Meeting an agent

It probably depends upon what they've read of yours and how long they've had the work. But if they've read a whole manuscript and have had it for a couple of weeks, or longer, then perhaps they'll hand you a contract to sign. Incidentally, you don't have to sign it there and then. You can ask the Society of Authors to review it for you for free. (Same as with a publisher's contract.) Technical hitch is you have to join the society first, and that's not free. (It's 85 quid per year.) Here's an FAQ about agents. (I didn't write it.) http://www.adlerbooks.com/mostask.html My webpage is at: http://www.bookscape.co.uk

Thanks for the response patmac. I sent them sample chapters and they said they liked what they read - but they havent read the whole manuscript. Just wondered what the meeting could possibly be about. I'm not expecting representation to be offered there and then though.

It may be - it depends on how much they like what they've seen. Getting an agent is a major step forward but it doesn't guarantee a publisher - I just re-iterate that point so that you don't get too excited! If they are from a major agency then it is very good news and I would rush on over to see them. Not many get that call so congratulations!

I'd hazzard a guess that someone in the agency likes what you've written. And I'm guessing that your covering letter told them a little bit about yourself. People in publishing, from my experience, do like to get to know one another. If I was being cheeky, I'd say it was in order to estimate what they can get away with. (But I wouldn't say things like that!) So, there's a good chance that these people just want to check you out. Two can play that game. Check them out while they're examining you. Find out how new the agent is who's interviewing you. If you're lucky he, or she, is the newest recruit and will have all the time in the world to devote to finding a publisher for your creative writing! My webpage is at: http://www.bookscape.co.uk

Yeah she is a fairly new agent at the agency, although I think she's been doing agenting for a few years and was passed my work from another agent. I'm trying not to get excited though, just wondered what sort of questions they may ask... I guess they want to see me... To make sure I dont look weird or have major scars on my face?? ;)

I wouldn't post her name on a public forum. Google knows everything.

Haha yeah as if I would post her name!

So it's a she? AHA!

Tanya? Meredith? Carmel? Tiffany? Lydia?

All of the above - I may have narrowed the field to about 100 or so agents.

Your agent's a camel?... Oh sorry, I read that wrong... :/ pe ps oid ... What is "The Art of Tea"? ... (www.pepsoid.wordpress.com)

You do get camel agents actually. I've seen some in Cairo. They'd trek your beasts a long way into the city, coral them, and sell them. Although I don't belive that the phrase: Does your agent sell camels? fits in a literary context. My webpage is at: http://www.bookscape.co.uk

If an agent has contacted you (you didn't contact him/her) that is always (or almost always) a good thing. I can't think of how it would be a bad thing. Don't be intimidated. Agents are there to help you. If you can use the help - go for it and be glad. Good for you - congrats.