One way to annoy an agent

Subject: One way to annoy an agent Sat Aug 16, 2008 2:41 pm

Here's one thing that spells doom when querying agent Philip Spitzer, who has been in business in New York for 39 years:

"...I am astonished by the number of queries I receive from writers who address me as 'Philip' as if they knew me. Very unprofessional. And, in general, an extraordinary number of queries are simply carelessly written; and, as they say, you only get one chance to make a first impression."

From the agents & editors column in The Third Degree, the monthly newsletter of Mystery Writers of America.

Spitzer also believes having an agent in New York means a lot. "I think it is still very important to meet face-to-face with as many editors as possible."

Perhaps it is the "casual" approach that many people feel is just fine, but it is hard to imagine calling someone you don't know by their first name.
_________________
Mystery Writers of America, Private Eye Writers of America
www.dickstodghill.com

Admin Joined : 11 Jan 2008 Posts : 2069 Location : UK

It is equally astonishing that agents reply to emails by addressing the recipient by first name and signing with a first name, yet expect to receive a formal reply. It's all very confusing.

I would also be interested to know how many authors Mr. Spitzer has signed up who sent unsolicted material.
_________________
Shelagh Watkins
http://shelaghwatkins.co.uk/

Subject: Re: One way to annoy an agent Sat Aug 16, 2008 4:31 pm

I wouldn't think of addressing anyone I didn't know by their first name. And I resent it when people I don't know call me by my first name. I respect the people I address and expect the same. If I talk to a Doctor, I refer to that person by his/her title. My title is "Mister." Once an introduction is made and the person requests to be called by his/her first name, then it is acceptable.
Now I do expect to be jumped on by these comments, but jump away. It is the way I am and I will not change my standards.
_________________
"To Beirut and Back"
http://www.freewebs.com/abemarch

Subject: Re: One way to annoy an agent Sat Aug 16, 2008 5:07 pm

I use formal address in initial contact. If somebody replies with their first name, I reply to that in kind.
_________________

Subject: Re: One way to annoy an agent Sat Aug 16, 2008 5:23 pm

I don't know the answer to Shelagh's question, but he represents a number of leading American mystery writers including Jan Burke, Michael Connelly, Ken Bruen and Jonathon King.

The MWA now has a program offering aid to mystery writers who have been dropped by their publishers or have had their series cancelled. Both seem to be happening more and more often.
_________________
Mystery Writers of America, Private Eye Writers of America
www.dickstodghill.com

Subject: Re: One way to annoy an agent Sat Aug 16, 2008 10:22 pm

Jump all over your comments Abe? For good manners? Perish the thought!
pirate

_________________
Pam Robertson

http://andthebandplayedonmylawn.blogspot.com

Subject: Re: One way to annoy an agent Sun Aug 17, 2008 2:41 pm

No wonder he didn't answer when I began my letter, "Hey, Spits." Very Happy

The web has been part of the casualisation of America, but starting out with a first name in a query is a bit much.

Malcolm
_________________
Malcolm R. Campbell

http://www.malcolmrcampbell.com

Subject: Re: One way to annoy an agent Sun Aug 17, 2008 3:58 pm

I heartily agree. I like your "Hey Spitz" comment Malcolm. It is never acceptable to address someone you don't know by their first name only, in my opinion. As Mr. March pointed out, it is a matter of respect. May I call you Abe, Mr. March? Laughing

On these boards, we become familiar with each other, establish friendships, and I easily slip into first names. Except with Betty, who will always be 'Wooffer's Mom" in my mind! Laughing

_________________
Zada Connaway
Mother's Journals: parts 1, 2 and 3 ISBN # 1-4241-6969-0

http://www.zadaconnaway.com/

Subject: Re: One way to annoy an agent Sun Aug 17, 2008 4:24 pm

Zada,
as was often mentioned, people on this board are family.
_________________
"To Beirut and Back"
http://www.freewebs.com/abemarch

Subject: Re: One way to annoy an agent Sun Aug 17, 2008 4:31 pm

I was just being smart (or so I thought!). I imagine if you were offended by me calling you Abe, you would have called me on it long ago!

_________________
Zada Connaway
Mother's Journals: parts 1, 2 and 3 ISBN # 1-4241-6969-0

http://www.zadaconnaway.com/

Subject: Re: One way to annoy an agent Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:13 pm

So much for how to annoy agents. Let's start a long list of ways they annoy US.
_________________