So many authors, past and presents, that I have worked with were ones I took a chance on because I believed and knew they would happen.

We often say this is a business, and it is, but is a business built on relationships. And the agent/author one is alot like a marriage. https://twitter.com/jenchentran/status/1299206930863276032

When you reframe it like that, you can see that agents sometimes will fall in love with books with the hidden gems and the ones that just need the right partner.

And we are willing to go the distance for it.

And yes, agents can work multiple jobs. Commission pay is often split between the agent and the agency. So 15%? not necessarily all going to the agent when a project sells.

We need to eat too. Passion doesn't always pay in the here in now.

And while we all dream of a debut breakout star, the reality sometimes is the long game. Grow your author. Like a mighty Redwood Tree. We start from a seed, nurturing it.

I will also add, I hate the idea of the perfect agent. Yes, fit is so important. But the "perfect" agent does not truly exist.

"Perfect" will stop being perfect when communication breaks down.

Think marriage: communication and working together.

Which means that for the long run, you might have hiccups. You get through it by communicating.

Saying what you need (agents and authors) is necessary. Saying "hey I think the idea of what I want for my career has changed. What do you think?" or "I want a different way of notes

Or "I need you to let me know when I frustrate you so I can correct things" or "Let me know if you need more time"

This is how we nurture the seeds of your great Redwood.

And this is how the long game is played.

Do we all hope for money? Yes. Not gonna lie. I want to pay bills and maybe travel (one day when this is all over).

But I do this for the love of stories. To make cool things with cool people. I have been lucky enough to work on some amazing books with amazing talent