Agents Quote by Garth Nix
“I sometimes talk to people who think I got published because I was an editor, or because I was an agent, and I have to disabuse them of that notion. It wasn't because of my emplacement within the industry. Actually the writing came first, and the publishing came first as well.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: "On Writing and Publishing", 2018
The author emphasizes that writing precedes publishing; editorial or agent roles are secondary to the work itself.
In simple terms: Writing comes first, publishing follows.
Key Takeaway
Focus on craft before seeking publication.
Themes
writing
publishing
authorship
career
literature
creative process
industry dynamics
Mood
encouraging
pragmatic
Type
professional
inspirational
When to use this quote
- manuscript preparation
- agent outreach
- self‑publishing
- literary networking
Key Concepts
authorial identity
creative integrity
career development
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can writers take to prioritize their work?
- How does perception of roles affect author confidence?
A Different Perspective
Industry roles can obscure the writer's primary contribution.
![“Mmmmmm, said Ardent [the Royal Dog]. He liked cooked food. Also raw food and semicooked food, and things that might be food and so were worth chewing on for a while to make sure they weren't food.” quote by Garth Nix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/62f/garth-nix-2783_cooked_mmmmmm-said-ardent-the-royal-dog-he-like_181626.jpg)
![“I don't see [ Trainspotting ] as an albatross, I see it more as a calling card. It's got me out to Hollywood, I've got a good agent, I've got a good manager, I'm getting a lot of work out there and doing a lot of stuff - getting a lot of film projects on the go.” quote by Irvine Welsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/918/irvine-welsh-843_agents_i-don-t-see-trainspotting-as-an-albatros_7750.jpg)
