Monday, January 3, 2011

News

Dear Agent Adventure Lovers,

This may come as quite old hat to many of you, given I’ve had an auto-response up on my query email about it since November 29, but, in case you haven’t heard:


I am moving to the Bradford Literary Agency!


The change won’t be official until February 22, 2011; however, during the transition process, I am not accepting unsolicited submissions at either location. Don’t worry – I’ll be open to submissions again; I’m just in a really funky legal-limbo-land at the moment, and it’s best for all parties to keep things as simple as possible.


I know there are going to be a million and one questions; I can’t answer them all. But here are a few FAQs:


Why are you leaving?

While I learned a tremendous amount during my nearly 4 years at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency, it was time to move on to a new adventure. The Bradford Agency mission statement is one I proudly share and believe in, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to both learn from and grow with one of the most amazing agents ever to hit the literary stage! It was Laura’s expertise in commercial fiction which I was particularly drawn to (and her dry wit, her agency kitten, her peculiar love for dragonflies (j/k) and…on and on), and I’m getting to calm down on my hat-wearing and focus on being Laura’s assistant and (for now) my wonderful existing clients!


What happened to my submission?

Unsolicited: as per the auto-response, queries received prior to November 29, 2010 were reviewed (per the agency's policy, so if you didn't hear back, it was not for me); however, any sent past that date I did not even consider. I am no longer monitoring the nfsubmissions inbox. At all. You will need to either re-submit to an agent at the Dijkstra Agency or to Laura Bradford at the Bradford Agency.

Solicited: I will continue to respond to requests and referrals (this includes conference requests). However, you should use my regular email (Natalie(at)dijkstraagency.com), and not nfsubmissions, as I am no longer monitoring that inbox.


When will you be accepting submissions again?

Most likely in a few months (come spring), once all the dust has settled and Laura is ready to give me the green light.


Are you still agenting?

Absolutely; I’m just not expanding my current client list at the moment.


Wait, then why are you still responding to referrals and requests?

Because although I personally am not taking on new clients, both Laura Bradford and the ladies at the Dijkstra Agency are. Trust me, it’ll be a heartbreak to part with something I love, but I’ll be ok knowing I’ll be passing it on into very, very good hands! In essence, I’ll still be considering these projects like I normally would – except that instead of offering representation or requesting a full, I’ll be letting someone else take over from there. Who that someone else will be will depend on which agency you address your submission to; despite my personal in-between position, there is no moving across agencies for submissions.



Have I confused you all yet? Hopefully; that way, you’ll be just dying to read the post I come up with to summarize the experience… ;)

Warmest regards,
Natalie

19 comments:

  1. Natalie,

    I'm excited for you. Hope the transition is a smooth one. Change can be very invigorating and it sounds as if it will be that way for you.

    Looks like 2011 is going to be a great year!
    Kirk

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  2. Good luck! Sounds like an exciting move.

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  3. Congrats, dahlink! 2011 is gonna be smashing! xx

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  4. Congratulations on the move!

    I missed you by four days with my query, so I've known about the new job for awhile. I've been following Laura Bradford on Twitter for awhile, and she does seem great.

    I think it will be a great fit for you. :-)

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  5. Best wishes with your new challenge Natalie.

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  6. Congratulations Natalie...enjoy the New Year!

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  7. That's awesome, I hope the new agency brings you even more enjoyment of your career. :)

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  8. Good luck wiht the move. An agency with a kitten would be a great place to work.

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  9. Congratulations and good luck in your new role!! An agency kitten...that's awesomeness in itself!

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  10. Congratulations, again! You're moving up in the world. This is going to be a whirlwind year for you!

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  11. Congratulations and good luck. And yes, I am dying to read that post once the dust settles.

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  12. Congrats on your move. Changes are sometimes hard and I hope it works out well for you. Glad to hear you'll still be an agent.

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  13. Wow, I'm late to this party. But congratulations, Natalie. I think this is a tremendous opportunity!

    I was wondering about something, though. I know Laura takes e-queries, but prefers that requested material be sent via snail mail. Do you know if you'll adopt the same policy, or will you accept e-submissions?

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  14. Hi Elizabeth - I usually prefer to read things on the computer or Kindle, just because I'm at home now, but there's no denying that reading on paper is just...so much better. So, no idea!

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  15. Congrats on the move! I'm super glad I found your blog too :)

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  16. Wow, new job AND you're getting married this year. Big changes afoot. Congrats on all counts. You deserve the best!

    Cyndi

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  17. Good and another post from you admin :)

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