Do you need an Agent???

Once I had completed the book the first time, I decided it was time to write the dreaded synopsis. I had scoured the internet looking for agents I felt would be the best match for me. Of course in the list of 50 or so I had a top ten. I decided to query 15 at a time. I wanted to give them time for replies. Imagine my amazement when I got a reply from one of the top agents in the country, within 24 hours of sending him my query!  I was ecstatic! After several conversations, I decided to take it a step further and made myself available to him for a face to face interview. I felt very strongly that if I could get in front of him face to face I could convince him of the dreams and wishes I had for the book. I wanted this to be a movie, or a TV series.  I saw the potential and wanted him to see it too. The trip to Miami was amazing! The agent was putty in my hands and I knew I had completely convinced him of the merit of my storyline and the possibilities it had to move forward as a motion picture! That trip was in November 2011 and in January 2012 I was signing an agent contract! Then he told me he was going to the London book fair and wanted to pitch my book!  My head was swimming in excitement and possibilities! Well, he did pitch the idea, and he had 8 people that requested the manuscript. But here's the ugly part. He had a new assistant, who had no experience in the literary world. She decided the manuscript wasn't ready to hand out so my agent decided he didn't want to share it with those interested publishers!  I am not going to lie, I was angry. As a first time author, I knew the manuscript needed editing, but I also knew the storyline was unique and was convinced that in the right hands and with the right editor it could be magic!!! Fast forward==>> The agent and I ended the contract a year later, just this January 2013. He felt I hadn't made a stance in the social media world?!?  He hadn't even taken the time to see what I had truly been doing. Nor has he ever read the book!  I have made a substantial stance in the social media community. He just didn't bother to look.  His loss.  I do not regret the time I spent with an agent, in fact, I learned very much from this man. I would never say anything bad about him, as I have learned a great deal in dealing with an agent. But, I have also learned enough to know that having an agent isn't always best for all authors. The publishing world is very different then it was years ago. The opportunities for writers now are substantially greater. No longer do you have to depend on an agent to be published. To be successful in writing, it takes time and effort but with the right attitude anything is possible!

Don't give up on your dreams! So now, I say do you need an agent?????? My answer is a resounding NO!!!

Cheers, Lisa