Agents

There are some big literary agencies and smaller ones, some tough and some fuzzy ones, some clever, some sincere, some dismissive and some just mercenary! 

Some deal exclusively with book rights, some with film rights, some with both, and some deal with other rights, such as public relations, and some deal with all rights. Agents often need legal knowledge that specifically pertains to publishing, a speciality within general law. 

The best agents will be impressed by their clients presentation skills, their knowledge and abilities, and will want - and know how to get - the best for their client. Most agents have many years of knowledge and a long contact list of executives in peripheral businesses, especially in the publicity departments of magazines, newspapers, TV and radio channels. They will represent you, manage you, and should sell you to all they meet. They will look after your public profile, will advise you on future possibilities and opportunities, they will help raise your profile online and offline, and will help hone your public image. They will steer you away from what is not suitable for your particular 'brand'. Your brand is the best 'fit' for what you intend to do in terms of current targets and future aspirations. They will define what you are offering and help you to develop the skills that will land you with the work you seek. To be taken on by a literary agent expect to pay 10% - 15% of your income. 

Recommended: 

Counselling Case Study 1985

From my training journal of 1995. 

The approach I use with all my clients is Rogerian / person centred approach, where my clients congruency provides its own focus and momentum, and I accompany the client on that journey in the sessions. In the way I work, each session is complete, and I don’t refer to previous issues. The approach involves reflecting the current client’s feelings. This has been shown to increase emotional tolerance levels, and provide access for catharsis, reflecting thoughts and meanings which may provide insight, and having a nonjudgemental attitude - I may not always be accepting of what they do but I look at my own projections and deal with these in my own therapy and supervision sessions, and I try to remember that we are all in the process of becoming, and I value my clients bravery and potentials. By being congruent where I feel it is appropriate, I may state my thoughts and feelings, which allows the client to see the ‘real’ me and hence transferences are not so likely to occur. If a transference happens, it happens, and I do not interpret it or amplify it. If a client is unhappy with a session, if they tell me before they leave, I return their fee. 

Q & A from Wendy’s Postbag

 Dear Wendy: I would like to see energy fields around people. What is the best way to do this? Joe

Dear Joe: Some people can see colours surrounding a person, especially around their head. These colours can vary in intensity, hue and tone, and sometimes can move and mix together. Generally, the clearer and brighter the colour, the healthier the person. Dull and weak colours, often show ill-health. Very dark patches, like deep blobs of muddy colour, can reveal poor judgment, addictions, and other dangers. Stand in front of someone who has the light behind them. Look for colours about six inches surrounding their head. In addition to seeing, it is also possible to ‘sense’ the aura’s vibrations. With your hands, feel the energy that surrounds their shoulders and throat areas, approximately one foot away, then about eight inches away from their body.