My ambassador of kwan

"Show me the, um, well...you know..."After much prayer, fasting, moonlight vigils, reading of entrails, and spins in my sensory-deprivation tank while clutching my Ouija Board, I’ve made one small step for a writer, and one giant leap for my career—by choosing (drumroll please)…Kristin Nelson of the Nelson Agency as my literary agent.

And you know what? I couldn’t be happier! I’ve browsed Kristin’s blog for months (more on that in a moment), I’m familiar with her other authors, and I’ve known that she’s been a very visible up-and-coming agent.

What I didn’t know, was how relentlessly nice she is. That’s the best way to describe her. Professional, wildly passionate about the biz, and a joy to work with.

She also has a solid track record of fiction sales (thank you, Publishers Marketplace), and has expedited the sale of numerous foreign rights, and film rights to Disney. Kristin is someone in the up-cycle of her career, but not so big that I felt lost in the shuffle.

But the competition was tough. I had offers from formidable NYC agents. They were wonderful, talented and kind—and I’m grateful for their offers and sincerely appreciate their time. In the end, all the offering agents “got” my book. And all would be submitting to pretty much the same group of editors. I just felt most comfortable with Kristin.

And you know what? Her blog really helped. It was a nice window into how she worked, even before I queried her. The surprising thing though, was how popular Pubrants is. (Maybe Kristin doesn’t even know.) I tracked web hits, blogrolls and links—and of all the publishing/writer blogs, Kristin’s is second only to that of Miss Snark—and 10x that of the nearest agent. Granted, this is an industry audience and not the book-buying public as a whole, but it was telling. Technology and transparency is changing the industry, and Kristin is right there with it.

So pop by her blog and say hi. Tell ‘em her newest client sent you.

Comments

[Adam Hurtubise]

Congratulations, Jamie. Wonderful news.

Adam

[Karen Dionne]

Congrats, Jamie! I have the highest respect for Kristin - she's one of the best. (And thanks to my work with Backspace, I know literally dozens of agents.)

Hold on to your seat! I have a feeling it's going to be a GREAT ride . . .

[m.g. tarquini]

CONGRATULATIONS, Jamie! May all your deals be big and your edits easy! You made a fine choice and I wish you my very best.

[jamie]

Thanks y'all. Now the real work begins.

[Jaye Wells]

Congrats, Jamie. I've had some interaction with Kristin in person and through submissions, and she is awesome. She also represents a couple of my friends and they are both very pleased. Keep us updated.

[anne frasier]

woo-hoo! fantastic news, jamie!!

[Maia]

Many congrats, Jamie. That's fantastic news.

[Kevin and Maryke]

Remember, the best way to get a book to head to the top of the charts is to get interviews lined up on The Daily Show and The Colbert Report! Congratulations Jamie! We're so happy for you!

[Daniel Hatadi]

Amazing news, Jamie. Keep up the great work, and luck!

[jason evans]

Congratulations to both of you!! I know it will be a great and productive relationship. :)