tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post7979471963892498870..comments2024-03-22T05:18:29.555-04:00Comments on Romance Bandits: SCANDAL'S DAUGHTER Blog Party--Literary Agent, Jessica FaustLoucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217492654108300014noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-67138193695893734352007-09-05T05:25:00.000-04:002007-09-05T05:25:00.000-04:00Great post I am really looking forward to reading ...Great post I am really looking forward to reading this book. Jessica you must have a full and exciting life with all the stories you are asked to read from people from lots of different countries obviously loss of sleep is one drawback with different time lines. I love to hear about different asspects of writing books and your job is another side to my favourite pastime reading. Thanks Jessica<BR/>Have Fun<BR/>HelenHelenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03984438742736003285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-83424301886065088422007-09-05T00:38:00.000-04:002007-09-05T00:38:00.000-04:00Christine, I did want to ask you a fun question.If...Christine, I did want to ask you a fun question.<BR/><BR/>If you were having a dinner at your home and you could invite 3 (or more) authors, living or from the past, that have made an influence on you with your writing or any other way, who would the 3 be? What would you like to ask them? And lastly, what would be your favorite dish to serve them? <BR/>Thanks! :)<BR/>Cathie<BR/>tbranxiety@yahoo.comCaffeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11830854922444380155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-48988925369244610902007-09-04T20:50:00.000-04:002007-09-04T20:50:00.000-04:00Agents pursue writers?Hmmm....Let me slow down a b...Agents pursue writers?<BR/><BR/>Hmmm....<BR/><BR/>Let me slow down a bit :-)<BR/><BR/>Another Bandita chiming in late to say thanks for coming to the lair and sharing your insights.<BR/><BR/>Joan who is going tomorrow to get Scandal's Daughter HoorayJoanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12566704374877697300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-65228315802749292832007-09-04T20:28:00.000-04:002007-09-04T20:28:00.000-04:00Keira, you're right about Jessica's scarf! Isn't i...Keira, you're right about Jessica's scarf! Isn't it gorgeous? And such a nice match for my blue monster! <BR/><BR/>Jessica, your answers to the barrage of questions have been fantastic. Thanks so much for putting so much thought and expertise into helping all our proto banditas! It's been a great day. I hope you'll come back and see us again (um, maybe we should book you a secretary for the day or something!). <BR/><BR/>Christine, again, huge congratulations on the book hitting the stands. People are just going to love it! And thanks for letting us share the party with you.Anna Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06695579361323275316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-1955986883982224952007-09-04T20:05:00.000-04:002007-09-04T20:05:00.000-04:00Yay! It's a scandalous day today! Woo hoo!! Jessic...Yay! It's a scandalous day today! Woo hoo!! <BR/><BR/>Jessica, welcome to the Banditas, from a not-really-Bandita. Before I get into your blog, I have to confess, I have scarf envy. What a gorgeous color! The drape! The length! Ooooh. Foanna, did you see that it matches your CtC cover perfectly?<BR/><BR/>Sending a rejection letter to a writer has got to be so much harder than receiving one--especially since, many writers are apt to take it personally, rather than attributing it to the dozen reasons that may have nothing whatsoever to do with the project or the writer.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for replying forthrightly to all the hard questions. I have a couple for you, too: Other than the cute comedic books, is there a sub-sub genre that isn't selling? Do you see a return of the medievals? (I hope so!!) Thanks.Keira Soleorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14440213826734580889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-91324609157336436872007-09-04T19:59:00.000-04:002007-09-04T19:59:00.000-04:00Jessica, that's so true that the hook, the executi...Jessica, that's so true that the hook, the execution, everything has to come from the author. It took me a long time to realize that--call me Mr Thickie!--but when I started I really wanted an editor to tell me what to write so I could get that fast track to publication. <BR/><BR/>A lot of writers seem to think editors and agents really do know what they want, they're just not telling. The truth is that the author is the artist and the creation has to come from her/him.<BR/><BR/>I think we all appreciate your frankness in the answers you've given here today. Btw, everyone should be aware that Jessica has her own blog at http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/ so if there's a question you'd like to ask that Jessica hasn't answered today, please trot over there and chat to her.<BR/><BR/>Thanks again, Jessica, for helping me celebrate a special day!Christine Wellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14260589566405262159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-69419104930352671052007-09-04T19:36:00.000-04:002007-09-04T19:36:00.000-04:00Elyssany:I had a wonderful reply prepared and Blog...Elyssany:<BR/><BR/>I had a wonderful reply prepared and Blogger ate it. Drat! What I was trying to say is that there isn't anything that I can really put into words to describe exactly the type of hook I would look for. It depends on a lot of things. Is it a mystery, thriller, or romance? Is it historical or contemporary, etc? Ultimately though I'm looking for a hook that is unique and interesting. Something that hasn't been done before, but is similar to something that's already being done successfully. And most importantly the hook has to be great, but the execution has to be brilliant.<BR/><BR/>I wish I could simply assign three or four or more hooks and let the projects just come in the door, but I think that many times, for a great hook to work, it has to come from the author. She has to really feel it and love it. From there it all follows naturally.<BR/><BR/>--jhfBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-75588864757336137392007-09-04T19:33:00.000-04:002007-09-04T19:33:00.000-04:00Jessica, thanks for your frankness. It hadn't dawn...Jessica, thanks for your frankness. It hadn't dawned on me that agents and editors have times when their insides feel like baked custard! I thought that was just for nervy writers like me.<BR/><BR/>Your post makes it easy to see what creates a good agent/author relationship - shared passion! Which is as it should be, seeing as we're in the romance business here.<BR/><BR/>I just sat here grinning when I read how you simply fell in love with Christine's work. I did too. As Christine's critique partner, I get to preen about being associated with the beginning of such a great career. <BR/><BR/>I'm so looking forward to singing a chorus of "I told you so!" with you and the Banditas. All together now...Denise Rossettihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04653815118432394482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-51935651054012077212007-09-04T19:23:00.000-04:002007-09-04T19:23:00.000-04:00Jessica, thank you so much for coming by today! An...Jessica, thank you so much for coming by today! And many thanks for all your helpful answers and insights.Kate Carlislehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16863555050062113192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-4480525448854603582007-09-04T19:18:00.000-04:002007-09-04T19:18:00.000-04:00Glad to have you here today, I'm lookingforward to...Glad to have you here today, I'm lookingforward to reading Scandal's Daughter.tetewahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04287233499993365048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-77194826728762766322007-09-04T16:43:00.000-04:002007-09-04T16:43:00.000-04:00Jessica, what an awesome post (yes, you were motiv...Jessica, what an awesome post (yes, you were motivational!) and a truly informative series of answers. As a writer of sexy historicals, it's great to see editors are looking for that. I appreciate you taking time to blog here today. And thanks Banditas for bagging her!<BR/><BR/>And congratulations Christine. Scandal's Daughter is on my TBR list!Darcy Burkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14819984559001912841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-11114636420716891562007-09-04T16:02:00.000-04:002007-09-04T16:02:00.000-04:00Thanks Jessica - your responses helped me a lot, e...Thanks Jessica - your responses helped me a lot, especially for an aspiring writer.<BR/><BR/>What type of hook grabs your interest the most?<BR/><BR/>And I'm looking forward to reading Christine's book!Elyssa Papahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01114769833125426437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-56881300569512295262007-09-04T16:01:00.000-04:002007-09-04T16:01:00.000-04:00Aunty Cindy:Mixing genres is a fabulous way to mak...Aunty Cindy:<BR/><BR/>Mixing genres is a fabulous way to make your book marketable these days. I'm seeing a mix of everything. Paranormal historicals or mysteries, erotic historicals or paranormals or even a blend of erotic paranormal historical. Don't be afraid to mix things up. It's working for a lot of people.BookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-9663702509038056492007-09-04T15:47:00.000-04:002007-09-04T15:47:00.000-04:00Apologies for dropping back late, I've been asleep...Apologies for dropping back late, I've been asleep (well, 2.30am to 5.30am is all anyone needs, right, Jessica?)<BR/><BR/>Thanks everyone for your great questions and Jessica, your answers were superb. So glad historicals are making a comeback!<BR/><BR/>Thanks everyone who has congratulated me and joined in to celebrate!Christine Wellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14260589566405262159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-22165762169933055532007-09-04T15:43:00.000-04:002007-09-04T15:43:00.000-04:00Thanks, Jessica, for answering all our questions s...Thanks, Jessica, for answering all our questions so fully. You've been great as an honorary Bandita!Anna Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06695579361323275316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-87524556663864506972007-09-04T15:32:00.000-04:002007-09-04T15:32:00.000-04:00Thanks, Jessica, for your fresh and insightful res...Thanks, Jessica, for your fresh and insightful responses to our Bandita questions! jojo robertsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16824237193217632098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-18147811507519562462007-09-04T14:50:00.000-04:002007-09-04T14:50:00.000-04:00Jessica, THANX A BUNCH for hanging out with us tod...Jessica, THANX A BUNCH for hanging out with us today! How nice to hear that those mythical beasts known as 'agents' are really just human beings after all! :-)<BR/><BR/>I'd like to ask your opinion of stories that blend elements from several sub-genres (like my just finished paranormal romantic suspense). Does this help or hurt the story in terms of marketing/selling it? Best of both worlds or neither fish nor fowl? <BR/><BR/>Appreciate all your comments and insights!<BR/>ACLoucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02217492654108300014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-34490470596512802662007-09-04T14:41:00.000-04:002007-09-04T14:41:00.000-04:00Congrats on the release of Scandal's Daughter. I ...Congrats on the release of Scandal's Daughter. I love historical romances and I look forward to reading this one.ChristyJanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10437256752595712457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-84185283615256731172007-09-04T14:23:00.000-04:002007-09-04T14:23:00.000-04:00I love to hear that historicals are making such a ...I love to hear that historicals are making such a strong comeback. I've been waiting years for this to happen!Christie Kelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15010770086637037103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-81133782362077255672007-09-04T14:11:00.000-04:002007-09-04T14:11:00.000-04:00That's wonderful news about historicals! :)That's wonderful news about historicals! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-42619582217744826072007-09-04T13:48:00.000-04:002007-09-04T13:48:00.000-04:00Thanks so much for being here, Jessica! Great blog...Thanks so much for being here, Jessica! Great blog - I love hearing how things work from an agent's point of view *g*<BR/><BR/>I'm yet another Bandita who is heading to the store today to find my very own copy of Scandal's Daughter :-)Beth Andrewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01204356784898045866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-17564040969388184082007-09-04T13:22:00.000-04:002007-09-04T13:22:00.000-04:00Cassondra:Sadly I don't think there's any one thin...Cassondra:<BR/><BR/>Sadly I don't think there's any one thing. Obviously it's voice first and the irony of that is if you read the works of my clients I think you'll see they all have very different voices and styles. Needless to say I fell in love with each of them. <BR/><BR/>When I read something though it's a feeling I get. I actually feel like I'm going to be a little sick. I've found something so amazing that my heart starts to race and I panic a little. I think I'm a little scared that I actually found something so amazing and now I need to set out and do it justice and really excited that I found something and now I get to set out and do it justice. And yes, I have anxiety that there's another agent out there who is moving a half day faster.<BR/><BR/>--jhfBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-72288217557263730822007-09-04T13:19:00.000-04:002007-09-04T13:19:00.000-04:00Jo:This is a great question and one I might have t...Jo:<BR/><BR/>This is a great question and one I might have to take over to my own blog for a later post. Let me answer from the bottom up. Yes, I do think other agents take on authors because they think there's a market for a book and not necessarily because they love a book. I think this happens a lot in fact, especially when a market becomes hot (like erotica recently did) and when an author, like Christine's experience, comes to an agent with an offer in hand.<BR/><BR/>Do I do this? I really, really try not to. And I don't think I do. See, my thought is that I'm taking on an author for her career and if I don't love the writing and the author's voice then I'm going to spend years reading books that I don't really like. And that just scares me. When I take on an author it's because I know I want to continue reading everything she's ever written.<BR/><BR/>I also honestly believe that I will be a lot more successful if I do what I know and do what I love. I don't love inspirational romances therefore I don't represent them even though I know there's a market for them. <BR/><BR/>--jhfBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-83380788540308334322007-09-04T13:14:00.000-04:002007-09-04T13:14:00.000-04:00Kate:How the cozy market is doing depends on who y...Kate:<BR/><BR/>How the cozy market is doing depends on who you talk to. If you're familiar with BookEnds you probably know that we have come close to mastering the cozy mystery. We have a number of really fabulous authors on our list and we manage to keep them all very busy. In truth though I think we are a bit of anomaly. There are only three or four publishers these days who are really looking for cozy mysteries and we have a philosophy that if one of those publishers already has a series with a particular hook we will not take on that particular project.<BR/><BR/>Once you've mastered the art of writing the cozy the real challenge is coming up with a hook. If your hook is strong enough I can pretty much sell anything (she says modestly). When coming up with that hook though you need to think of not only something that hasn't been done, but also something that appeals best to cozy readers. One of our most successful cozies is the knitting mystery series--a fun crafty hook that also appeals to all generations. Cozies are branching out though into paranormal and of course historical. Remember, the key is the hook.<BR/><BR/>--jhfBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-76632504757598096472007-09-04T13:07:00.000-04:002007-09-04T13:07:00.000-04:00Anna S. Great question and one I plan on posting a...Anna S. Great question and one I plan on posting about on my own blog this week (you'll get a sneak preview here).<BR/><BR/>I've had a busy few weeks selling some great new romances and I find that selling books gives me the best opportunity for really finding out what editors are looking for. <BR/><BR/>Funny paranormal romances are out. There's been a huge glut of them and publishers are starting to see a decline in sales. So if you're writing the next Mary Janice Davidson you might want to consider finding a way to make it a little darker (or turning it into something for the mystery market). <BR/><BR/>Historical romance is in. Everyone is looking for erotic historical romances and everyone is looking for a strong historical voiced historical romance (moving away from the more contemporary voiced historicals we've been seeing). The trick here I think is an idea or hook that really grabs editors. Something like a great title or a great idea with a new twist.<BR/><BR/>Rumors are that paranormals are going to start to see a decline. We haven't seen it yet, but I do think editors are becoming more cautious. When we are selling paranormal don't be afraid to make it dark, sexy and even a little fantasy-like.<BR/><BR/>--jhfBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.com