forward to reading your new genre.
If people didn’t make changes, how would we grow? Congratulations! I pray that your journey, in a new direction, is everything that you have hoped for.
Love your books! Once I start reading each one, it’s hard to put it down! They’re all so intriguing! It’s impossible to imagine what’s coming next! Best wishes for many more years of creativity and enjoyment.
Congratulations on your new agent! Thank you for explaining about agents. I like to hear about behind the scenes information.
Congratulations on your new endeavor!
Not only do you write Amish fiction, but i read one of your books in a dystopian series that was quite interesting.
Congratulations on securing the agent you hoped for! You are blessed. I know a writer who has been through SO much trying to get his novels published and an agent who will do what he needs to help him get there. Keep those books coming, Vannetta!!!
Congratulations
I’m so happy for you.I love all the books you have wrote and the receipes in them.Will you have a Christmas book.Thank you for all of your great books.
Congratulations on your new agent! Hope you have many years of success together!
Congratulations on your new agent love your books! Blessings coming!
Love your books! Would love to win!
Congratulations on the new contract looking forward to reading new books that possibly take you to a different genre, but continue to write the tried and true. ? have a great summer.
I love your books!
Congratulations on your new contract. I can’t wait to read more of your books.
Why are your books not available through book bub anymore? I always used to get them from there. I loved your books and miss them. I get them through Barnes and Noble. I hope you will make them available that way again. Thank you.
Congratulations on your new agent! I learned things from your blog about agents I didn’t know – very interesting. I haven’t read all your books yet, but very much enjoyed the ones I have read.
Congrats on your new agent!
You continue to grow. Congratulations and best wishes on your latest endeavor. You look so happy and at peace with your decision.
Congratulations on your new agent. I am looking forward to reading your new venture. I hope you will continue to write your Amish books and your suspense books as I enjoy them very much.
Congrats on the new agent Vannetta! Can’t wait to see all the new books coming out 🙂
I’m excited for you, Vannetta! Congratulations! I’ve read your different genres and waiting to see what your genre will be next. Blessings
I’m excited for you, Vannetta! Congratulations! Looking forward to reading all your upcoming releases. I have enjoyed every genre thus far. Blessings.
Congratulations on your new agent! I know what you mean about not wanting to hurt people’s feelings. I look forward to everything you write!
Congratulations on your new agent..I love reading your books!