The call: what happens when a literary agent wants to sign you?

You’ve done the research, sent the query, and waited patiently, or obsessively, and now it’s happened. An agent wants to talk. This is what’s known as the call. 

For many writers, it’s thrilling and surreal. It can also be nerve-racking. You should enjoy the moment, and congratulate yourself on the hard work. You have achieved something very few writers do. I certainly did, as it is so hard to get a literary agent, and I think it is getting harder.