The Controversy of a Literary Agent's Tweet and Its Fallout
Written on
Chapter 1: The Incident
In the realm of the #WriterCommunity and the tumultuous world of #Querying, a significant drama unfolded.
On June 23, 2024, literary agent Hilary Harwell (@hilaryharwell on X, account since deleted) posted a tweet that read:
"Just read a query that was essentially THE ROAD meets DELIVERANCE (#YA) and now I want someone to write this for me, please? 🤩 #amwriting #amquerying #MSWL"
Responses to the Agent's Tweet:
Jamie Damato raised concerns about the implications of an agent with industry influence rejecting a querying writer and then seeking to have someone else create a similar concept. Morgana Bourggraff added confusion, questioning Hilary's stance on the querier's work. In her defense, Hilary replied that the original author did not frame the query as she had and that the opening lacked strength.
The Reputation of Hilary Harwell
Hilary Harwell has been recognized as a capable literary agent. For those who doubt this, her profile on Publisher's Marketplace and features in Agent Spotlights speak volumes. I submitted a query to her earlier this year and received a rejection. Despite our lack of personal interaction, her humanity shines through in her #MSWL and various interviews.
Why the Backlash?
The implication of her tweet suggests she rejected an author's idea only to seek someone else to realize it. Information about her past indicates she has supported a wide range of authors, leading some to question the fairness of the backlash.
Hilary became a literary agent in 2017, joining KT Literary the following year. I valued her MSWL enough to query her. I do not believe she intended harm, nor was her tweet malicious. It was, however, poorly expressed.
The dread that literary agents might be lurking to appropriate an author's unique idea is unfounded, yet such fears are not entirely baseless.
Allegations of Misconduct
There have been instances in the past where agents faced accusations of sharing manuscripts without consent. A notable case involved Emily Kim, who was alleged to have shared Lynne Freeman's manuscript, leading to legal disputes.
This video covers the incident where a Twitter user lost their job at NASA over a controversial tweet, highlighting the potential consequences of online statements.
The Writer Community's Response
If agents indeed engage in unethical behavior, it amplifies the voices of those critical of traditional publishing. Many authors share their negative experiences, leading to calls for self-publishing as a viable alternative. However, self-publishing carries its own risks and challenges.
As the drama unfolded, Hilary became a target of collective frustration, a scapegoat for a myriad of negative experiences authors have faced in the querying process.
The Perils of Online Presence
It's plausible that the original query was misinterpreted, or perhaps it simply didn't resonate with Hilary.
While her tweet was thoughtless, it does not define her character. Mistakes happen; after all, agents are human.
A Twist in the Narrative
A Twitter user named Peyton June shared her story, mentioning that an agent deactivated their account following criticism for tweeting about a book premise that had been rejected. This tweet had previously left her feeling embarrassed and disheartened, yet she later found success with a different agent.
The industry is subjective, and not every individual will appreciate or respect your work. One person's rejection does not reflect the broader publishing landscape.
This video discusses a NASA intern who was dismissed after a controversial interaction with a well-known figure, emphasizing the weight of social media actions.
Conclusion: The Fallout
On June 24, 2024, the agency publicly announced their decision to sever ties with Hilary, stating that her recent public remarks contradicted their core values. They pledged to reach out to affected clients to ensure continued support.
The reality of the publishing industry is stark; reputation is paramount, and any hint of scandal can have severe repercussions. In this case, the fallout was swift and unforgiving.
The Dark Side of the Industry
Throughout my querying journey, I've encountered various types of agents: those without a social media presence, those who disappear after initial enthusiasm, and those who frequently switch agencies.
The consistent theme among discussions remains: a good agent should collaborate with authors to refine their work for submission to publishers.
Some agents, like Hilary, brand themselves as editors, query reviewers, or pitch specialists, while others may be successful authors promoting their own works. The agenting profession is demanding, and burnout is a common concern.
The Response from Literary Agents
In the wake of Hilary's tweet, many agents expressed their disapproval of her actions while adhering to confidentiality agreements.
Final Thoughts
The stories of writers encountering similar issues are not isolated. Many authors have recounted their experiences, often sparking a wave of shared narratives.
As a member of the writer community, I understand the complexities of navigating these challenges. While Hilary's situation is unfortunate, it serves as a reminder of the industry's unpredictable nature.
Wherever you may be, Hilary, I wish you well and hope you find wisdom in this experience.
-D.M. De Alwis
This article aims to clarify events for those not engaged on Twitter, emphasizing that this incident is part of a larger conversation within the writing community. Hilary Harwell was known among Fantasy and Horror authors for her involvement in recent pitch events like #DarkPit and #KidLitPit, where she sought to represent diverse voices.