Friday, November 5, 2010

The Worst Good News Ever

If you haven't seen yet, Nathan Bransford is no longer an agent. He is no longer my agent. I can't tell you how weird it still is to say that! Never in a million years did I plan on having a different agent. I mean, hello? Nathan freaking Bransford!

And yes, I totally bawled when he called to inform me. I'm a baby like that. But you have to understand what a huge influence Nathan was in my writing life. Without him, I would not be the writer I am. I completely mean that. He helped me take my writing to the next level. I may not have a book out there, but Nathan taught me how to really edit, how to push myself further than I thought I could go. And he was polite about it to boot.

If I ever do sell a book, you better believe he'll be in the acknowledgments. Even if it's a book he never read.

I'm not gonna lie, I will miss having his advice and eternal optimism to keep me going. But at the same time I am so happy for him and wish him the best in his new adventures. It's a strange tug and pull. Happy. Weepy. Extremely grateful I had the chance to work with him.

And of course he made sure I'd still be taken care of, even after he left. I am happy (and relieved) to say that I still have an agent—Anna Webman, who is also at Curtis Brown. She is absolutely fabulous, and I know I'm in very good hands. It has been surprisingly comforting knowing that another agent likes my work and can't wait to get it out there.

So thanks, Nathan, for everything. You'll rock the new job, I have no doubt.

39 comments:

  1. Wow, that's crazy! But I'm happy that you still have an agent; and for him in his new venture. :)

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  2. When I read his post, I thought of you. I didn't think he'd leave you hanging. Congrats on the new agent.

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  3. Yes, as soon as I heard his news, you were the first person I thought of. I hope things go well for both of you!

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  4. Like Myrna, I thought of you as soon as I saw his post. I'm glad you'll be well taken care of.

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  5. Silver linings... :)

    Yay Anna! And yay Nathan!

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  6. Sigh, life goes on, eh? I just read Nathan's farewell post and had to come over here and see your reaction. Sob! And yet, it sounds like he came along right at the right time for you, to shape your career and self as a writer--which is amazing and great in itself. Best wishes with Anna, your new agent. (I hope if I ever find a great agent, I won't lose him/her!)

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  7. I would have cried too. We're all going to miss Nathan the agent, even though he promises to keep up the blog. I wish you the best with Anna.

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  8. All the best with the new agent! I like that you've remained positive in what must have been a very tough adjustment.

    Good luck.

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  9. Wow, I haven't yet read his farewell blog yet, but I'm shocked. It's great he left you in another pair of more than capable hands. I can't imagine how this must have rocked your world. Both sorry and happy and for you. Very odd...I'm going to have to add this new bit of info when I post your interview today. Which will be up this evening.

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  10. *hugs* That is all. Okay, and a smile. :)

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  11. Natalie, as was said in The Sound of Music, whenever a door is closed, He opens a window. Hugs!

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  12. You were the first person I thought of when I saw his post.

    I'm glad he's been so good for you; I'm glad you're in good hands; but it's sad that he won't be your agent anymore. I don't blame you for crying.

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  13. Yay! When I heard his news, I hurried over here to check on you and your ninja book.

    So happy that Anna Webman adopted you. Nathan the agent will be missed, but I'm glad he'll still be around, even if he's not writing about queries all the time. At least he'll sneak a post or two in about the writing process from the author side! :)

    Whew. So happy for you. Thanks for letting us know!

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  14. I'm glad that you're still in good and capable hands. I admit you were the first person to run across my mind when I read his news.

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  15. I read his post earlier, and I'm glad you still have an agent who will represent you! It must be hard- I can't imagine going through that! Good luck with your new agent, and good luck to Nathan!

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  16. I'm shocked by the news, since I wouldn't have ever thought it'd happen with NATHAN BRANSFORD SUPER-AGENT! But it's great that you're in great hands and that he'll still be keeping up the blog. I wish both of you the absolute best.

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  17. I think everyone who read his blog was in shock reading that today. My first reaction was "wait... this is Friday, where's the wrap-up?" Then I actually read his post and from there it was sort of a blank wall.

    He's been at the top of my "to query" list for months, and now I have to find someone else from CB to put in that slot.

    I knew something was up when he dropped "Agent" from his header, but I had hoped it was just an overhaul of his site layout.

    Natalie, *hugs*, I hope you have the best success with your new agent, too. Anyone who works for CB has to be top of their game, so I'm sure you're in good hands.

    :-)

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  18. I'm so relieved to know you are still being represented by a fantastic agent. At the same time, of course, I feel for you—that had to be tough news to hear. I assume you've known for a little while, and can't imagine how hard it must have been to keep quiet about it.

    Transition is usually bittersweet, and this seems like no exception. Best of luck with Anna—I can't wait for her to sell your book(s) so we can read them.

    :) Kayla

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  19. You are a lovely person, Natalie Whipple. Best wishes to you and Nathan on the next leg of the journey!

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  20. I agree with Josin, Nathan was at the top of my list, too. Wow. I still can't believe it! I'm glad he is keeping up his blog, though. I'm going to miss his take on writing, though =(. I guess you will just have to teach us everything he taught you =).

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  21. i knew this would make you sad. sorry for your loss and happy for your new chapter!

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  22. This has got to be so hard! I'm sorry, although I know you and Nathan will both go on and prosper. Just, shoot! He wasn't even my agent, and I feel like I've lost him!

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  23. OMGosh, Natalie...I'm so glad you blogged about this. I had no idea! He is a dream agent. He did, however, leave you with an equivalent dream: Anna Webman. So wonderful. I wish you all the best and you will have a book out there before you know it. I've learned a ton from you since I started blogging earlier this year. Thank you, and best of luck always.

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  24. Oh, my, I can only imagine how you must have felt, but I am glad you have another agent and duh, of course other agents like your work! :)

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  25. I just heard and I ran over here straight away! ARE YOU OKAY?!?!! Of course you're okay, you're a delightful writer, so obviously you're still going to get published even without Nathan... and Nathan was a delightful person so obviously he wouldn't leave you high & dry... but I just wanted to make sure...

    Phew. Sending virtual cookies your way.

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  26. When I read Nathan's post today I was in shock. But at the same time I'm happy that he has a new opportunity in his life. I can only imagine how you're feeling. It reminds me of when I've had a figure skating coach move away. I saw her every day. She was not only my coach but my friend, my shrink, my motivator... and I'm not going to lie, I bawled my eyes out when she told me she was moving.

    At least Nathan is still keeping the blog going. No blog would have been hard to stomach.

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  27. Sorry to hear you''ve lost a Nathan — but great news about the hot new agent.

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  28. When I read Nathan's announcement my first thought was OH NO!!! WHAT ABOUT NATALIE!!!!!

    I almost cried for you.

    I'm happy you've got a great new agent.

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  29. I didn't know. I'm glad he saw to it that you have a new agent before he left. It's a huge shock that he's leaving.

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  30. What? WHAT?!? I'm sorry Natalie...it's almost like the death of a beautiful relationship. But hooray that you still have an agent! It's something so many of us covet! Good luck! Everything will work out.

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  31. I know whereof you speak. ;-)

    Jenn Hubbard

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  32. Wow, I had no idea. I've been trying to catch up these last few days. Sorry to see you lose him, but at least you had the opportunity to work with him. Good luck with your new agent.

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  33. Hang in there! I would have cried too...heck I kind of feel like it anyway and I don't even know the guy, I just follow his blog. Good luck with the new agent. There are always things to learn from different people. I bet it'll be a really good opportunity/experience to work on another aspect of writing.

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  34. You will go far no matter who you represents you. :)

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  35. I love all of this support! Best wishes for everyone. (Especially you.)

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  36. I actually got a little teary when I read it on his blog. Icon lost.

    I feel like I should say condolences or something.

    Good luck with the new agent.

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  37. So relieved to see that you are still at Curtis Brown! Like others, I was worried you might end up back in the agent search. Glad to see you are alright!

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  38. Thank you so much!! It's been so great working with you and I know you'll go on to great heights with Anna. I feel lucky to have been a part of your writing career and will continue to be a fan!

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  39. Man, I leave the blogosphere for a few days and the world turns upside down! :P Well I am glad you have another wonderful agent and I wish Nathan the best in his new career!

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