Too many fledgling writers treat agents like fairy godmothers, expecting them to change pumpkin novels into princes. That desperation allows too many swindling faux-agents to flourish.
Today novelist Tony D'Souza will tell you exactly how an agent can help you and exactly how they can't help you.
Over the course of his career, D'Souza has published Whiteman, a number of freelance stories, and his new novel, The Konkans. He'll explain how he traveled from Peace Corps to a writing career, despite a number of rejections from his agent.
Welcome to my deceptively simple feature, Five Easy Questions. In the spirit of Jack Nicholson’s mad piano player, I run a weekly set of quality conversations with writing pioneers—delivering some practical, unexpected advice about web writing.
Jason Boog:
Your agent has played a key role in your career. Could you explain how you located your agent and how you worked together over the last two books? What's your advice for writers with a first novel who are looking for an agent?