| Subject: Re: First response |
| From: Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> |
| Date: 9/9/11, 16:41 |
| To: Daniel Conaway <dconaway@writershouse.com> |
| CC: "greggatghc@gmail.com" <greggatghc@gmail.com> |
OK: usually (almost always) the very first response is a PASS. In this case the first response is a genuine expression of interest. Matthew Benjamin at Touchstone called to say he really likes it, really likes the concept, really likes the writing itselfbut also that he doesnt really understand what the book itself is, what the arc of the story is, etc.
And hes right, we really HAVENT spelled that out explicitly. Weve told some great stories, given some fascinating history and context, listed some very intriguing characters and conflicts. But the traditional chapter outline, where in we show the actual progression of the actual narrative itselfGreggs story, really, and the order in which its pieces will be laid outisnt here.
Now, back to Matthew: he asked whether youre coming in for meetings, which is a very good sign: publishers try like hell to avoid meetings unless theyre genuinely intrigued; and given the proposal itself doesnt lay everything out end-to-end, meeting face-to-face provides us the oppy to convey that we nonetheless know how to lay out the story.
So I think we SHOULD plan to do meetings, and Id like you both to look at the week of Sept 19th. Ideally Id like you to set aside a two-day swath of time; it may turn out we only have enough meetings for one day, but for now lets block out for a best-case scenario.
Let me know as soon as you can whether thats feasible, and what two days might work for you both.
In the meantime, let me reiterate: this is a very, very good first reaction. Now lets come up with a plan to meet with these folks quickly while their enthusiasm is high.
What say?
-Dan
Dan Conaway
Literary Agent
Writers House