What’s a Nice Writer Like You Doing in a Place Like This?
Every once in awhile I get exhausted and over-scheduled and I wonder if I should stop writing the blog. Or at least post less frequently.
Usually that thought lasts about five seconds because I can’t quit. I can’t help it -I love blogging, I love connecting with you, I love the conversation, and I learn so much from all of you. You make me laugh, you inspire me, you keep me grounded, you even make me angry sometimes. Guess I just can’t live without you!
But what about you? What makes you keep coming back? What does this blog provide that you want or need?
And what would you like to see more of?
Hope you have a lovely Memorial Day Weekend…
Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent
>Nikole– Thank you so much for your reaction to my earlier comments. Rather than take up any more space on Rachelle's blog I will respond to you directly on your blog.
For anyone else who felt I was being overly negative or provocative, I invite you to visit my blog to get to know me better and not make any judgements of me by my comments here. While there you can certainly leave me any comment, be it positive or negative or noncommital, to let me know how you feel.
Lee
Tossing It Out
>I tried to stop coming here, because I haven't written a book.
But your place is so homey and informative and inspiring.
You are a treasure, Rachelle. Thank you .
and when and if…. how could someone repay you for this?
blessings to you
>I don't get to read your blog every day, but always catch up and never delete a post without reading it in my Bloglines subscription.
IYours is my favorite agent blog. It was the first I found and I feel an obligation, of sorts, to read it, for you started with me down my road to publication.
I'll be sending you my very first query in a month or so, and you will be the first one to whom I send it!
I specifically appreciate your most recent post; extremely encouraging to a world of discouraged writers.
Blessings,
Rick Boyne
http://www.RickBoyne.com
>Hi Rachelle 😎
I've been lurking for a while and I read your posts daily in my Google Reader.
I don't know if you realize what a gift your blog is to us folks down in the trenches with our fingers glued to the keyboard, working and dreaming toward that first book.
I read because your posts are an honest look at the book business – the good, bad, and ugly – and because you are here every day trying to connect with writers. That's huge.
Thanks for sharing and for all the insights.
Marianne @ Writer-Mommy.com
>The obvious is all the fantastic information we're receiving, keeps me coming back to your blog. On top of that I find your blog is not only a list of information. There seems to be genuine (i probably spelled that wrong arg lol) feeling of wanting others to succeed in this world of writing. Lets just say it makes me feel like we're good friends yet we don't know each other…if that makes sense lol
>I'm sure with all these comments my answere has already been posted but I'll say it anyways–because of the great information you give us and the chance to read other comments and learn, learn, learn. You also let us see who an agent really is–a real person;)
>Rachelle, I keep coming back to your blog because it is a Well-Written Blog on a topic of great interest: writing to publication. I like that you state the reality of the road to publishing and what is involved. And that encourages me even though you are continually reminding us writers to keep off our rose-colored glasses about what it takes to "make it" (and really what making it looks like.)
I am thankful that you keep making time to blog — it is a favorite stop of mine in the blog-world.
>I am new to your email alerts and I wouldn't miss them for the world, each one is sooo relevant, thank you. I would like to see a guest post from a stay-at-home mum just to compare their day with mine 🙂 Oh and maybe how not to make a prat of yourself on Twitter 😉
>I come to your blog because you're honest and sincere in your desire to help writers. I'm new to writing and your blog is filled with tips on things writers need to know. I was really impressed with the tax info…I didn't know any of tha stufft. And the query examples are a God send. And thank you for the advice on how to present yourself at confernces. I believe this year I will be better prepared to pitch and come away successfu.l Thank you.
>Rachelle, you know how it is when you find a book that resonates with you – a book with a special voice or message that draws you back to read it again and again? Your blog is like that for me. It was recommended by someone on a forum I follow and from the first day I visited I’ve appreciated the helpful information provided here and the unique voice that delivers it. That’s what keeps me coming back.
The growing number of comments indicates others find your posts useful, too, and I don’t think you need to apologize for not having time to answer our comments. I know I’m here to read what you have to say, not necessarily to get your feedback on something that's been said in response. Dialogue is great, but if I have a choice I’d rather forego it in favour of continued regular posts.
>Enjoying your posts 🙂
>Rachelle, I come to your blog because you writing interesting content in a voice that is lively. (In other words, you aren't boring! 😉
You're also honest, and from what I've read, humble, despite what Miss-I'll-Write-a-Negative-Comment-to-See-if-I-Can-Force-a-Response said.
As to her remarks about commenters here, so many of us write Sci Fi or fantasy, which you clearly say in your guidelines you're not looking for, so the idea that people are pandering to you is obviously off. In fact, I think you do a great job creating a community feel, even as the community has grown.
Becky
>I follow this blog for inside info on publishing, great tips on publishing, and encouragement for writing.
But most of all, I keep coming back for more of Rachelle Gardner. She's intelligent, witty, and truly cares about people. I think the world of her.
>Support, inspiration, encouragement, community, advice … Hmm, I could go on and on but I think it's been covered. When we (writers) are on such a long, rough journey, it's nice to know there are others who can relate.
>I'm a new writer and I have so much to learn. That's why I come. And because my friend Joan Webb recommended you!
>Some blogs are entertaining and some informative. Your blog is both.
Of course I appreciate the wisdom you bring to the table, but most of all I come back because you are human. It is nice to see agents have a normal existence and do not really thrive on the mutilation of manuscripts. Or the crushing of a writer's dreams. Or the destruction of happiness. And rainbows. And world peace.
Thank you for being knowledgable and approachable.
>I'm a newcomer to your blog. I enjoy learning about what's expected of writers from an agent's point of view. I like your straightforward but friendly writing style, and I know your advice will benefit me as a serious writer. When I read your blog I feel as if I'm interacting with a professional who knows her business.
>I come to your blog each day as a friendly place to be and although you represent "Christian" books you don't talk about, or push your religion – just live it. I like that. Do you know the poem " Abou Ben Adam, a great man of peace who awoke one night to see an angel writing in a book of gold…"? It is a favorite of mine.
>I'm glad to have a Christian agent's POV and insight. It's a real blessing.
>I don't comment very often, but I read this blog every day. I come back because of the wealth of information, presented with warmth, wit, and a true desire to encourage writers at every stage of their journey. Thanks for the fun and the sharing :+}
>Rachelle,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts so freely. When I read your posts,I feel like I am sitting with a friend and colleague who is not only dispensing "must have" information but is also respecting and seeking the opinions of others. I hope you will continue to enjoy and benefit from blogging as much as this new writer enjoys and benefits from following it. Keep doing what you're doing because it's working!
>I am a writer and a teacher. You are a teacher and mentor to writers. I return to learn, the calling of my lifetime. Thank you for moving me along in my journey.
>i come back because you have a gift…an obvious one that allows you to reach out to complete strangers and make them feel like they are your best friend…
>Rachelle, I always think it's interesting when the writer of a phenomenally popular blog says, "What would you like to see readers?" It's ever so generous, but I think we come back because what you're dishing out without our input is working. So just keep doing what you're doing, I say. It shows that you love blogging. 🙂
>I visit because of my RSS reader…otherwise I would forget. Thank God for those things!
>Nice to see your take on blogging, that you enjoy it, and it's not just part of your job. That's why I read your blog. It makes an agent seem like a real person. You teach us, encourage us, and let us see pieces of your life, personal as well as professional. Thanks!
>I come by here to receive good/practical advice from an expert. In addition, I love connecting with other writers on the journey toward home.
Blessed weekend rest to you and yours.
peace~elaine
>I'm addicted to your blog! Don't stop! I like your honest, no nonsense approach to writing and publishing. I have learned so much from you. Thanks!
>Because I learn so much from each blog.
And because my dream is to have an agent call me to say she will represent my story.
I like who are. I have from the beginning, that is why I come visit your blog every morning.
>I come back to this blog everyday for the same reason. It's uplifting, inspiring, knowledgeable and fun to read.
Also because, Rachelle, you are fun to listen too.
This blog gives me the sense of belonging and is a guiding light. Thank you for each and every post!
>As a pre-published writer, I come to your blog for info. I feel your advice shows me the inside of the business and gives me useful tips to apply. Also, I'm a Christian and I write Christian, so I want to surround myself with industry people who are the same! Thank you for your sharing.
>Also meant to say that you seem like a very kind person and I think that tweet was totally unfounded.
>Hi Rachelle,
I saw that mean tweet someone sent you earlier and then saw that you'd posted about it being anonymous. I'm not on twitter (eek, yes, I admit to stalking agent tweets) but when I scrolled over the name of the person who made that comment, it says Susan Smith. Not sure if it's for real or maybe someone you recently rejected?
Just thought I'd tattle and give you a name. Not sure it helps. 🙂
And I'm staying anonymous 'cause hey, I'm tattling. lol
>As an unpublished writer, I come here to learn about the business.
I have a long list of publishing blogs bookmarked, but yours is one of the handful that I make a point to read every day. And if I can't read it, I make a point to go back and catch up on any missed posts.
Every agent has a different sensibility and online personality, and I enjoy your welcoming nature mixed with solid information.
>As an unpublished writer, I come here to learn about the business.
I have a long list of publishing blogs bookmarked, but yours is one of the handful that I make a point to read every day. And if I can't read it, I make a point to go back and catch up on any missed posts.
Every agent has a different sensibility and online personality, and I enjoy your welcoming nature mixed with solid information.
>You give me hope. Plain and simple. That I can do this. That I will do this. You help me by providing the tools and often the kick in the pants to do so. I might not always listen and hound you mercilessly, but eventually it clicks.
>You're just so darn approachable, informative, and downright likeable. Don't ever stop blogging!
>This is one of your tweets:
"Homeschooling friends, please help me find an online summer algebra course for my 13 yr old. I've researched and am overwhelmed!"
I think the same could be said for all of us on this side of the publishing line. There is too much info out there (some good, some pitiful) and it's hard and time consuming to sort through it all. I come here (and a couple of other places) for a reliable Readers Digest version of the publishing world.
>I like the variety of post you write or have via guest posters.
I'd like to see more of:
1. Description of queries/proposals you either pass on or accept, and some of the reasons why. Obviously you can't post too much of the item, but you can post enough to help us learn from what works for you and what doesn't.
2. News/insights about the publishing industry in general: its health, projections for its health, current trends you observe that might not be general information, etc.
>Thank you for your blog, Rachelle. You deserve a great big thank you for it, because you dispense a great deal of free wisdom, and do it very kindly. Anyone who reads this blog is better for what they learn here.
>I'm glad you can't quit! What keeps me coming back isn't the insider information, although the info is fabulous, but it's the generosity and kindness you display. You're never harsh or mean, but you also aren't afraid to take a hard stand on what you believe in.
Blogs are very revealing, even when we aren't necessarily aware of revealing ourselves. Writers don't always get to meet agents, and we rely on blogs to get a feel for their morals and personalities. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
>Rachelle–I come back because you are someone I like. You are nice, optimistic, respectful, and have interesting things to say. I know that is all vague, but you know. That's why I read you over someone else.
>I've been mostly lurking in your blog for quite some time now, and I keep coming back because you have a way of relaying information and insights about publishing in a way that makes me smile, and keeps me encouraged about my own writing. The Christian/inspirational market is not my interest, but your blog would appeal (I believe) to anyone who wants to follow publishing from a friendly, compassionate point of view. I'm always inspired by something or another around here, so thank you!
>I found this blog, along with many others, in the Writer's digest list of websites (I forget which year). I keep coming back because you provide a nice balance to the other agents and literary bloggers out there. Yes, there are some times when your posts seem a bit repetitive, but all in the same you put a new spin on the material. I'm one of those people who likes to hear the he said, she said, sides of a story, and reading multiple blogs, even if sometimes repetitive, gives me a larger picture than just picking one.
>I think initially I was drawn to your blog because I read you represent the general market but not conflicting with the Christian worldview. That resounded with me because I can't shut down my faith but I do want to write fiction for the general market. Then I read your "what women want" and my genre wasn't something you were interested in at the time. So, not one to give up easily, following your blog made it easier to stalk that list waiting for it to change. (Yes, I was just that optimistic!)
However your insights into the industry, the writer's life, the kick in the pants when needed, the realness… it all keeps me coming back. I think like many bloggers in the industry you come with a wealth of knowledge and experience. But you take it a step further, I believe, and open yourself up to follow Christ's leading as you share and live it out.
>I like it here. As a blogger I can truly appreciate all of the hard work you put into your thoughtful posts. I can only imagine how busy you are and to keep up a great industry blog is a gift to writers. Sure there are some pretty good how-to books out there, but the information feels stale in comparison with a blog. Not only does the information feel fresh here, it allows your personality to sparkle through.
I did an informal poll on my bog today and it turns out most of my commenters are M,W,F bloggers as am I. I suppose if you ever wanted to cut back to three days you can fill in two days with guests? Have a great long weekend!
>I love the inside look into publishing. I am also inspired.
Thanks!
>I visited your blog initially because it was so highly recommended by many of my writer pals. I became a follower because I learn a great deal about the industry from you and your guests. It was through your blog that I grew to appreciate your expertise and enjoy your Voice. Now I'm one of the many recommending your blog to others as a must-read.
>This blog has insightful, succinct information about the publishing industry. But there are other blogs that do this as well. So that isn't entirely what draws me back.
What makes this blog unique is its Christian worldview. I am a follower of Christ who embraces the moderate/liberal end of the political spectrum. I come here because the postings and comments help me understand not only CBA but my brothers and sisters in Christ who travel a more conservative faith journey than I.
>I originally subscribed to this blog to learn as much as I could about the publishing world. I did not have an agent or a book contract. Now I have 3 book contracts (1 adult non-fiction and 2 children's picture books) with traditional CBA publishers. I still don't have an agent, and I'm not sure if I ever will, but I've learned a lot and hope to continue learning from you. I especially appreciate your transparency, both as an agent and as a person!
>If I don't read your post each day I find I am quite grumpy and do not function well. Please do not quit writing your blog.
Blessings~~
>I keep coming back because I love the instruction and guidance you offer and I love the 'Fun Friday' questions! I also feel a real sense of community with the other readers here. Thank you for continuing your blog—We appreciate you!
>Good morning, Rachelle;
Coming to read your blog is a no-brainer for me. You provide the anchor to a whole community of writers who regularly respond to your articles. The easy flow of your writing style and the respect and compassion of your voice set the tone for the whole community. We respond to the transparency of your struggles to balance your life, your faith, and your profession.
Some people are a joy to know, even from a distance. You are one of them.
May God bless you for blessing us.
Lynnda
>Great advice, good set of links on your blog roll, and the hope that your popularity magic (o.k., I know it's not magic) will rub off on me, and I will someday have a successful blog!
>Thank you, Rachelle, for the response. I understand your situation. Occasionally I like to toss a hopefully tactful "negative" comment out there to certain usually unresponsive blogs to see if I can get a comment and have found the these "negative" comment sometimes do provoke a reaction as in this case.
Thank you for providing a welcomed service to certain other bloggers.
Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
Lee
Tossing It Out
>I'm a daily reader, and I so appreciate your honesty about this industry. No coddling, but no cruelty either. So, thanks and keep it up:)
>Rachelle,
I come because it's easy to see that you care and want us to be informed. Not many agents will take the time.
You choose informative writing and publishing matters/tips to put on your blog. I learn something valuable to my writing (mostly from you, but also from your bloggers, and guest bloggers) nearly every time I come here.
Writing sometimes isolates us and we can't really express the ups and downs to the people in our lives who don't write. Here, we're all in the same race. We're at different places, but we help and inspire each other to move forward. I don't feel so alone with my writing struggles.
Thanks Rachelle.
Thanks Bloggers.
Thanks for always being here.
>arlee bird: Thanks for your comment, and you're right, I don't interact with the comments nearly as much as I want to, and probably not as much as my readers want me to. If I were a professional blogger and that was all I did, then it would be possible. Unfortunately I'm a full-time agent as well as a work-at-home mom, and I have to prioritize my time very carefully. My choice comes down to this:
Blog 5x a week, but interact with comments very little;
or
Shut down the blog because it's not worth it since I can't interact frequently with comments.
So far, I've chosen the former.
But I know there are plenty of other blogs out there in which you can get good interaction with the blog author. That's what's so great about the internet: choices!
Thanks for commenting.
>Rachelle, the blogosphere and its community are a wonderful gift (like your blog!) to folks like me. I'm a social butterfly by nature but spend my days alone in front of a computer juggling my remote job as a publicist and writing plus the business of writing. Connecting in the ether is a breath of fresh air. And it's always wonderful when blog and twitter friends meet up in person, as many of us in the Boston area did last night at the launch of Jenna Blum's new book, The Stormchasers.
Thanks for this blog!
>I very rarely visit this blog. I don't usually find much that is so totally unique that it can't be found elsewhere. And it seems to be an exercise in vanity, mostly on the part of those making comments.
When I first started blogging this was one of the first blogs I followed. However, I eventually found I was seemingly a nonentity to the author of this blog, not to mention the other commenters, and my comments were pointless (like today's futile exercise). I have chosen to give my blog time to other bloggers who provide equally informative posts and who not only respond to my comments, but also interact with the postings on my blog. Community is where I want to spend my time and not an ongoing attempt to get the attention of an agent who is unlikely to ever pay attention to me.
I realize that the author of this blog is very busy and gets a lot of comments which does not easily afford time for interaction with her readers. Forgive my rant, but the topic came to my attention and my response is what came to mind.
My thanks to anyone who chose to read my comment.
Lee
Tossing It Out
>This blog is my desert island blog (I hope the island has wifi!)–it's the first one I look at in the morning and if pressed for time, the only one I read. Thanks!!
>I came the first time because of a mini-writing contest (w/ a photo prompt). And I stayed because of your insightful writing on agenting and on life!
Thanks, Rachelle.
>Last autumn you requested my first five chapters but did not pursue the matter any further. Because of the rejection I compare what you write to what I'm doing. The blog is like the painted lines on a road; it suggests boundaries as I drive myself forward. As I read your blog, I consider my original submission, improvements I have made, and improvements I need to make so that my work is more professional and salable. I also read to learn how to better represent myself the next time I deal with an agent.
Thanks for taking the time to teach, especially since you do it for free.
>I keep coming back because I almost always find something that resonates with me as a writer – your blog is inspiring and informative.
>I come back because there is something new everyday and because it comes from an agent's perspective.
>I can always count on you to mix hard-nosed business sense with true compassion. That's a difficult combination to pull off, but you do it exceptionally well.
>You're an insider who's a Christian!
'Nuff said. 😀
Seriously, I get a lot of great information and I learn TONS of stuff from you.
You have great guest bloggers. People who really know their stuff, and are in this same ship we're in.
You're blog is a lighthouse showing us the way, and warning us of dangers.
Thanks for all this, Rachelle.
>I come to your blog because you take the mystery out of the publishing industry. You are a source of encouragement for writers with a dream, yet you offer the honesty about how difficult writing and getting published is. It's nice to hear what a writer is up against – to be reminded of how hard I need to work, just in case I considered slacking off.
>I echo what Brian Miller wrote above. You have a very authentic way of feeding hungry writers nourishing wisdom.
People come famished and click away from this blog satiated.
Thanks for that. Now, time for real breakfast food…
~ Wendy
>Love getting an agents perspective on the publishing industry and useful tips. Love that your personality shines through.
>One thing (there are more, but this is just one).
I like seeing that you are just as human as I am.. you like the conversation. You like a picture like the one at the top of this post 'cause it's cute and shows the exhiliration of the 'pretty ordinary'. I get that. And I appreciate it.
And so, I like to share in it.
The conversation.
>…all the same reasons you mention Rachelle. And because I don't personally know anyone else who has written a full novel, so "being around" other writers makes me feel like I'm not losing my mind to think I could actually get published.
I love to hear from writers (and guest bloggers) who have been pubbed. It's very inspiring. Makes me feel like there's hope for me…and all that jazz. 🙂
>Oh my gosh.
Because you're NICE. Because when I very first started trying to figure out what I was doing, you were one of the agents I stumbled across with a complete lack of snark (big dif between snark and layin' the occasionally necessary smack-down, btw). Your insight/info about the business is hugely helpful. There's no excuse for any of us writerly types to make huge rookie mistakes with access to your blog; it's like getting a free education in how not to be lame. I'm grateful that you've shared so much helpful information!
>Your honesty is refreshing. After sweating all the details, I can chill reading your blog.
>I've been following your blog for a long time and I've enjoyed learning from you. But at this point what keeps me coming back is that you've become like a friend–I have to check what Rachelle has said before I can start my work for the day.
>I love your transparency about the business, the way you explain how the pulls and levies of it synchronize, and your humble attitude while doing it. You give us insight into this harsh world, and you season it with encouragement. Thanks.
>I came to your blog long before you were my agent, and I continue to swing by for my daily dose of Rachelle because you share a wealth of information and because you inspire me to be better. And because you offer free coffee and donuts every morning. Oh wait. Different blog. 🙂 Love Ya! Have a great weekend!
>I keep coming back because I'm a Christian writer. It's so refreshing to find an agent who is one as well. I find your comments encouraging and helpful, but I also sense your compassion for writers. That's important. I also love that you are willing to open up to us. Most important of all is your patience with our questions and comments. To possess that quality is admirable.
>I like all the information you share. I like how your personality comes through in your posts, which is probably why I read this blog faithfully and other agent blogs in passing? Not sure, since I like the other agents too. Anyway, blogging can be exhausting so be careful, but thank you for how much you share of yourself here.
>i am not here every day, but i like your ideas…i want to write, so i listen…
>Because you are a Christian, Rachelle. I hang out with a lot of Christian writers online, but we are mostly writing for the secular market. You are kind of bridging that gap, so there is a sense of kindred Spirit knowing that your perspective is grounded in a shared faith as well as knowledge of the industry.
>I come not only because of your experience and view point, but also for the kind and honest way you dispense information, encouragement and a kick in the booty when it is needed.
>What a nice post! Well the easiest answer was just provided to me- coming back makes me smile!
I love the support and inspiration from fellow writer bloggers, the bounty of information from agents like yourself, the laughing-literally-out-loud that catches me (and poor hubby who thinks I'm crazy) off guard and relief that comes when you realise there are other people out there who think just like you do!
🙂
>I keep coming back cause I love the insiders point of view *grin* and the crazy query stories that every agent seems to have – makes me feel better bout mine each and every time 😉