Once again, you've provided a valuable insight into both the (may I say "wonky"?) industry's mechanics and the undeniable psychological logistics for the players in it. (Man, if I had a dime for every time I said "This industry is so weird"... ) I'm so sad for you Kesia, but you're so experienced, so good at what you do, and so utterly lovely that I know wonderful opportunities will open around you. Hold that Best Agent cup with pride and drink deeply. You are one-in-a-million great.
Like the loveable protagonist in every good novel, I guess this is another twist and turn in the engaging story of your life. If only we could skip to the end of our own lives and check ours is an uplifting story!
I’m sorry to hear about your recent disappointment - it’s a hard knock, but take heart. You come across as genuine, warm, intelligent and deeply insightful and we, like every invested reader, are rooting for you.
As a debut writer who you recently asked for more pages from (at the Jericho writing festival in London), I’m not sure where this leaves me, but that’s okay. It’s a twist and turn in my own journey that certainly adds some intrigue ;-).
Whether an amazing agenting opportunity is hurtling its way towards you right this second, or if this moment galvanises a decision to focus on your writing and editing career, whatever you decide moving forward, here’s wishing you nothing but greatness and a rich and fulfilling life, Kesia.
Thank you so much, Anita, for all of these kind words! I am sorry we didn't get to follow that connection we made in London - yet! Here's hoping... K x
I was shocked and sad to find out yesterday on my query tracker update that you were "no longer a literary agent." I'm like, what, Kesia? No!!! I appreciate your in depth revelations here on Substack as well as Twitter. I'm very sorry for you that it didn't work out for you at The Bindery, but you are smart, talented and young and I know you will find something else, doing what you love, with more security and less stress. Sending you all the best. Laura
What a thoughtful, beautiful and honest essay. I always find the publishing/agenting/writing industry confounding, and yet we all persist, in one way or another. This transition for you out of your first agenting job is/will be an opportunity, in ways perhaps known and perhaps unknown. But the constants will always be your incredible writing and editing skills, your business and emotional insightfulness, and the kind and thoughtful aura you exhibit with writers (and I’m sure others. Enjoy all the things that come next!
Hi, Kesia. I’m Sean Weeks. You might remember me from the Willamette Writers Conference. I pitched you an alternate history novel. You wanted me to send the finished manuscript when it was done.
I’m so sad to hear about this—not just as an author with a book to sell, but as a reader who wants the publishing industry to thrive. If you decide to take commissions as an editor, I would be overjoyed to collaborate with you and happy to pay you for your valuable time. Feel free to reach out.
I am so grateful that you crunched the numbers on how much would need to be sold annually and consistently in order to make an 'average' living income of $60k.
I worked with agencies for years and the closer I got to moving off salary and into commission only pay, the more I realized how unrealistic it was for those who want to *become* agents, rather than those who have been agents for years. No wonder the AALA reported such high rates of burn out!
And yet -- you're right. There's nothing quite like supporting a writer you believe in. It's why we start, right?
From reading this, more agents should think and feel like you. I'm sorry about your job. I'm booking marking this post to share with others for years to come.
A year is so short - you’ve not been allowed to develop the titles you are bringing in! I hope the next gig is more longsighted about your immense potential.
Thank you for sharing with us! I only found your blog a little while ago, but I have enjoyed your perspective and looked forward to your posts. I hope you find another wonderful job as an authors advocate soon!
I admit to hearing your news before I received your warm, candid email about leaving. Please resurface as an Agent, your heart shows. We Writers are waiting for you. Friends were about to query you when the news arrived. Keep on keeping on.
This must be such a hard process for you, and your Twitter post announcing it was very much about how it would affect everyone else. I hope you’re able to get through this transition ok, sounds like you were up against immense odds and you did amazing to achieve what you did. With a broken system like this, how is anyone supposed to win at it. Sending love and lots of good luck for the future 🤍
Ahh, another great post – thank you Kesia! I hope you find something else to write about soon because your posts are always excellent. You know how they say “publishing isn’t a meritocracy?” I’ve heard querying authors say this a lot on social media, but perhaps it applies to agents as well. Time and effort does not necessarily lead to success, unlike many other pursuits or industries. If it did – then lots of agents and authors would be sitting pretty, but as it stands – everyone is at the mercy of chance. Good luck Kesia. Rooting for you🤞🏽
I'm going to have to go back and read more of your old posts now!
That huge financial and emotional pressure from both sides (publisher and writer) sounds incredibly stressful - I don't think I have the cognitive stamina for it 😅
Once again, you've provided a valuable insight into both the (may I say "wonky"?) industry's mechanics and the undeniable psychological logistics for the players in it. (Man, if I had a dime for every time I said "This industry is so weird"... ) I'm so sad for you Kesia, but you're so experienced, so good at what you do, and so utterly lovely that I know wonderful opportunities will open around you. Hold that Best Agent cup with pride and drink deeply. You are one-in-a-million great.
Oh my goodness, this means so much! Thank you! Hope you are doing well ❤️
Dear Kesia,
Like the loveable protagonist in every good novel, I guess this is another twist and turn in the engaging story of your life. If only we could skip to the end of our own lives and check ours is an uplifting story!
I’m sorry to hear about your recent disappointment - it’s a hard knock, but take heart. You come across as genuine, warm, intelligent and deeply insightful and we, like every invested reader, are rooting for you.
As a debut writer who you recently asked for more pages from (at the Jericho writing festival in London), I’m not sure where this leaves me, but that’s okay. It’s a twist and turn in my own journey that certainly adds some intrigue ;-).
Whether an amazing agenting opportunity is hurtling its way towards you right this second, or if this moment galvanises a decision to focus on your writing and editing career, whatever you decide moving forward, here’s wishing you nothing but greatness and a rich and fulfilling life, Kesia.
Take care of yourself,
Anita x
Thank you so much, Anita, for all of these kind words! I am sorry we didn't get to follow that connection we made in London - yet! Here's hoping... K x
I was shocked and sad to find out yesterday on my query tracker update that you were "no longer a literary agent." I'm like, what, Kesia? No!!! I appreciate your in depth revelations here on Substack as well as Twitter. I'm very sorry for you that it didn't work out for you at The Bindery, but you are smart, talented and young and I know you will find something else, doing what you love, with more security and less stress. Sending you all the best. Laura
Thank you so much - and sorry for the Query Manager shock! ❤️
What a thoughtful, beautiful and honest essay. I always find the publishing/agenting/writing industry confounding, and yet we all persist, in one way or another. This transition for you out of your first agenting job is/will be an opportunity, in ways perhaps known and perhaps unknown. But the constants will always be your incredible writing and editing skills, your business and emotional insightfulness, and the kind and thoughtful aura you exhibit with writers (and I’m sure others. Enjoy all the things that come next!
Thank you so much, Sharon, you're so kind - and I'm excited for the future!
Hi, Kesia. I’m Sean Weeks. You might remember me from the Willamette Writers Conference. I pitched you an alternate history novel. You wanted me to send the finished manuscript when it was done.
I’m so sad to hear about this—not just as an author with a book to sell, but as a reader who wants the publishing industry to thrive. If you decide to take commissions as an editor, I would be overjoyed to collaborate with you and happy to pay you for your valuable time. Feel free to reach out.
Sincerely,
Sean
Thanks so much for the kind message, Sean! And I'll definitely let everyone know if I ever go down that route. Appreciate you thinking of me.
All the best,
Kesia
I am so grateful that you crunched the numbers on how much would need to be sold annually and consistently in order to make an 'average' living income of $60k.
I worked with agencies for years and the closer I got to moving off salary and into commission only pay, the more I realized how unrealistic it was for those who want to *become* agents, rather than those who have been agents for years. No wonder the AALA reported such high rates of burn out!
And yet -- you're right. There's nothing quite like supporting a writer you believe in. It's why we start, right?
From reading this, more agents should think and feel like you. I'm sorry about your job. I'm booking marking this post to share with others for years to come.
Oh, thank you for this lovely & insightful comment - it means such a lot!
Thank YOU for sharing your experience!
A year is so short - you’ve not been allowed to develop the titles you are bringing in! I hope the next gig is more longsighted about your immense potential.
Thanks so much, Julia! And me too!
Thank you for sharing with us! I only found your blog a little while ago, but I have enjoyed your perspective and looked forward to your posts. I hope you find another wonderful job as an authors advocate soon!
Thank you!
I admit to hearing your news before I received your warm, candid email about leaving. Please resurface as an Agent, your heart shows. We Writers are waiting for you. Friends were about to query you when the news arrived. Keep on keeping on.
Thank you so much - I hope to resurface again soon! 🤩
This must be such a hard process for you, and your Twitter post announcing it was very much about how it would affect everyone else. I hope you’re able to get through this transition ok, sounds like you were up against immense odds and you did amazing to achieve what you did. With a broken system like this, how is anyone supposed to win at it. Sending love and lots of good luck for the future 🤍
Thank you so much for this kind and thoughtful comment - and for the good luck wishes! ❤️
I’m sure you’ll go on to greater things. Lots of positive wishes coming your way meanwhile ❤️
Thank you! x
Ahh, another great post – thank you Kesia! I hope you find something else to write about soon because your posts are always excellent. You know how they say “publishing isn’t a meritocracy?” I’ve heard querying authors say this a lot on social media, but perhaps it applies to agents as well. Time and effort does not necessarily lead to success, unlike many other pursuits or industries. If it did – then lots of agents and authors would be sitting pretty, but as it stands – everyone is at the mercy of chance. Good luck Kesia. Rooting for you🤞🏽
Ah, thank you Mel - I agree about the meritocracy thing, so much luck is involved at every level! x
Thank you for sharing your story 🫶🏻
I'm going to have to go back and read more of your old posts now!
That huge financial and emotional pressure from both sides (publisher and writer) sounds incredibly stressful - I don't think I have the cognitive stamina for it 😅
Thank you so much for this!