Here is a recent marketing example from our agency. It shows the progress of selling a book from the first day it is presented to editors through the happy conclusion of offers. It also shows how we go beyond the sale to promoting the book in the trade publications and expanding interest to foreign publishers and Hollywood.
We are unique among agents in several ways.
First, we are fast! Once we offer a writer representation, receive the signed contract and a ms ready for submission (after providing editing help at no charge) we contact editors within a matter of days. The majority of agents don’t get around to contacting editors for 4 weeks to 4 months and the larger and more prestigious the agency, usually the longer the wait.
Second, we only send the writer’s ms to editors who specifically ask to see it after reading the description we write of it and email to them. No cold submissions.
Third, we not only pitch a large number of editors unlike the usual 6 to 10 most agents query but open the marketing process to the writer.
You see exactly how we present your book, what we say about it and are able to read in real time every editor's response.
We also write press stories on the sale which are published in the trades and generate interest from foreign publishers and Hollywood.
In the attached example, the author had the thrill of seeing editors talking about her book every time she turned on her computer. No other agent offers this.
The names of the publishing houses and their email addresses have been deleted for privacy purposes.
From: andrea.s
Date: April 20, 2005 8:24:20 AM PDT
To: jrhodes1@san.rr.com
Subject: RE: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE - Chloe Doe by Suzanne Phillips
Jodie--just wanted to register our serious interest in this book with you. I still have to finish it (juggling several hot submissions right now!!), but love what I've read so far--over half-- and Sangeeta read and loved the whole thing already. I'm getting several others to take a look at it and we'll be discussing next week. Obviously, please let me know if there are any further developments on your end in the meantime.
Thanks again for thinking of me.
Best,
Andrea
Dear Jodie
Re Chloe Doe by Suzanne Phillips
Firstly, let me introduce myself - I have recently joined ________
Children's Books as Senior Editor______ Prior to this I was at Random House UK
__________ forwarded me the first five pages of Chloe Doe last week and I was instantly grabbed. I read the rest as soon as it came in and it didn't disappoint. Wow! I was in tears as I read the last few chapters and that doesn't happen too often.
I have passed it to some of the other editors and plan to present it to the rest of the Children's Department tomorrow at our fortnightly meeting. It is always helpful to go to these armed with as much information as possible so I wondered if you could just clarify a couple of things about Suzanne Phillips? Is this her first novel? Does she have any ideas yet for a second? (Any other information on about Suzanne would be great).
This is one of the most exciting things I have read this year and I
sincerely hope to be talking to you about it again very shortly.
Best wishes
Harriet W
Senior Editor
From: Y “ Phoebe"
Date: April 14, 2005 1:47:49 PM PDT
To: Jodie Rhodes <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: RE: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE, TRULY!
Dear Jodie,
I'm totally hooked. Please may I read the rest of the manuscript? I am not in the office tomorrow but I promise to read the rest early next week.
Yours sincerely,
Phoebe
From: Melanie
Date: April 20, 2005 11:00:06 AM PDT
To: 'Jodie Rhodes' <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: RE: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE
Okay--you've intrigued me. Will you send the complete ms? Email is great. Thanks Jodie!
Melanie
From: S "Ingrid"
Date: April 21, 2005 2:42:36 AM PDT
To: Jodie Rhodes <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: RE: COMING U.S. AUCTION, UK INTEREST CHLOE DOE
I did read the pages on my return from Bologna and agree it's a great new voice. I'd love to see the full mss....so please email.
Thanks Ingrid
From: D " Francesca"
Date: April 21, 2005 12:36:22 AM PDT
To: "'jrhodes1@san.rr.com'" <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: Re: COMING U.S. AUCTION, UK INTEREST CHLOE DOE
Can I have the full manuscript by email and I'll respond asap. It.sounds very
exciting.
Best
Francesca
From: D " Francesca"
Date: April 21, 2005 1:32:41 AM PDT
To: "'jrhodes1@san.rr.com'" <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: FW: COMING U.S. AUCTION, UK INTEREST CHLOE DOE
Jodie, several of us have read the first chapter. Such a powerful voice! This is to register our very definite interest in seeing the full
manuscript.
best
Francesca
From: C " Liz"
Date: April 21, 2005 9:29:37 AM PDT
To: Jodie Rhodes <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: RE: COMING U.S. AUCTION, UK INTEREST CHLOE DOE
Dear Jodie
Thanks for this! Sorry not to have replied sooner - still wading through all the emails that arrived while I was in Bologna! I do think this sounds great, and would love to have a look at the complete manuscript. If you're able to email it tomorrow, I should indeed be able to read over the weekend.
All best wishes
Liz
From: "G.Rachel"
Date: April 20, 2005 11:54:04 AM PDT
To: jrhodes1@san.rr.com
Subject: Suzanne Phillips
Dear Ms. Rhodes:
I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing on behalf of Arthur Levine to request Suzanne Phillips's ZOE DOE. Please send the manuscript when you have a chance. Thanks so much, and I wish you the best.
Yours,
Rachel G
editorial assistant
From: "G, Jane"
Date: April 25, 2005 3:38:24 AM PDT
To: jrhodes1@san.rr.com
Subject: RE: UPDATE CHLOE DOE US/UK
Dear Jodie,
Thanks for keeping us in the loop about CHLOE DOE. Would it be possible for us to receive the whole manuscript, so far we have only had the first couple of pages so we would really like to be able to get the complete ms read.
If you have it electronically could you email it to me at this address
and I will pass on to Gillie.
Best Wishes
Jane
From: Anne M
Date: April 25, 2005 2:24:31 AM PDT
To: Jodie Rhodes <jrhodes1@san.rr.com
Subject: RE: update chloe doe us/uk
Dear Jodie
Please could you send this to me again as a word document - I am not
entirely sure what has happened to it, but I cannot find it on my computer.
Zoe, please print out for me to read.
Many thanks
Anne M
From: Sarah O
Date: April 25, 2005 1:39:30 AM PDT
To: Jodie Rhodes <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: RE: udate chloe doe uk/us
I think the email might have gone astray ... can you send the book for
us to review in haste?
Many thanks
Sarah
From: Margaret FDate: April 25, 2005 10:58:21 AM PDT
To: 'Jodie Rhodes' <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: RE: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE
I was out of the office because my father passed away. I don't think I will be able to drop everything to read it this week anyway--but email it and I will do my best. Did you set a specific deadline for a response? Margaret
From: "E, Annie"
Date: April 25, 2005 10:16:02 AM PDT
To: Jodie Rhodes <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: RE: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE
Just to let you know it has arrived safely! Will get back to you as soon as possible, and yes, do let us know if you get another offer from a UK publisher.
All the best
Annie
From: "R, John"
Date: April 14, 2005 6:46:57 AM PDT
To: 'Jodie Rhodes' <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: RE: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE
Hi Jodie,
Thanks for thinking of me for this. I'd love to see the rest of it--the voice is very powerful. I'll respond to it right away,
Best,
John
From: "L, Wendy"
Date: April 15, 2005 9:10:06 AM PDT
To: Jodie Rhodes <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: RE: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE
Jodie,
This is truly an exceptional voice! Please email the complete ms to Alison.
Thanks, Wendy
From: jlarson
Date: April 14, 2005 4:36:01 PM PDT
To: jrhodes1@san.rr.com
Subject: CHLOE DOE
Dear Jodie:
I've read the opening pages of CHLOE DOE. You're right--this is certainly an arresting narrative voice. I'd be glad to consider the full manuscript for our list. Please feel free to send it by either e-mail
attachment or mail. Thanks!
Regards,
J Larson
Executive Editor
From: andrea.s
Date: April 18, 2005 7:55:18 AM PDT
To: jrhodes1@san.rr.com
Subject: RE: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE
Exceptional indeed! Please do forward the manuscript on as soon as possible. I love this beginning. Thanks for your patience (sorry I couldn't respond last week!) Best, Andrea
From: Margaret_R
Date: April 19, 2005 7:26:46 AM PDT
To: Jodie Rhodes <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: Re: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE
Hi Jodie
Thanks for writing about Chloe Doe. I'd love to read this if you send
the entire manuscript.
all best
margaret
From: "D, Emma"
Date: April 16, 2005 11:57:24 AM PDT
To: "'jrhodes1@san.rr.com'" <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: Re: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE
By all means, please send me the entire manuscript!
All thanks, Jodie
Emma
From: Ann_R
Date: April 18, 2005 8:31:16 AM PDT
To: Jodie Rhodes <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: Re: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE
Hi Jodie:
I'd be delighted to consider this entire manuscript.
Ann R
From: "G, Patricia"
Date: April 15, 2005 6:32:35 AM PDT
To: 'Jodie Rhodes' <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: RE: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE
Read this, and would like to see the whole thing. Please send it to me at ________
On Apr 13, 2005, at 7:42 PM, S, Ginee wrote:
Dear Jodie,
The pages are intriguing. Will you send the entire ms. in Word? Thanks, I'll be sure to read it quickly.
Ginee
On Apr 14, 2005, at 12:40 PM, sangeeta.m
Dear Jodie,
This is incredible and we are definitely open to edgy fiction like this. Please do send the complete manuscript.
All best,
Sangeeta
On Apr 14, 2005, at 11:22 AM, B, Donna wrote:
Hi Jodie,
This is certainly interesting! Would you please send me the whole book? Thanks,
Donna
On Apr 14, 2005, at 9:06 AM, D, Caitlyn wrote:
Hi Jodie,
I'd be glad to read more -- you're right, these first few pages draw you right in!
Thanks,
Caitlyn
From: "L, Stephanie"
Date: April 14, 2005 8:54:06 AM PDT
Hi Jodie,
I’d love to see more. Can you send me the full mss.?
Thanks for thinking of me.
Stephanie
From: Victoria R
Date: April 13, 2005 5:34:32 PM PDT
To: 'Jodie Rhodes' <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: RE: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE
Dear Jodie,
Very nice writing. I'd be happy to look at the ms.
VR
From: "L, Stephanie"
Date: April 14, 2005 6:27:19 AM PDT
To: 'Jodie Rhodes' <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: RE: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE
Dear Jodie:
Yes, we would be interested in seeing the entire manuscript. Please send hardcopy to the address below.
Thank you!
Best wishes,
Stephanie
From: Andrea T
Date: April 14, 2005 7:08:17 AM PDT
To: Jodie Rhodes <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: RE: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE
Dear Jodie,
Thanks for sending along these five pages. I would like to read the rest of the manuscript, if you could send it when you get the chance -- email is fine.
Thanks so much!
From: "G, Kristin"
Date: April 14, 2005 1:08:31 PM PDT
To: 'Jodie Rhodes' <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: RE: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE
Please send the full manuscript to me for consideration
From: "S Hannah"
Date: April 15, 2005 2:33:06 AM PDT
To: 'Jodie Rhodes' <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: RE: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE
Dear Jodie,
Marion has now left but I have read the sample you sent in and are keen to see more. Could you e-mail me the manuscript?
Is this going to be published in the US? If so, who is publishing it and when? What rights would be on offer to us?
Also - is this with other publishers in the UK at the moment?
Many thanks,
Hannah
From: Joy N
Date: April 29, 2005 9:39:40 AM PDT
To: jrhodes1@san.rr.com
Subject: AN EXCEPTIONAL VOICE
Dear Jodie,
Stephen passed along the sample chapter from Suzanne Phillips. I would like to review the balance of the manuscript if you would like to send it to my attention.
Thank you,
Joy
From: "Wilson, Harriet"
Date: April 28, 2005 8:57:25 AM PDT
To: "'jrhodes1@san.rr.com'" <jrhodes1@san.rr.com>
Subject: Chloe Doe
Dear Jodie
RE Chloe Doe by Suzanne Phillips
I am utterly delighted to tell you that Chloe Doe has now been read by every senior member of our publishing team and, without exception, they agree that this is a truly arresting and extraordinary book. Chloe's detachment and cynicism are heartbreaking and the narrative has several 'punch-to-the-stomach' moments that leave the reader reeling. The power and freshness of Suzanne's writing has excited us all and there is a great deal of passionate personal enthusiasm for this book here.
We think Suzanne is an important and brave new literary voice and we would be very proud to publish her.
To show our commitment to Suzanne's book-writing career we would like to make an offer for two novels; CHLOE DOE and a subsequent novel, to be agreed upon.
Since reading the first five pages of Chloe Doe two weeks ago, I have not been able to put Chloe out of my mind. I personally would relish the chance to work with Suzanne and feel we would prove a rewarding home for this ground-breaking book and talented author. I hope this letter successfully conveys our enthusiasm and I look forward to hearing from you once you have had time to consider our proposal.
With all best wishes
Harriet Wilson
Senior Editor
From: andrea.spooner
Date: May 2, 2005 11:33:22 AM PDT
To: jrhodes1@san.rr.com
Cc: sangeeta.m
Subject: Offer for Chloe Doe
Dear Jodie,
I'm delighted to make an offer for Suzanne Phillips' CHLOE DOE.
Sangeeta M joins me in presenting this offer-she's regretfully away at the International Reading Association convention today and tomorrow, but she is a huge fan of this book and would be working closely on it with Suzanne, as well as me.
As the UK editor so eloquently stated, this is an arresting,
ground-breaking book and a talented author whom we would be proud to publish. Her work would be a great fit with the edgy teen fiction on our list.
Best, Andrea
Hot Deals
By John Baker
May 9, 2005
HOT FOR A NEW YA TITLE
When Coast agent Jodie Rhodes recently sent out five pages of a YA novel by a newcomer, California schoolteacher Suzanne Phillips, the response was the keenest she’s ever experienced. No fewer than 10 UK editors and 17 U.S. editors asked to see the rest and a feeding frenzy ensued.
The book CHLOE DOE tells of a l7 year old Los Angeles girl, fleeing from a brutal stepfather, who sells herself on the streets until she is picked up by the cops and treated by a determined psychiatrist. The race was won here by Andrea Spooner and Sangeeta Mehta at Little Brown and Harriet Wilson at MacMillan. There’s movie and foreign interest interest, too.
PW RIGHTS ALERT FROM PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
May 10, 2005
Contents for this issue
YA Novel Sparks Big U.S.-U.K. Interest
A first novel by a California schoolteacher about a teenager
prostituting herself in L.A., taken in by the police and rescued by a determined psychiatrist, drew huge interest from editors on both sides of the Atlantic.
It's "Chloe Doe" by Suzanne Phillips, and Coast agent Jodie Rhodes reports that no fewer than 10 U.K. editors and 17 here clamored to see the whole book after reading a few sample pages. In the bidding contest that ensued, the winners were Andrea Spooner and Sangeeta Mehta at Little, Brown here, and Harriet Wilson at Macmillan U.K.
Both houses are planning to publish in spring 2007.
From: Publishers Lunch <publishersmarketplace@yahoo.com>
Date: May 6, 2005 8:10:06 AM PDT
To: jrhodes1@san.rr.com
Subject: Publishers Lunch Deluxe
Reply-To: publishersmarketplace@yahoo.com
Deal News
Once again, nearly 30 new reports since yesterday morning, among them: National Book Award-winner Jonathan Kozol contributes LETTERS TO A YOUNG TEACHER to Basic's mentoring series in a good deal; pre-empts in both the US and UK for Suzanne Phillips' gritty debut YA novel CHLOE DOE; and dozens more.
From: deals@publishersmarketplace.com
Date: May 5, 2005 2:59:01 PM PDT
To: postmaster@publishersmarketplace.com
Subject: Today's deals from PublishersMarketplace.com
CHILDREN'S: YOUNG ADULT
Suzanne Phillips' debut novel CHLOE DOE, in which a 17-year-old girl making a living as a prostitute recounts the tragedies in her past that led her to life on the streets and then to a treatment program, where a battle of wits between her and a psychiatrist turns into a life changing experience, to Andrea Spooner and Sangeeta Mehta at Little, Brown, in a pre-empt, and to Harriet Wilson at Macmillan in the UK, in a pre-empt, by Jodie Rhodes.
From: deals@publishersmarketplace.com
Date: May 13, 2005 2:59:01 PM PDT
To: postmaster@publishersmarketplace.com
Subject: Today's deals from PublishersMarketplace.com
FOREIGN RIGHTS - FICTION
Dutch rights for CHLOE DOE, to Oscar van Gelderen of VASSALLUCCI by Vicki Satlow on behalf of the Jodie Rhodes Literary Agency.
From: deals@publishersmarketplace.com
Date: June 1, 2005 1:50:48 PM PDT
To: postmaster@publishersmarketplace.com
Subject: Today's deals from PublishersMarketplace.com
FOREIGN RIGHTS: FICTION
Italian rights to Suzanne Phillips' CHLOE DOE, to Einaudi's Stile Libero, in a pre-empt, by Vicki Satlow, on behalf of The Jodie Rhodes Agency.
Dear Jodie,
I hope you're well.
I am a children's & YA literary scout for several large children's publishers in Europe including Gallimard in France, Ravensburger in Germany, Ediciones SM in Spain, Fabbri in Italy, Tammi in Finland, B. Wahlströms in Sweden, Patakis in Greece and Borgens in Denmark.
I was hoping you could let me read the script of CHLOE DOE by Suzanne Philips, which I read has now been acquired by publishers in the UK & US. I am keen to recommend this title to my clients!
Many thanks - hopefully speak soon,
Best wishes,
John McLay
On Jun 23, 2005, at 1:58 PM, Tia Maggini at Sony Pictures Wrote
Hey Jodie,
I was curious about a book you sold recently: CHLOE DOE. Are film rights still available? Sounds really interesting.
Thanks!
Tia
Dear Jodie,
I’m writing to you from Circle of Confusion, a feature film management and production company in New York and Los Angeles. Through its management division, Circle primarily represents screenwriters and directors; our Production division has successfully set over a dozen studio projects in the last eighteen months.
I’m writing to inquire about CHLOE DOE by Suzanne Phillips. I had been in touch with Sangeeta Mehta at Little, Brown & Co., who had given me your contact information. Particularly, I’d like to know the status of the film rights for this book. If the rights are still available, would it be possible for us to obtain a copy of the manuscript?
For ease of response, my e-mail address is kd@circleofconfusion.com . Of course I am very much willing to supply you with more information about our company, should you wish it. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Kemper Donovan
Circle of Confusion
(310) 253-7777
Hello Jodie,
Thanks for the manuscript. We will take a look shortly. Actually, I made the inquiry specifically on behalf of Kirsten Smith, a writer/producer with whom we have worked in the past. Her writing credits include: 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU, LEGALLY BLONDE, and ELLA ENCHANTED. Below please find a brief bio of Circle of Confusion. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you need anything else—
All the best,
Kemper
Jodie,
I am inquiring about the film and television rights
for "CHLOE DOE" by Suzanne Phillips. I was referred
to you by Michele Boggio at Little Brown Books. Are
the rights available, and who controls them? Any help
would be greatly appreciated.
Have a great weekend.
Scott Sablosky
Grossbart Kent Productions
From: Cerrato Cinzia
Date: May 10, 2005 5:58:53 AM PDT
To: jrhodes1@san.rr.com
Subject: Suzanne PHILLIPS, Chloe Doe
Dear Mr. Rhodes,
I am pleased to inform you that we're very interested in receiving, as
soon as possible, the reading copy of the above title because we wish to
evaluate the possibility of undertake the Italian edition of the book.
I look forward to hearing from you.
with all my best wishes,
Yours sincerely,
--Cinzia Cerrato Giulio Einaudi Editore S.p.A.
Dear Jodie Rhodes,
We are interested in analyzing the above title for publishing in Brazil.
Please let us know if rights are available.
Sincerely,
Nana Vaz de Castro
------------------
Editora Nova Fronteira
On May 8, 2005, at 1:02 PM, Nikos Megapanos wrote:
Dear Jodie,
I wonder if you handle Greek translation rights to Suzanne Phillips' CHLOE DOE. If you do, could you send material?
best regards,
Nikos Megapanos
Publisher
Dear Jodie,
we are interested in considering this title for the Italian language
righs and I would be grateful if you could let us have a eading copy in
examination.
Kindest thanks and regards,
Gabriella
SPERLING & KUPFER / FRASSINELLI
Via Durazzo, 4
20134 Milano
Italy