Question for the Pros

[zemiller]

I have my first meeting with a Literary Agent and I was wondering if anyone could give me a bit of advice on what to expect. I have sent a few chapters of an unfinished novel, and the agent liked what they saw.
I was wondering what happens at these meetings and what should I expect?

[JakeSchuster aka Ostroff]

Typically, a novelist's agent doesn't have to go through the meet-and-greet experience that one normally has to deal with in Hollywood. In my experience, it was a few years before I actually did an evening of drinks with any of my book agents. They simply wanted to see the entire manuscript and take it from there. I'm not sure what else they'd want from you, except to know you'll keep writing.

So I would think that he or she will want to know that 1) you're a devoted, working writer and not a hobbyist; and that 2) you're prepared for rejection and willing to keep working. And don't forget the all-important 3) you can take criticism and deal with it in a constructive fashion.

I'm not sure from your comment where you are in your career. But my suggestion is to keep yourself open to suggestions, be a good listener, be easy and fun, and you'll have a successful meeting, I'm sure.