Everyone always talks about how publishing dies down during two major "seasons" -- August and the Holiday Season. Basically, it's because all the decision makers go on vacations or use their time off and it's harder to get everyone who needs to sign off on a deal to actually do the signing... hence the industry crawls to a stop and agents take their time off around the same time because it makes sense to take time off when the season is slow.

There are fast-for-publishing seasons too: Generally the month or two directly following the slow season. 

This is definitely changing... this year, in particular, it felt like there was no real break at all -- and suddenly it's Thanksgiving which means the holiday season is about to hit and I'm not sure if there is even going to be a pause. I wonder if this is because people are taking fewer vacations then they used to (more to get done? break down in family values?) or if the ditial age is making all of us so much more accessible that we can do our jobs and "sign off" on things virtually. Deals can be done on the street in Midtown (egh) or from the beach in Miami. With email and a cell phone no one has to know that you haven't done your hair or makeup yet.

I'm not sure if this is a good thing -- My friend Stephen (who works at the Donald Maass agency and is a kick ass agent, actually is my kick ass agent) and I were having a "discussion" (we walk that fine edge between arguing and discussing sometimes) about business philosophies. We discuss the speed (or lack there of) in publishing, what is proper protocol, when things go too fast for editors to react, when things go too fast for agents to react... etc. 

I love hearing about how other agents do business and WHY they do it the way they do... I think we all have our "techniques" that may change based on the project and circumstances... but we all seem to have a particular style. I'm not sure if this is an appropriate question to ask an agent when you're trying to decide if you want to sign with them... heck, why not? Go ask your agent what she thinks her selling style is... If she has one. 

Anyway... I'm not doing anymore work until after Thanksgiving, I'm behind on my reading - but will be caught up by the end of the week (Yipee!) -- but Die Hard 4 came out on DVD today... and all things must stop for Bruce Willis. I consider this vital to my mental health. Seriously.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone! (and thanks for the warm welcome back into the blogosphere)
More soon.

xDia