The Truth About the "Second-Time" Query: Life After Losing a Literary Agent, with Amy Trueblood
In the world of publishing, we often celebrate the "big win": signing with that first literary agent. But there is a quieter, more daunting topic that many authors face but few discuss openly—what happens when you and your agent part ways?
Whether it’s due to an agent’s retirement, an agency closure, or simply outgrowing the partnership, finding yourself back in the "query trenches" as a previously agented author can feel humbling and isolating.
In a recent episode of the Writers With Wrinkles podcast, award-winning author Amy Trueblood joined hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid to demystify this transition. With two Young Adult historical novels—Nothing But Sky and Across a Broken Shore—and a new romance series under the pen name Amy True, Amy is now on her fourth agent.
Here is her perspective on why changing agents is a normal part of a long-term career and how to navigate the process with confidence.
Normalizing the "Ebbs and Flows"
Amy is remarkably transparent about her journey, noting that being on multiple agents over a long career is not a sign of failure. In an industry that is constantly shifting, agents leave for many reasons—some retire, others close their practices, and some decide to stop representing certain genres. These shifts are often entirely out of the author's control. If you find yourself seeking new representation, remember: you are not alone, and it is not a reflection of your talent.
Re-Querying: Your New Competitive Edge
While querying again can feel like starting over, Amy highlights a significant advantage: you already know how the business works. When writing new query letters, she recommends being direct from the very first line. By stating that you were previously agented and published, you immediately stand out in the "slush pile." Agents often appreciate working with "vetted" authors because the steep learning curve of the industry is already behind them.
The Question of "Baggage"
A common fear for authors is whether having had multiple agents will be perceived as "baggage." Amy dismisses this concern, noting that seasoned, professional agents understand that these transitions are standard. To counter any potential worries, she suggests focusing on your professional reputation. Maintaining a professional, positive presence proves you are a reliable partner and a veteran of the craft.
Navigating the Modern Market
Even for experienced authors, the current querying landscape is slower than it used to be. Between a high volume of submissions and the changing tides of the market, agents’ inboxes are more flooded than ever. Amy’s advice is to remain patient. A long wait in the trenches is not a reflection of your work’s quality, but rather a result of industry-wide congestion.
Creative Evolution
Amy also discusses the importance of following your creative instincts, even if it means switching genres. Her transition from historical fiction into speculative romance with her series, Clearly Charmed, illustrates that a writing career is a marathon, not a sprint. Embracing change—whether in your representation or your writing style—is often the key to longevity in the publishing world.
Links
Author
Beth McMullen is the author of the Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls series , the Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter series, and The Secret of the Storm series (Aladdin/S&S).
She is also the author of the Spy Mom series (Hyperion).
Beth lives in Northern California with her husband, kids, and very grumpy cats. She's obsessed with podcasts and might give up writing in order to have more time to listen. Could happen.
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