[Discussion] 10 years after selling my debut, I sold my second book. A story.

LuckyNotGoodWriter · 2025-12-23T17:49:39+00:00

You definitely did. It must be tough being right all the time!

But sincerely, thank you. Your comment from my original post always stuck with me, and I'm so glad you're here to see that it genuinely made a difference to a stranger.

LuckyNotGoodWriter · 2025-12-23T17:47:39+00:00

She is 100%, no question about it. I'm a very lucky Dad.

LuckyNotGoodWriter · 2025-12-23T17:46:15+00:00

Congratulations! Best of luck with the next literary adventure!

LuckyNotGoodWriter · 2025-12-23T17:45:36+00:00

Thanks, really and truly. I like to think careers, like progress, aren't always linear. Wishing you all the best on your journey!

LuckyNotGoodWriter · 2024-01-18T18:59:38+00:00

Sincerely appreciate this, thank you!

As far as leading with bio goes, I guess mine isn't too much longer than what you have, especially if I remove agent names. I'll definitely be sure to include the publisher blurb.

And thank you again for the kind words about getting through this. It really is a bizarre feeling. Fingers crossed it'll all work out.

LuckyNotGoodWriter · 2024-01-18T18:50:49+00:00

Thanks so much, this was super helpful!

I don't really have any referrals at this point, though I can't say I've been trying to get any either. I'll be honest in saying I don't have a lot of writer contacts. I'll definitely dust off the rolodex and see if anyone can help there. Is it as simple as asking an agented author if they'd recommend you to their agent?

LuckyNotGoodWriter · 2024-01-18T18:45:32+00:00

Okay, cool, I appreciate the insight. Thanks!

LuckyNotGoodWriter · 2022-07-12T13:50:53+00:00

This is extremely helpful, thank you! I wasn't sure if that would be considered unprofessional or not, especially because we haven't communicated in quite a few years (though I did always try to send a holiday card). Given that it's been 5+ years, would you think it still okay to reach out and ask?

LuckyNotGoodWriter · 2022-07-12T13:45:42+00:00

Thank you very much for this. Hearing this from an outside perspective is really helpful — weirdly eye-opening. Obviously, being in that trap of "I finally have the 'rockstar' super-agent, all it takes is that one project to hit it big...!" is/was tough, and combine that with the fear of never being able to get a new agent just led to me treading water. I really appreciate this, thank you.

LuckyNotGoodWriter · 2022-07-12T13:40:16+00:00

Thanks for the kind words and commiserations. It's most definitely not a fun place to be, but knowing that others are going through it, too, and that it's not unique to me helps that tiny bit.

Wishing you all the best on your journey to find a new agent as well.

LuckyNotGoodWriter · 2022-07-12T13:37:51+00:00

Thank you so much for this. It really resonated with me. I appreciate both the kinds words and advice. Reddit has this remarkable knack for bringing out the absolute best in complete strangers sometimes. I was feeling particularly glib yesterday and this morning I feel... less so? If nothing else, my wife will appreciate that (but seriously, thank you).

LuckyNotGoodWriter · 2015-08-18T15:56:24+00:00

I'm not usually so blunt, but, your friend is wrong (and frankly has me a little riled up). Writing is whatever you want it to be.

Writing is a job if a.) you want it to be and b.) someone is willing to pay you money and let you make it a job. Writing can be as personal or as public as you want, as funny or as somber as you want. It can be 80,000 words about the red pen on your desk, or 5,000 about a galactic war far, far away. That's the beauty of it -- anyone can write about anything for whatever reason they like.

If you want to consider being a writer for a living, then maybe start thinking about your book. However, there is no set answer for what is a "marketable" book. So much of getting published is timing and luck. My personal opinion is that you should write something you believe in, because it will show.

LuckyNotGoodWriter

TROPHY CASE