Dear Agent: You Want Me!

 

There was a big stink about HBO walking away with so many awards. Seems the other cable networks are tired of losing to HBO. But HBO is brave about putting things on TV that other networks are squeamish about. Big Love. Weeds. And, a flick about a chick with autism. They take the risk of putting out there the things we’re quietly talking about in our living rooms.

 

Or in my case, living day in and day out. (Not so much that Weeds thing, but…)

 

Before Temple Grandin made it to the small screen, one of my gay husbands told me “Girl! You have to write a book about your life with autism.” His motives are very selfish. He wants to be on Oprah. Sadly, when I was in the brainstorming part of considering the book, Oprah declared that she is shooting her final season this year. Sorry Nathan. I don’t think you’re gonna be able to call yourself my assistant and meet her when I go on tour.

 

After brainstorming, I thought seriously about a book about autism. Does the world really need one? God knows there’s plenty of stuff out there already. But that stuff is mainly how to live with autism- diet, exercise, therapy, socialization. I thought about my blogs and how I’m trying to educate people by telling my stories. If I wrote a book, I could tell those stories to a larger audience.

 

I got excited. I am going to have to open up my life which I do to an extent, but I have left some fences up. I’m willing to take them down in the name of putting a human face on the subject of autism. I want people to read my stories and learn from them. I want ladies who lunch to talk about “this great book Lila gave to me”, even if they don’t realize it was given to them because the friend thinks their child may be affected. I want people to stop looking at families with autism with pity and instead start looking for the fun, funny, and wonderful that I see every day.

 

So I’m writing my book. After being burned by my last experience, I decided to find an agent to work with. I am reading about getting an agent. Why would I need one? Why give my money to someone who isn’t as close to my work as I am? Writers write. Publishers publish. And agents fit the two together. Why wouldn’t I want someone working with me to find the right publisher for this very personal story?

 

But querying has been overwhelming. One site says to do this while a post on a message board says for sure, definitely, never, no way, no how do that. When I query an agent, I want to at least get a semi personal reply. I don’t care if it’s Dear Renée, Thank you for querying about your memoir about autism. At this time I am not taking on any more clients. I wish you the best. 

 

The more I read, the more confused I am. 

 

Of course, I did that Book Talk interview Monday with Ginger and Lisa Baron. When I was talking about querying agents, Ginger said I’m first come, first serve and going fast. You know what? In the process of trying to get someone, anyone to be interested enough in me to accept my first 2 chapters, I forget that I am a hot commodity. I am a passionate writer with a strong voice, who has a story to tell about a subject that is very topical right now. I won’t get cocky and say that any agent who rejects me is incredibly stupid, but I might suggest that they’re going to be disappointed when the New York Times bestseller list comes out next year around this time and I’m near the top. (Not going to set my expectations too high!) It’ll be like Pirates of the Caribbean. You will always remember this as the day you almost contracted bestselling author Renée Clare-Kovacs.

 

I have my website all up to date with my published work and the Book Talk interview on it for your perusal. The site has some quirky info about me. (Leave your favorite funny find in the comment section below. I want to know that you’re paying attention and appreciate it. Just because it’s professional doesn’t mean it has to be boring!) I’m out there, but baby, it’s not for long. 

 

So, if you’re an agent who is looking to represent a fun client with a passionate story to tell, I’m your girl. Let’s talk. You buy the latté.

 

Enjoy!