Dear Bernard,
First of all, I have to say thank you for your books. I know you hear this a lot, but, although I've been an avid reader since I was a child, I've never followed an author as much as I have your books. From the moment I picked up Sharpe's Eagle when I was 15 or so, I was hooked. In fact, and I'm sure you've heard this a lot also, your style of writing and the stories you have created have inspired me to attempt writing a book of my own. I especially like how you have tried to make myths and legends seem possible and realistic, by showing them through the eyes of people who may have lived in that era and creating realistic explanations for seemingly inexplicable things, notably in the Stonehenge and the Arthur series. In fact, I have had a strong desire for many years to use this method to bridge the divide between Irish history and mythology.
Never fear, I won't throw any ideas around here (if the sentiments expressed in the Sharpe series reflect your own opinions of lawyers, I can understand your proscription on sharing ideas).
However, you mention in the contact section that you can help with finding agents. Do you think it possible that you could provide me with some more advice? If so, I will put some of my questions here. I have read quite a bit on this, including on this website, but hearing the opinion of someone as successful as you would be a great help. I will try to be as concise as possible.
1) Is it necessary to finish the book before looking for an agent? Or is it better to scout and see if anyone is interested before completing it?
2) My idea focuses more on my native country, Ireland (the reason I think Patrick Harper is the best character ever!), however I really think it would be of interest internationally. Would it be safer/more realistic to look for an agent in Ireland, or should I approach larger international companies who support new authors, e.g. Conville and Walsh?
3) Although there are some agencies which focus on certain areas, is there any way to find out which individual agent focuses on specific areas? I wouldn't want to waste the time of the agent who works solely in fantasy, or science-fiction. Or are agents so specialised in the fields they work in?
4) When looking for feedback on my writing, who should I ask if not an agent? Of course I can ask my family and fiancée, but I think they will either be too lenient or too harsh. I have friends who are interested in the type of book I am writing (in fact one of my closest friends became so close through a shared love of the Saxon stories), but again, I fear they may be biased. What would you suggest?
I think 4 questions are more than enough. I hope you can find the time to answer them and I really look forward to hearing back from you.
Thank you in advance. I really appreciate any advice you can give and I find it amazing that you are willing to give it.
Best wishes,
Paul
I’m convinced that writing is a solitary vice. You begin by writing what you want to read, not what you think the market wants, so by all means show your story to friends and relatives, but the first and most important judgment is your own! You have to trust that, even though of course it’s difficult for a beginning-author, but remember that every best-selling writer began in exactly the same place! It’s your book, your voice, your story. If you’re lucky then other people will enjoy your book! As for agents? I’m a fan of agents, they know the intricacies of publishing contracts (which, believe me, are a nightmare of legalese) and they know which publisher is best suited to a particular kind of book. As for which agent? Well, if your book is primarily about Ireland then I’d be tempted to work with an Irish agent. I suppose the problem (wrong word, probably) is that Ireland itself is a small market and to be financially successful a book needs a wider audience and the obvious one is based next door in London, but this is a situation that any good Dublin (or Cork, or whatever) agent is used to dealing with. If I were Irish (I should be so lucky) I would ask an Irish agent to read the book and hope that he or she liked it. That agent is certainly going to have a partner-agency in London, and probably in New York too. How to find a good Irish agent? I don’t know. One way is to ask an established Irish author who their agent is (but you’re quite right, it’s no good asking someone who writes in a totally different genre). I’ve had the same (London) agent for my whole career, so I’ve never had to look beyond him which means I’m hopelessly out of touch with who’s out there, but one of the great advantages of Ireland is that it’s a tight society and, thinking of six degrees of separation, I’m sure you can find a name by asking friends and relatives!