Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Matchmaker, Matchmaker

by Hannah

I was so busy thinking about this post while I showered I couldn’t remember whether my fine, limp hair was sporting Thick and Full shampoo or Collagen Elastin body lotion. Violating my never-rinse-and-repeat rule, I told myself to focus. Not just on the post, on the entire subject: agent queries.

I am finally there, or at least pretty darn close. My manuscript is enjoying the luxury of another quiet massage as it waits for a satisfying thwack of edits from the Group. Fingers crossed, with their direction, on to the next stage.

I've done the prescribed research. I read the articles on what makes a dream agent, should I be so lucky. I know what makes a dream client so I can try to be one. I know who reps whom, who does not rep what I write. Who reps what I love. Who reps what I love which is not what I write. I am dizzy with details.

Is this what it is like to cyberdate in this day and age? Googling, reading profiles, checking out the occasional posted photo. Is a glint of laughter in the eyes a sign that this person will enjoy my brand of humor? Does a serious expression convey commitment to a possible long-term relationship? Do they like baseball; if so, are they dyed-in-the-wool Yankees fans and is that a good thing for a protagonist committed to the Red Sox? My uncle is passionate about the Yankees, and we love each other dearly. Anything is possible. Am I overthinking this? Oh, yes.

I have a list of the agents with whom I'd most like to work on my desk. Like those arrival and departure signs at the airport, some names clicked into firm stillness right at the top, two or three still flip lower down, slower than before. I am nervous.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker,
Plan me no plans
I'm in no rush
So...
Catch me no catch
Unless (s)/he's a matchless match!

8 comments:

Therese said...

Hannah, I love this. :)

Wishing you the best match, and a quick one. No doubt that the group will make sure you're as desirable a deb as there ever was.

Judy Merrill Larsen said...

Hannah, Just a few days ago I was describing the best agent-writer pairings as like a good marriage--you're both in it for the long haul, you have mutual respect, you want the best for each other, etc. And, in my case, it's something I fell into after being "fixed up" (both to my husband and my agent). And in both cases, it's better than I ever could have dreamed--so I'm all about the Matchmaker aspect of it. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

Thank you! Goodness, I hated dating. Dealing with contractors reminds me of dating, too: will he call or won't he, is he with someone else instead of here? So as exciting as this is, there is that heavy-sigh-oh-goodness-me aspect to it, too. I do trust the work and the Group's reaction to it, so I do believe that there is a Ms. or Mr. Right on the horizon! Any moments when you knew it was right, or wrong?

Hannah

Judy Merrill Larsen said...

I think you hear it in their voice (both with dates and agents!). For me, when my agent-to-be said my MS had made her cry, that she loved my writing and wanted to represent me. No pushiness but lots or friendliness. I thought, this is someone I'll always want to talk to and I'll always feel comfortable talking to. Someone I'd love to have dinner with or meet for a cup of coffee or glass of wine. She never made me feel rushed or that I was taking too much of her time. You'll be working with this person for years; you need to trust this person with your baby.

You'll know. Trust your spider senses.

moonrat said...

good luck :)

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

By the by, Moonrat, your post on The Perfect Author on editorialass.blogspot was one of my research readings. A belated thank you!

Hannah

Larramie said...

How clever and true, Hannah. Seriously, how great would it be for both writers and agents to have a legitimate "match" site. Off the top of my head, maybe QueryMe.com?

Yet whatever direction your search takes, much good luck!

ItsSri said...

Hi Larramie,

I have QueryMe.com and QueryMe.info. What kind of website would you like to see on the .com version? Please send your valuable suggestions to admin@QueryMe.com

Thanks and regards,
S Rao.