What I look for when considering a client

There are a few basic requirements I require in order for me to strongly consider a prospective client.

They must understand the basics of writing a proposal and present their work in a professional manner. It does not need to be perfect but show me they have researched our submission guidelines and have a good idea of industry protocol along with what type of material I represent.

Once I receive their proposal, and take a look at their one sheet, I will google their name and see where they show up. Basic social media sites I do require are active Face Book and Twitter accounts. If these basic sites are not present, then I know I will have to invest too much time in teaching this author about the usefulness of social media and I no longer have the time to do so. HUGE pluses are when I find the author is also active on Pinterest, has a strong presence on Goodreads and an Instagram account. All of which have been shown to strengthen an authors platform and help an authors area of influence.

After they have passed this initial step, then the process turns to whether they are a nonfiction or fiction writer.

In the case of a nonfiction proposal, I will be looking for a marketable subject. Existing platform including of course strong numbers on social media sites, blog followers, and a nice number of already scheduled speaking engagements lined up for that year. Strong affiliation with organizations related to their topic is very helpful. Big question: Are they an expert on the topic they are writing about? What qualifies them to write this book? I especially enjoy Creative Nonfiction writing.

In fiction, I look for a genre there is a strong market for, social media participation, and clean writing. The clincher for me is a story that I do not want to put down.

When I find an author that I am interested in considering, I will schedule a phone call with them and go over my expectations of them and ask them what their expectations are of me. One of the questions I always ask is what else they are writing, and what future book projects they have in mind. Usually in such a conversation, I get a good sense whether the author and I will be a good fit.

If I like what they have to offer and they indicate they would like to work with me, I will then send them an agency contract to look over. We then schedule another call to go over any questions they have, and once we are all on the same page, we go to contract.