Melissa Marr recently switched agents, from Rachel Vater of Folio Lit to Merrilee Heifetz of Writer's House.
Though there has been plenty of speculation in the writer community, Melissa posted this clarification:
"Hmm. I didn’t really expect there to be such speculation. However, since it is happening here, let me clarify a few things.
1. There is no great news here. People change agents. It happens.
2. It’s not sudden. The decision to do so (for me, at least) has been one that began last fall. Rachel knew then that I had considered it.
3. The reasons are not public, nor will they become so.
4. As to Jeaniene’s decision, that’s not my place to address. She switched agencies a while ago, but didn’t announce it because of Conestoga.
5. Neither client convinced the other to change representation. While I respect Jeaniene (& value her friendship), that isn’t how I make my business decisions. . . nor is it how she makes hers. Some of the reasons she cited are the same ones I did, but that is a different matter than convincing someone to change. In truth, I find this idea insulting.
6. I continue to have very fond feelings for Rachel, and I would have loved to see her at Conestoga. I told her that. I hope to cross paths with her in the future.
Out of that respect and affection, I would not have announced the decision to change agencies until after FFF Mini-Con if Rachel was going. We did not ask her not to go, nor was it a hostile decision on her side. While we are not represented by her at this time, I can safely say that both former clients continue to have very fond feelings for her. When she said she wasn’t going, I let my agency switch become public.
And . . . well, that’s it. It’s really not that interesting or news-worthy. A few relationships didn’t work out. It’s sad (and I was rather weepy over it), but it happens."
