An Agent Speaks, Part 1

Tamela Hancock Murray's Official Bio

Tamela, a Virginia native, is an accomplished writer who has written many inspirational romance novels and novellas and several non-fiction books on Bible trivia for children and adults. She is honored to write for the inspirational market and enjoys encouraging new and established authors. She earned her degree in Journalism (with honors) from Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Virginia. Tamela is based at Hartline Literary Agency's office in Manassas, Virginia.

Tamela Hancock Murray's Un-Official Bio

Tamela is married to John, her real life knight in shining armor (I've met him so I can agree with her description) and is the mother of two lovely daughters. She has the accent of a native Virginian, which makes sense because she grew up in Victoria, Virginia. She graduated from Lynchburg College with honors in Journalism then later when on to serve as a Congressional intern and as an intern with the U.S. Department of State, where her duties included writing daily news briefs for the Secretary of State. She's won the prestigious RWA's Inspirational Readers Choice Award.

When writing her newest release, LOVE FINDS YOU IN MAIDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, she took her family to Maiden to see the scenery for themselves.

The Roaring Twenties come to a very small town… At a time when most American girls are dreaming of bobbed hair and flapper dresses, Hestia Myatt dreams only of becoming a doctor. On a visit to Maiden, North Carolina, to care for an ailing aunt, Hestia becomes reacquainted with a handsome former classmate, Booth Barrington. Things are going well for Hestia until her glamorous cousin, Selene, mysteriously arrives from New York. Selene turns the heads of every bachelor in town, and she seems to have set her sights on Booth. Will Hestia become resentful of her cousin, who can talk of nothing but speakeasies and wild soirées? Or can Hestia’s maidenly influence convince Selene to change her world-weary ways?

The Love Finds You series gives readers a taste of local life across the U.S. They weave fictional romance stories with compelling local history of American towns with intriguing names.

Please welcome my fantabulous agent--and, as each of her clients would also say, friend--Tamela Hancock Murray!

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First of all, I want to say how thrilled I was to speak with the ACFW chapter in Richmond, Virginia, last Saturday. They are a warm and welcoming group of writers. I enjoyed my time with them. Thank you, Gina, for inviting me!

Gina told me she wanted to post a few helpful tips on her blog as a result of my talk. We covered quite a few topics, so Gina has graciously agreed that I can be her guest for more than one day. Today I’ll talk about submissions, based on the group’s questions:
　 　
Once you have decided you have received a submission and decided that you like the story and the writing itself, what other attributes are you looking for in that writer when deciding whether to represent him/her?

I enjoy working with enthusiastic authors willing to write for the current market. Along with guidance I am happy to offer, writers can learn by reading and studying books already released by the houses they hope will publish their stories. I appreciate writers who display a great attitude and spirit, along with realistic expectations.
　
If the writer's background establishes her credibility to write as an expert on her topic or the characters in her story (nurse, doctor etc.), does that have any influence on your decision to represent the writer if you like her story and the writing is passable/likely to improve?

The writing itself really has to be engaging, particularly in this market. Credentials are always a plus.
　
When you receive queries what is the most important thing to you outside the story?

A professional presentation. Give me as much relevant information as you can to help me make a good decision for both of us.

What would a newbie need to do to get noticed?

I look for a great story that makes sense for the editors I work with. Contest wins are a plus though not critical. Whether or not you are published, a recommendation from one of my current authors will get you a serious look.
　
Has the economy fall affecting the number of manuscripts publishers are accepting from first time authors?

In my experience, publishers are being cautious. However, opportunities are still plentiful.

What subject material in fiction is most sought after by publishers; particularly in the Christian fiction genre?
　
At the moment, I am seeing the most interest in historical works. The 1800s is a popular time period. Interest in Amish novels is strong.
　
If you receive a story that you KNOW isn't selling in the market but is written great will you still take it on?

No. For me to send work to editors that I know they won’t acquire wastes everyone’s time. However, I will usually ask the author if he or she has any other work I can review.

Can you name any pet peeves on submissions (other than not following the guidelines)

I know a pet peeve that aggravates just about every agent: A query emailed to innumerable agents at once. I can see 100 addresses in the address field, and I can get a clue from "undisclosed recipients" so a blind cc doesn’t work.

Along that line, make the query personalized. If you do submit to multiple agents, write to each individually. Please address the query specifically to the agent and spell the agent’s name correctly. You’d think I wouldn’t need to state something so obvious, but you’d be surprised by how many queries I received addressed to "Agent" or with my name hyphenated. Taking care with such details shows me you will be careful about your work at all times.

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Thanks, Tamela, for giving us some insight into querying agents.

Hey, you fantabulous blog readers, come back tomorrow. She'll talk about the agent/client relationship.