[Jade]

Hi, Gord! So... I was looking at logistics, and stuff. Trying to figure out the process of traditionally publishing books in this day and age. While doing research, I realized that most agents are kind of supposed to stick with their clients for life.

For life.

Which, would be fine, right? If they were only trying to publish maybe 7, or even 20+ books if they got famous? But I had an inkling of a problem. What if the client is trying to publish, yaknow, 100+ books? Wouldn't that be a bit of an issue? (Because I am very much so taking that contest seriously, by the way. I will beat you.)

And then I realized an even bigger issue! Authors apparently generally only have one agent. How is that going to work if I'm trying to write Christian fiction (fantasy, realistic fiction) on one side, and then write Fiction (realistic fiction, sci-fi) on another side? Do I just get two agents? Is that socially acceptable? Ah!

So then I figured I'd just ask you. You have published 100+ books, you have (sort of) written in different genres, and you almost always incorporate Judaism into your books and it's allowed, so. How do you do it?

Have you ever had problems with publishing so many books? With publishing different genres (more so different age ranges)? With incorporating slightly religious aspects into your stories and themes?

(Has the publishing/literary world ever given you flack for any of these reasons?)

You're just so seamless with it, and it's impressive. 

 

Be blessed,

Jade

(P.S. Actually, I think I am just going to make a life update post. I haven't really said much about life except for when I blabbed about being old and 16 and stuff. Cya soon!)

Hi, Jade,

Sorry to keep you waiting. I've spent most of the week in Toronto with my folks -- Mom's birthday.

I've had 2 agents, but only because the first one died several years back. But I stayed with her company, Curtis Brown Ltd. You don't get a separate agent for different genres. Your agent is your agent, period. Unless he/she isn't coming through for you, paying enough attention to you, etc. I never had that problem. I was a kid writer and the agency really wanted to see me do well.

Actually, it's often harder to find an agent that to find a publisher. It has to be a good fit. Ditto for an editor, who is an employee of your publisher. They have to like your stuff. I've never had a problem with that either. Except now. My Harper editor has moved to another publisher, so I'm in the process of breaking in another editor. It's a little nerve-wracking, I'll admit. Right now I'm awaiting his word on a manuscript.

Religious aspects. They're only acceptable (to me, anyway) if there's no preaching. e.g. there's nothing religious about Lincoln Rowley. He's having a Bar Mitzvah to honor his grandmother. And if the publishing/literary world objects, by all means let them read something else. There may be people who object, but I haven't heard from them. I get my share of criticism, mind you. One reviewrer called something of mine "recycled Korman crap" some time ago. It happens.

OK? If there's anything else, you know where to find me.                                                                       --G--

[Jade]

Happy belated birthday to your Mom! I hope all of you had lots of fun.

Thanks for responding! I'm sorry for your loss, rest in peace. That's really helpful. For a long time I thought you hopped agents with every book.

Well, it can't be too hard to like your stuff. Honestly. The amount of times your books have made me cackle... and I mean cackle. I really hope your new editor likes your books though. Would hate to lose that Korman-style writing! 

Yeah. People will always find a reason to hate. Not all criticism is bad, of course, but some people just take out their anger and hurt on others. Or maybe they just don't like it. Eh!

I'm not too big a fan of the "preachy-style" either. I'm more of a "one gigantic allegory" gal. And yes! Write what you want to write (to an extent). I mean, unless it's your job. Then you have to find the balance, I guess? And yes, I sure do know where to find you!

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[E.W.]

What happens if someone just wants to write one or two books?

They can't be stuck with an agent then right?

So then they would probably help publish the few books the person writes and then the agent would move on, right?

Hi, E.W.,

That would depend on the agent. Most of them require you to sign up for a certain length of time with them. I don't have the problem because I write 2 books a year, one for each of my current publishers. But there are people who write 2 books in a whole career, (e.g. how about Harper Lee?)and their agents must agree to that. They can't get blood out of a stone, after all. We write what we write. The point is that every writer negotiates his/her deal with his/her agent, and these probably vary.

Can you fire your agent? If there's a contract, you don't renew it. Or you fire for cause, like neglecting your book or something like that.

And successful working literary agents have multiple clients.

OK?                                                                                              -----Gordon Korman-----

[J.R.]

"Recycled Korman Crap"

*Loud and dramatic gasp*

How could they? They obviously have not read a single page of your books.

[J.R.]

And who are they to criticize your books when they haven't written over 100 books? How would they know anything about writing? Anyway, I had a question about originality. I wrote the first chapter/draft of a book a day ago, but then I realized I literally just made a mixture of Lord Of The Rings, The Hobbit, and a bunch of other books. It was just a mess. I mean, if something of this matter got published, I would be ripped up. And Tolkien would start spinning so fast in his grave he would be considered a particle accelerator! Anyway, I start school in 9 days now. And I am not prepared at all. I mean, I was at soccer practice this morning near the middle school and I got lost trying to find the restroom! I'm extremely laid back, and the amount of homework I am going to get is going to break my back! Then, I live in a township that only has one middle school, so my grade and an entire new grade are going to combine! That means another 100 new kids that I've never met that I will be sitting by! How awkward is that? Anyway, sorry to waste your time with my extreme amount of "yapping" but this is J.R. peacing out! Have a good day!

Your fan,

J.R.

[Jade]

Just wanted to say:

" And Tolkien would start spinning so fast in his grave he would be considered a particle accelerator! "

That really got me laughing. You should be a comedian!

 

Be blessed,

Jade

Hi, J.R.,

I hear you, mostly because you sound like me. And you also sound very much like Jade when she had to start high school a couple of years ago -- she made out fine, and is now a Junior, I believe. You'll be fine too.

Re: your question about originality. What you describe definitely doesn't sound like it. Sorry. As for the new kids from the other middle school, you may even like some of them. Also, no fear about the work. You may not believe it, but I can tell you're a whole lot smarter than the average middle schooler heading for high school. Plus you have the people on this website, good friends all! and they'll help to get you through the adjustment. At least they'll smooth the way a little. And they might even save you from the wrath of Tolkien.

It's going to be fine. And thanks for being mad at the people who called one of my books "Recycled Korman Crap." I needed that!                                                                                                                                        ---GK---

[J.R.]

Oh thanks! I wasn't mad at the person who called your books recycled korman crap, I was FURIOUS!!!!!!!!!

F-U-R-I-O-U-S!

I'm really more on the "street" side of smart and Reading than anything else. I'm usually abe to choke up a low B in Math, my least favorite subject, and a low A or high B in everything else but Reading, Which I always get a 97 or higher on. But thanks for the kind comment!

@Jade I'm glad I made you laugh! But no no no no no way no comedian, I would be too nervous!

Sincerely,

J.R. the first and last