Unofficially Official Agent Day!

SURPRISE!!!!! Ginger Clark, my dear, this is for you!

When the fabulous, amazing, talented and sparkly Kody Keplinger came up with this idea, I was immediately on board. Not just because I heart my agent and want to sing her praises to the peaks and valleys (mostly valleys, because my soprano will resonate better) but because *clears throat* tomorrow, December 12th, marks the one year anniversary of the day Ginger and I got together.

Um, I mean I signed with her. Pervs.

What do I love about my agent? I've waxed poetic before, but today I thought I'd do a Letterman-style Top Ten List. Ready? O-K!

Top Ten Reasons Why I Heart Ginger Clark

1. Professionalism. The original reason I signed with Ginger was because - of all the agents who offered - she was the most direct and matter of fact. She didn't beat around the bush, she didn't sweet talk me, she didn't try and relate. She called me on a Thursday afternoon, having not finished the novel yes, and said straight out "I want to rep you. Any questions?" At which point I was tongue-tied like a 13yo backstage with the Jonas Brothers. But you know, I figured anyone who was that to the point would make an awesome agent.

2. Open-mindedness. Ginger signed me for a young adult urban fantasy complete with mythological beings, boat chases, trips to the afterlife, sea monsters, banshees, brownies and sentient standing stones. And what did I follow that up with? A historical spy adventure set during the Revolutionary War. BECAUSE THAT IS SO SIMILAR. She didn't bat an eyelash.

3. Chinchillas. Seriously, how could you not love someone who has been a chinchilla owner? NOT POSSIBLE.

4. Communication. This should probably be higher up, but I'm writing them as they come to me. But seriously, I had no idea how fortunate I was to have an agent who responded to me within 48 hours (if not 48 seconds) of every email I send her until I started to hear horror stories from other writer friends. Even if it's a quick "I got it!" she always lets me know.

5. Importance. I'm not important. I know this. I haven't sold anything yet. But not for one nanosecond does Ginger ever make me feel like I am any less important than any of the other clients.

6. Sense of Humor. So I didn't know this when I signed with her, but Ginger is awesomely funny. Hysterical, snarky (I mean that in a 100% positively good way), fearless. Those of you who follow her on Twitter (and if you don't already...have you been living under a rock or something?) you know exactly what I'm talking about it. It's what I hope to be.

7. Rapport. We've never met in person. We've only talked on the phone once. And yet we have a genuine rapport that I credit entirely to her down-to-earthed-ness. Yes, I know I made that word up. No, I do not care.

8. Tenacity. I know for a fact that Ginger is a passionate advocate for all of her clients. She's constantly at work on our behalf - lunching with editors, networking at parties, whoring herself out at conventions, fair and workshops. What more could you ask for?

9. Vocabulary. We are very colorful in our emails to each other. That's how I communicate in general so it's wonderful not to feel like I have to censor myself with her. Sounds trivial, but trust me, it's such a hugely comforting thing!

10. Agentfail. Have you all seen this on my blog? Ginger was so passionate about setting the record straight about her views on the role and responsibilities of a literary agent, it heightened my respect to her tenfold. Read it and appreciate it. Very rarely will you find anyone this honest.

Ten reasons. Wow, I got to ten already? I feel like I could go on - Ginger's love for bad reality TV, her Cadbury obsession, her inability to read an Italian map - but then I'd really just be an ass-kisser (as opposed to now, right?) Don't think I'm not grateful everyday that when people in the industry ask "Who is your agent?" I can respond with a huge smile "Ginger Clark." And I get a thrill when I see their eyes widen ever so slightly.

That's right, they know too. Ginger Clark = Awesome.

Want to know who else is participating in Unofficially Office Agent Day? Lisa and Laura Roecker have a list going over at their blog! Be sure to check out everyone's glowing reports!