The Tale of the Agent who lost their job over a Tweet
Drama in the #WriterCommunity and #Querying Hell.
Writer Community
Literary agent Hilary Harwell (@hilaryharwell on X, account since deleted) tweeted the following on 23 June 2024:
“Just read a query that was essentially THE ROAD meets DELIVERANCE (#YA) and now I want someone to write this for me, please? 🤩 #amwriting ##amquerying #MSWL
Responses to the Agent’s Tweet:
Jamie Damato: with respect do you not see how it’s actually kind of insidious for an agent with industry influence to reject a querying writer with no power and then try to get someone ELSE to write THEIR concept but “better” just because they didn’t use those specific comps?
Morgana Bourggraff: but not the querier?
Hilary in response: Hi, no, the author did not pitch it as such nor was the opening strong enough.
Hilary, What Did You Do?
By all accounts, Hillary is a cracking good literary agent. If you don’t believe me check out her Publisher’s Marketplace.
I queried her and was rejected back in April. She was active on Twitter Pitch events. While I’ve never met her personally, that she is a human being, has kids, pets, and loves her job — comes out in her #MSWL and these interviews.
Why A Bad Literary Agent Is Worse Than No Literary Agent
What to look for and what to avoid when seeking representation
Stephanie D. Rondeau
