The many changes that are occurring in our industry such as the Kindle, iPad and the struggles regarding electronic rights reminds me to adjust and adapt – it’s both thrilling and frightening at the same time. There will ALWAYS be a need for content, in whatever form books may take, and the literary agent will still be the steadfast defender of the written word. I’ve said before that this is a noble profession. We largely do not get paid for the work and hours we labor, and the marketplace is more selective than ever, so we have to be utterly convinced that the books we choose to represent will be ones others will want to read. A respected agent I know, Loretta Barrett, says it best: “They can tell me no, but they can’t tell me I’m wrong.”
The redesigning of the book should not threaten us – refining how we read as technology moves forward provides limitless creative opportunities to transmit knowledge and information, both for pleasure and education. Flexibility is the key to transformation. I welcome this new season, knowing that I am always open to new ideas. Please send us your best work, and don’t be discouraged by rejection – the books we represent are rejected, too. It’s part of the process. Believe in yourself and your writing, and may 2010 be your very best year yet. I’m looking forward to Paris in the spring! More anon,
Kimberley
