Comments on: Guest Blogger: Laura Bradford of Bradford Literary Agency

By: Zoe Winters

Zoe Winters — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:49:40 +0000

Hi Laura,

I agree, it’s important to have an agent who will tell you what’s what. People can tell me how great it is after the ink is dry on the contract and all edits have been made and there’s nothing else I can do to fix it. That’s the time someone can tell me I rock, until then I just want to know what to do to make it better.

By: Brit Blaise

Brit Blaise — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:27:28 +0000

Thanks, Laura. I enjoyed this…just I believed I would when Edie mentioned you’d be addressing the readers here.

I’ve been remiss in my quest for an agent, and now with three requests from the same house (three different editiors) I find myself in a pickle. While I’m not interested in the moon, I’d sure like to know if I’m headed in the right direction.

Brit

By: Theresa

Theresa — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 07:12:30 +0000

Welcome back to MM, Laura.

You know, I think most authors would appreciate an honest appraisal of their work. At least that way they won’t be expecting the stars, when its more likely they’ll be getting a small, dark moon. . . or in some cases a black hole.

Even discouraging news is helpful. It grounds us and prepares us for what’s ahead.

By: Liz Kreger

Liz Kreger — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 02:33:40 +0000

Thank you for joining us at MM and for sharing some very interesting insights.

I agree, Laura. It would be a great disservice to an author to give him/her false expectations. You have a very realistic view of this business and I’m sure your clients appreciate that.

I’m also interested in knowing whether you’re in the market for paranormals … a genre that near and dear to my heart.

By: Diane

Diane — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:57:06 +0000

Hi Laura
Thanks for spending this glorious San Diego morning answering our questions. I’m a realistic optimist, so your philosophy is music to my ears.

Your website and Publishers Marketplace seem to indicate that you represent a lot of erotic and paranormal romance. I write single title romantic suspense. Are any of your clients RS authors? Are you interested in representing ST RS?

Thanks again for being with us.
Diane

By: Cynthia Eden

Cynthia Eden — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:54:09 +0000

Laura, your honesty is one of the many things I love about you! I like dealing with reality–good and bad–and I think most authors would really like to know exactly what they can expect from a manuscript.

By: Kathy Calarco

Kathy Calarco — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:52:38 +0000

Laura, your candid approach is so darn refreshing. Reality does bite, and telling it straight sounds cold to many, but it’s better than sitting in the dark wearing rose colored glasses.

Great blog! Anyone with you as an agent has a real keeper. And thanks for describing what I wear five months out of the year.

By: Nancy Haddock

Nancy Haddock — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:44:56 +0000

Laura, hi!

I think we all know when we’ve written a book that doesn’t fit the norm, and an agent told me such a book was a slam dunk would not have my respect. So, tho it may not be the fun part of your job, I know your authors must appreciate your honesty as well as your optimism. There’s always the hope those stars will allign – for the author and for you!

Thanks for a marvelous blog!

Light,
Nancy
La Vida Vampire
April 1, 2008
http://www.nancyhaddock.com

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:31:23 +0000

Laura, thanks for being our guest at MM. I personally value honestly and as much information as possible so it sounds as if you are doing an amazing job.

By: LaDonna

LaDonna — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:13:16 +0000

Laura, informative blog! I’m sure your clients respect your honesty. At least they know you wouldn’t have taken them on in the first place, if you hadn’t believed in their talent.