Friday, February 4, 2011

Does an Internet Presence Really Help Unpublished Authors?

Last Friday we talked about how social media can help sell your books. But what if you're an aspiring author without a book to sell? Is it really worth your time to create an online presence?


Wendy Lawton of Books & Such Literary Agency wrote a terrific series a few weeks ago, and one of the posts, The Inside Track: How to Attract an Agent, spelled out what she looks for in a new client. "Along with that knowledge of the industry I look for writers who are connected. If you are writing fiction, I look to see what organizations and critique groups you belong to. I like to see queries from writers whose names I recognize because they Twitter with other writers, they comment on writer blogs or they follow a number of my writer/agent/editor friends on Facebook."

Her words triggered my memory. Way back in 2009, Rachelle Gardner wrote in her blog post The Dreaded Author Platform, "...I almost wanted to announce that I'd no longer accept queries from anyone who doesn't already have a good solid head start on a platform. (I won't draw such a clear line in the sand, but consider yourself informed.)"

Recently, more evidence of the importance of having an online presence came directly to my blog. I wrote a post two weeks ago, Why Not to Announce Requests/Rejections on Twitter, and wanted to share quotes from two very interesting commenters.

Lucky Press, LLC said, "As a publisher, if I am considering a manuscript, I do visit and read many posts and comments on the author's blog.... If a writer wants to be published, she must treat it as if she is starting a business and the product is the writer and her work." Lucky Press continued on to give a detailed, inspiring scenario about a current client.

Also, Bob Mayer--yeah, Bob Mayer the best-selling author, speaker, and publisher--stopped by and chimed in. "The first thing I do when I get a query from an author is Google them. Mainly to see if they have a social media platform-- it's a hard sell without one. I don't think authors should discuss their submissions, their agents, their publishers, unless it's positive on-line or unless they're burning a bridge they never expect to cross again. This is a good topic."

Four different publishing experts agree it is important for an unpublished author to build an online presence. To be fair, I know of a few authors with no online presence who have gotten agents in the past six months, but I know many more with firm online presences who have gotten agents.

What do you think? Is it important for unpublished authors to build an online presence?
Have a fantastic weekend!

51 comments:

  1. I think this is still hotly debated and there are professionals on both side of the argument. I think the writing and your story idea is what counts the most. But I think having a blog at times is what might end up being that last straw that gets you an agent or a book deal. Either way, it's been worth it for me so far.

    But of course, if you are not going to take it seriously, then it's better not to have one.

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  2. Yes, I think it is very important! And connecting with others is important too. So you kill two birds with with one stone, um... blog...um, no birds actually get harmed. You get what I mean.

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  3. I've had some neat opportunities open up from having an online presence and met so many people, like you, that I never would have had I not put myself out there. I don't think you can afford not to. Plus, it's fun! :) Have a great weekend!

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  4. I do think it's important to blog, be on Twitter and even Facebook and/or Linkedin in order to build up a personal writer platform. I think this is even more important for an unpublished writer than it is for a published one. But...there is a limit to how much time a writer should spend online; it can easily cut down on 'real' writing time.

    There's also another dilemma. I'm occasionally approached by pr people and the question arises, should I make money 'on the side' from the blog or will that take away from the time I spend on my real passion which is to get my book(s) published? And would putting adverts on the blog or writing advertorial damage any online platform I'm trying to build as a writer?

    All very tricky but I'm sure there is a balance that can be struck? Discuss...

    I'm off to add some words to my manuscript now.

    Helena xx

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  5. Great post, Jill! I see now how really lucky I was to get a wonderful agent before I even understood what a "platform" was. It's still a bit intimidating, but now I'm blogging and connecting with terrific people, and learning so much from them.

    Still drinking from the firehose!
    Kathy
    @kbowenwriter

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  6. Jill,

    Thanks for posting this. I'm an unpublished author and your information.

    You've given some great advice for new authors. I appreciate it.

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  7. It's very understandable even for agents today to actually draw that line. If you're good enough to draw an audience on small-scale without access to the whole market than they know you can draw that same percentage from the larger market.

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  8. Great information, Jill! I agree, it's important to begin a platform. For those nervous about it, I think starting small --- venturing onto Facebook or starting a blog first.. then add in Twitter and LinkedIn, etc. as you go.

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  9. This topic is widely debated! Like secondary characters, I believe blogging helps aspiring writers learn, show, be inspired, and create insights regarding their writing. And a web presence, as you indicated with your example, may help catch the eye of agents. So why wouldn't you?

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  10. It certainly can't help and you are gaining friends and encouragers along the way.

    Hard to see why any writer wouldn't want to invest the time in this changing climate.

    ~ Wendy

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  11. Good morning!

    Laura: A platform minus solid writing will land no one an agent. But with so many good writers out there, anything we can do to stand apart in a positive way will help us.

    Tabitha: Ha! You would never hurt a bird...Thanks!

    Jessica: With e-books charging ahead in popularity, it only makes sense all authors, including unpublished, will need to make the most of an online presence.

    Helena: Welcome! You bring up a real dilemma. Should we advertise on our blogs or not? I made the decision not to and here is why. I am selling MY NAME and MYSELF AS AN AUTHOR on my site. By selling other people's products through ads, I dilute my message. That's just my opinion.

    K.B.: Welcome and congrats! You're another example of good writing trumps all! Yay! And your web presence now reflects the types of books you write--very smart.

    Marcy: Welcome! Your presence on Twitter and savvy with hashtags already makes your name stick out with me--thanks for stopping by!

    P.W.: Good point. A fiction author platform done well--consistent blog posts, a following on Facebook and Twitter--shows an agent or editor you have the skills to promote your book when the time comes.

    Kristina: I agree completely. Start small and slowly add sites as you get comfortable. Great advice!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  12. Lynn: You list awesome examples of how growing a web presence helps us as writers--what's not to love? :)

    Wendy: You bring up another important point. The changing climate. Publishing is going through an upheaval, and e-books are changing the model. It's smart to be online since so many readers do all of their book shopping online.

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  13. Jill,

    After attending the SDSU conference last weekend and listening to some top agents and editors, it's a MUST today to have an online presence for a new author. You might have seen my post on this:Pitching at a Conference is Like Bull-Running, where I mention some 10-20,000 hits/month is what they're looking for. That's a huge #, and I admit takes years to get. I have researched the author platform building and Seth Godin, recommends starting 3 years before your book is published. As far as Helena's comment above, I think that selling other products on your blog might "turn potential readers off." That's just my opinion, unless you have e-books.
    Thanks for all your links. I shall check them out.

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  14. I don't know if whether it's important is so much the issue as whether it's smart. And it's very smart. The more we do now, up front, the better off we'll be when we get in the trenches of publication. I'm glad I started a blog two years ago and got to know SO many amazing writers (like you!). It's made this journey so much more enjoyable and now that I am looking more into marketing and such, I don't have the headache of trying to establish a presence in a big giant hurry. It's never too early to start. :)

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  15. Very interesting quotes! I use the same criteria while searching for an agent. I want to make sure I work with someone who's plugged in, who understands the role that media plays in the publishing world. So I guess it goes both ways. :)

    Have a great weekend, Jill!

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  16. Great post, Jill! Thanks for this. I've oft debated the wisdom of spending so much time on social media--as a fiction writer, does it help my platform or is it a "waste" of time? Ultimately, I decided it was good for me, personally, to connect with other writers, converse about writing topics, and so on...nice to know it's also a benefit on the platform side of things!

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  17. I think in some cases and for some agents and editors it's very important but won't necessarily make or break a contract. But there are other agents who don't seem to mind at all. I'd say, all and all, the benefits from having some kind of on-line presence are worth it anyway, and if it ends up being an important thing to an agent or editor whose attention you're trying to draw, then that's excellent, too!

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  18. I believe an online presence is beneficial. Once we're contracted, we'll be faced with the task of helping promote our books. If we've built relationships before the contract, getting the word out will be easier. Our friends will be there to help spread the word because that's what friends do. Agents and editors know this, so I believe having that presence in place is a factor that could help them make a decision in our favor when they're choosing whether or not to offer us representation or contracts.

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  19. Gutsy Writer: Thank you so much for sharing this. I've noticed the climate keeps shifting more and more toward having a strong online presence. I appreciate you listing these numbers!

    Katie: Good point. It IS smart, and it takes a lot of work, and time, to build a web presence--I would not want to wait until my first book was getting released to start my platform. Stress!

    Sarah: Interesting! I feel the same way, we do want agents savvy about today's reliance on the Internet.

    Cheryl: The only time a platform hurts an author is when it reveals author problems: inconsistent posts, negative rants on social sites, no author name anywhere--just a vague made up identity, or poorly written sample chapters. We control how we're viewed to the world, and we should strive to put our best out there.

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  20. Cindy: I agree--it can't hurt if we have a good platform!

    Keli: True, and how are we going to set up a blog tour or interviews if we have zero blogging friends? Good point!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  21. I think it's important for the author's growth more than anything.
    I have learned so much from blogs, made great contacts (won time with agents in contests), and really what means the most is the support and encouragement from writer friends. They get you. Nonwriters just wonder why you haven't published anything already?!
    And if you have created a platform or presence beyond that, that will certainly help you too!

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  22. Hey Jill!
    Great advice! I'm still debating the blog aspect myself. On the flipside Mary Kole (Kidlit.com) wrote that if you're an aspiring author there's not a lot to write about and doesn't consider it necessary. I'm taking a blog hiatus right now to concentrate on my novel, but I think after some time i'm going to reevaluate. Twitter, Facebook and a website I'm on board with, but I'm not totally sold that a blog is the best medium for me.

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  23. I think it certainly helps. There are some that shy away from Facebook and Twitter, Linked In and blogging, but those are now industry standards for an online presence.

    I suppose it is similar to converting from a typewriter to a computer. Everything changes, and what is a new fad or a progressive idea that some writers feel they can do without becomes the industry standard and the norm.

    Ten years from now, we'll be hard-pressed to find an author who doesn't have at least SOME online presence.

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  24. Oh and if anyone's curious to read the blog I mentioned above by Mary Kole it's this one: http://kidlit.com/2010/07/21/should-unpublished-writers-blog/

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  25. Today, it's invaluable. I think we're deluding ourselves to think otherwise. Once a social network of writers/agents/editors gets going you're going to want to be a part of it as soon as you can. It can only benefit writers at this point. (of course I don't mean you Jill. You're doing everything right! =) Have a great weekend!!!

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  26. A book blogger asked on twitter who she should approach for an interview. Two people tweeted my name straight away. The interview, and how it arose, was featured in the Bookseller! The other day I was contacted on facebook by a BBC Radio producer who invited me along for a live half hour interview (BBC 3 Counties Radio Feb 16th 2pm if you want to catch it). Those are just two examples of many useful surprises my online presence has thrown up, as well as putting me in contact with lots of new friends. It's really what you want to make of it. You're welcome to comment on the discussion on my blog - currently about the Future of Bookshops, Libraries, and Books!

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  27. Dear Jill,
    Apologies in advance for the long response, but this really got me thinking :-)

    First of all, thank you for yet another timely and significant post. I think that this is a matter of great importance and that it has been debated with many different points of view, some of which support what Lucky Press and Bob Mayer pointed out, in that they look to see if a writer has a social media presence when they receive a query letter, but the other side's point of view is that if you don't have anything to sell, i.e. you don't actually have a novel, published or unpublished, or significant short story sales to the Pro markets, then it might be a bit premature to have a blog, website, and other social media links.

    Certainly there's nothing wrong with connecting to one's favourite writers and following them on various social media outlets as a way of becoming known in the writing community, but the people who subscribe to the second point of view believe that if you're not selling anything or if you're not offering anything useful to people, i.e. a blog about industry tips, news, or the process of querying agents, editors, offering interviews with industry people, or useful links for people either for the process of writing or for the business side of writing, then it might be wise to consider delaying the "aspiring author" platform.

    At this point, I'm in the middle. I used to think I was 100% sure of which side of the debate I leaned towards, but now I'm a bit divided.

    The usefulness of an online presence -- if established well -- makes sense, but it's a difficult job and although many people do succeed at it, this takes a long time.

    As well, another important issue is that too often I think unpublished writers get overwhelmed with a need to be online and to build a platform before they've even had one major sale and it's because they hear the importance of building a platform everywhere from the pages of Writer's Digest to industry blogs, and from agent interviews, etc, but they often jump the gun too soon, don't plan out what it is they want to offer through their blog, and as a result find that they don't get very many unique visitors or much interest from anyone let alone agents. Simply having the tools isn't enough -- you have to know what to do with them and do it well to succeed.

    I think it would be interesting to get more agent perspectives on this issue, because there are other ways for a fiction writer to build a platform apart from a blog/site devoted to their own aspiring career. Many aspiring writers start book review blogs as a way of getting known in the book reviewing community and this affords them the opportunity to reach out to potential future readers, lets them have a great sense of what's out there already and who's doing what, and it gives them the chance to connect to authors who might help them out later on in terms of being a good connection.

    These are just my thoughts, of course, but I'd like to hear your perspective, Jill -- do you think it makes sense for an unpublished writer who hasn't sold/self-published a novel or a decent amount of Pro short stories not only to start a writing blog and if so, what are a few of the things that you think make up the successful elements of such a blog? Why would people visit?

    Thanks!
    Darkeva

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  28. Great post, Jill. I've been trying to up my social media platform because for now, it's all I can do to get my name out there.

    Agents and editors who blog, use Twitter, Facebook, etc. get familiar with those who read and respond to their posts. I was able to use this knowledge when I met my agent (prior to signing with her) at ACFW. I shared how much I enjoyed certain blog posts.

    If we are writing as a business, this is basically free advertisement. Additionally, I've met some great friends through online resources.

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  29. Sigh, I guess so! I say grudgingly. I'm trying to get the hang of Twitter, and I've found I like the links others post. In fact, I came here because of your link. You put up the best links, BTW--and not just for your own site. I don't know where you find all those articles. You must have a very big net.

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  30. I would say yes! Every little bit helps to get you out there. :O)

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  31. Kelly: Right on! Opportunities open up for us when we make an effort online.

    Wendy: Thanks for sharing the KidLit advice and link. I DO NOT believe every author, or aspiring author needs to blog. I DO believe every author and aspiring author needs to network in an effective way, whether through Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, GoodReads--whatever they find works for them.

    T.Anne: Great points. You have a very effective online presence--any aspiring author could take notes from you!

    Leigh: Welcome! Your comment stirred me up in a good way! How exciting! I will gladly stop by and check out your blog!

    DarkEva: Thank you for your detailed response. I understand your feelings, but I am a FIRM believer that aspiring authors DO HAVE something to share with the world. #1: Friendship and Support. I've made dear friends when they were still aspiring authors and happily supported them when they made the transition to published authors. I know they will support me when I'm published by reviewing my book or posting an interview #2: Unique ideas. Show the world what YOU are passionate about, and people will read. I'm not published, but I've had a good following for two years. Some of my posts haven't resonated with readers and others have, and this gives me an opportunity to strive to give readers what they want. Thanks again for popping in!

    Lisa: I only recently found you, but I can tell you now my initial impression is that you've been active on social networks for a while. In addition to your fantastic blog, I see your name in many blog comments. Then, I saw you're represented by a great agent--this solidified my view. You'd be surprised how many things add up to a high opinion from a virtual stranger. :)

    Jill: Thank you! My secret? I use Tweetdeck to manage lists. I have one for business (a source of many great agent and industry links), for new writer friends (so I can share their blog posts), for core writer friends (so I can keep in touch if I don't read their blog each day), and columns for #amwriting and #amrevising (to meet new people). I love Twitter!

    Thank you VERY much for your thoughtful comments. I appreciate you stopping by!

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  32. Diane: You're a master at it!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  33. Jill, You've been a true believer of the power of social media for as long as I can remember. It finally took all this time for me to "get it". So...I'm going to start small and work my way up! Thanks for your support and never-ending energy to share your knowledge with us.

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  34. Jill:
    I have tried to have an online presence for a few years. Due to circumstances I haven't been able to do very much in the way of getting things published. But I enjoy the fact that I have all these resources where I have learned some valuable facts about the craft.

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  35. Great post, but it does beg the question. While aspiring authors are building that online presence, when the heck do they have time to write. ; )

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  36. An online presence is crucial, and brings so many opportunities you might otherwise not get. Besides,its fun. I'm learning to do my social media while I do work that doesn't need intense concentration. Then when its time to go write, I just tell folks I'll be unavailable for awhile. Seems to work well. Thanks for this great info.

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  37. Timely question. I just read on an agent's blog that she doesn't think unpublished aspiring writers need an on line presence. In fact, she almost discourages it. I, however, think it is important and unless you post, tweet, facebook poorly, it can't hurt.

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  38. Jenna: So great to see you here!! I would love to help in any way I can--I know you'll have a book to promote soon!

    QuietSpirit: Your blog offers beautiful devotions--if you choose to publish devotions, your blog will be a great showcase for your skills.

    Donna: Welcome! Ha! Ha! That's definitely something I hear from authors all the time. Listen, there is no magic. It does take time, but I consider writing my business. The majority of time available to me I write, but I schedule time to social network because I do believe it's important. And it's good practice to figure out how to juggle different writing responsibilities now, because every published author I know has to fit in many more tasks than just writing.

    Charlotte: Welcome! Same here. I guard my writing time, and I fit social media into the pockets of my day. Works for me!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  39. I do think it is important. It is a form of networking and most professionals do this, whether a writer or an engineer. Great topic Jill!

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  40. Susan M: I feel the same as you. Your comment is a good guideline, though, not every agent finds it important to have a fiction platform in place. I wonder how they'll feel once their client is published though? Most authors ARE expected to actively promote their writing--and the Internet is an effective way to do this!

    Thank you for stopping by!

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  41. Great post, Jill. Thank you for the confirmation of what I have long suspected to be true!

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  42. It's probably a great idea and you have a lot of food for thought in this blog. Thanks.

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  43. Kara: I agree!

    Linda: Thank you!
    Nancy: I'm glad it's helpful!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  44. Great post, Jill! As part of my Small Publisher series, Rhemalda Publishing talked about this very thing and how important it is what comes up when someone pulls up our name. It can make or break a decision regarding a contract or representation. Not to be underestimated!

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  45. I've niminated you for the Stylish Blogger Award. If you wish to receive it, come to my blog.

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  46. Great post, Jill. I was surprised to find some months ago that an author should go ahead and have an author website before a publishing contract is in the works. I'm very excited to have launched my site this last week, but after I did, there was definitely a sense of, "OK, now what?" I guess the answer is to blog and Tweet to my heart's content. :)

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  47. Great topic, Jill. When I first dipped my hesitant toe in the blogging waters it was because my research said aspiring writers should have an online presence. Now in my third year of blogging, I believe that presence alone isn't what's important. Knowing before you start what you want that presence to accomplish is imperative. IMO, a blog that demonstrates poor writing skills and a lack of suitable content is worse than having no blog at all. Like snarky tweets or embarrassing FB photos, it could be a detriment.

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  48. Lindsay: Your site is beautiful! Nice job! I think it's important to start building relationships with other bloggers. They will love to share your big news when you land a contract and will happily run interviews or book reviews for you when the time is right.

    Carol: Good point! I have to say I've run into very few blogs that show poor writing skills. I'm continually impressed with the authors who take the time to blog! But you're right, we need to watch how we're coming across.

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  49. I think it certainly helps, but as you said, can be done without it. I think the advantages of an online presence are multi-faceted. Good discusion going!
    Blesings,
    Karen

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  50. When I got my agent I had NOTHING. If you searched for Natalie Bahm online you got three results and none were in reference to me.

    Now Sara says not having a professional author website is almost a deal-breaker for her when she's considering an author. So yeah, I think it's really important.

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  51. Karen: I like the way you put that--advantages of an online presence are multi-faceted. Nicely put!

    Natalie: Ha! There are at least two other Jill Kemerer's--neither writers--online so I'm glad I've made an effort to set myself apart. Very interesting to hear your agent's take on this--thank you!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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