Date: Tue, 28 Apr 1998 19:48:39 -0400 From: katie@ESPER.COM Subject: Intro and Literary Agent Questions Hi. My name is Katie. I am new to the l*st. I am a Tennessee-based freelance writer (magazines and newspapers). Last week I received the great news that a well-respected NYC literary agency has accepted my first non-fiction book proposal for representation. I am really excited and have a few questions for those agented writers with more experience: 1.)My agent and I have only a verbal agreement at this point. Although she was quite clear in her intention to aggressively represent my book, she didn't ask for anything in writing yet. I assume that we will put it in writing at the time of any book deal. I feel OK about this because she is with one of the better-known agencies and she represents a published author pal of mine who loves her. Still, I have to ask, is an informal agreement at this point unusual? 2.) How long does it *generally* take a good agent who is working enthusiastically on behalf of a property to attract a buyer? Thanks for any input- Katie