Questions to expect from an agent

[Leila]

Hi Nathan,

Happy New Year!

I hope I haven't missed the answer to this question somewhere in your FAQ's or previous 'Ask Nathan' threads. In fact, I have a vague recollection of reading something connected to this subject in one of your blog posts a long time ago?? I have searched around, but I can't find anything.

In the interests of being prepared (positive thinking and all that) if an agent calls after reading my manuscript what sorts of questions should I expect them to ask? I realize every agent is different, and that there isn't a formulaic response to this question, but I just wondered if you would mind suggesting any general areas of conversation one should be prepared to respond to?

I've researched the sorts of issues that may be pertinent to discuss with an agent, should the situation ever arise, but I can only guess what an agent might ask me.

Any help/suggestions would be deeply appreciated.

Thanks very much

Leila

[Nathan Bransford]

I don't know that it would be possible to generalize across agents and situations, as every one is different. But just rest assured that if they do ask you questions it's not like a situation where it's a test that you have to prepare for. They're probably just going to want to get a sense of you and your personality and whether you might be receptive to changes they might have in mind. So I think it's more important to just have an open mind and be yourself rather than trying too hard to anticipate what they're going to ask you.

[Leila]

Thanks very much for your response Nathan. It's much appreciated.