Three things I learned from my live agent pitch
on pitching memoir and getting that one yes
Hi friends! Thank you for joining me in this writing space where I share progress on my memoir, stories about family, occasional updates on my Alzheimer’s research, and discuss books I’m reading. If you are new to this newsletter, welcome. And for return readers—thank you! I’m glad you’re here.
I participated in a live agent pitch a few weeks ago as part of Gotham Writers Nonfiction Conference (over Zoom). There were two agents, five writers, and four hours of time. Incredible! Here are my top 3 takeaways.
I’m ready to query agents. This can be a hard thing to figure out for many writers. Is my manuscript done, polished, as good as I can make it? Yes and no. It is never going to be fully done or perfect. But I have done all the things agents recommend before querying. My memoir has been reviewed and edited by two critique partners (for years!) in great detail. I’ve been to writing conferences and workshopped first chapters and written too many drafts to count. As for my query letter, it has been dissected on podcasts and as part of several live query workshops. Experts like Courtney Maum and Karin Gillespie have given me feedback. I’ve done my homework and have a solid understanding of how the process works. Any hesitation I feel about querying is my fear talking.
It is incredibly difficult to publish and sell memoir. Celebrity memoirs sell, but memoirs by regular (i.e. non-famous) writers generally do not (love this recent take by memoirist Heather Sweeney). This is not news to me. And yet anyone who loves memoir can point out exceptions to this rule. Books about everyday life that help us understand our own grief, joy, and challenges are beloved by many. So how do those books get published and what makes them stand out? I asked this question in the workshop and was told the memoirs that ‘make it’ tell a singular story—something universal that is also unique. An example would be Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. It is a mother-daughter grief memoir, of which there are many, but with a unique cultural take centered around food. A memoir can also stand out because of the incredible writing and The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is one example. Sometimes the hook is so strong, the story stands out and grabs wide interest. Think Educated by Tara Westover. Singular stories. Great writing. My memoir is about an American living abroad, but told through the eyes of an ambitious young scientist. Think Under the Tuscan Sun meets Lab Girl. I’m hoping this concept, written well, will breakthrough.
Agents have opinions, tastes, and preferences just like anyone else. One of the agents told me the first line of my memoir was boring. Not gonna lie, that comment stung. I love first lines, have spent hours pulling books from my shelves and re-reading those compelling beginning words. I love doing this in bookstores and it is often what makes me choose a new book. Some first lines are short, some are long. Some are beautiful and poetic, others are dry but attention grabbing. Each one serves a purpose and sets the tone for a story. I happen to love my first line. But I also know writing is incredibly subjective, and while one agent found the line boring, others have liked it. If the line reflects my voice and the tone I want to capture, then it should stay.
From a rejection I received on my query just a few days ago:
“Thank you so much for taking the time to query me with THE FLORENCE PROJECT! Unfortunately, it's not a perfect fit for my list at this time.”
A perfect fit…an agent is looking for the perfect fit. Think about this for a second. For an agent to represent a book—pitch and promote it and become the strongest advocate for a particular story—they have to love it. BELIEVE in it. An agent doesn’t make any money before they sell a book. They invest valuable time, energy, and resources before any pay or renumeration comes their way. Of course it has to be the perfect fit! This is why it is such a hard process, why it will take many many queries before I find just the right partner for my story. I am looking for the perfect fit, too. I want an agent who believes in my story and is just as obsessed as I am to get it in the hands of readers.
Each query rejection is a step closer to my goal. If I’m not failing, I’m not trying. Bring on the rejections!
Thank you for reading Work in Progress! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the query process or what makes you love a first line.
My last three reads, if you are looking for something new.
The Loneliness of Sonia and Sonny by Kiran Desai is an epic novel (670 pages!) and this Goodreads summary says it best. “The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny is the sweeping tale of two young people navigating the many forces that shape their country, class, race, history, and the complicated bonds that link one generation to the next.” I learned so much about Indian culture from this book and it forced me to see the privileges of my American identity in a new way.
Fans of Rebecca Serle (In Five Years, Expiration Dates) will enjoy Once and Again for the author’s trademark supernatural twist on reality. As one reader put it, “This books asks the question, If you had a do-over, would you use it?" and that idea, as well as the concept of time and how it impacts our relationships, is at the heart of this novel. An enjoyable and quick read.
From Goodreads about the memoir Notes on Heartbreak by Annie Lord: “This is a love story told in reverse. It's about the best and worst of love: the euphoric and the painful. The beautiful and the messy.” An example of a non-celebrity memoir, but be ready to dwell in the author’s breakup head space. This book made me glad my 20s are far behind me.
Currently reading Buckeye by Patrick Ryan. Am making this simple lemon and olive oil cake for Easter and will dress it up with candied lemons and mini Cadbury eggs. We will have our first egg hunt at the Porch House!
This past week was my parent’s 59th wedding anniversary and this little Easter egg just turned 15. Don’t blink, friends.
I admire you so much Paige. I’ve been rethinking my book and an editor pointed out that it’s not really a memoir but two books in one and now I’m rethinking whether I’ll write a book at all. But I see how much you believe in your project and it’s really awesome, keep plugging away!
There are many paths to success. Using failure as a tool is one of the fastest. Keep getting up off the floor, Paige.