Are you planning to seek agent representation for your book project? Are you sure that your book is of the quality and scope that would require an agent in order for you to get your foot in the door of a good publishing house?
If you’ve been studying my blog, articles and books, you know that not every publisher requires that authors come to them through an agent. In fact, some prefer working with unagented authors.
If your book is something that would interest a major publisher, however, you may want to start looking for an appropriate agent. And this could take time.
Beware, some opportunists who masquerade as agents, con unsuspecting authors out of hundreds or thousands of dollars. It would behoove you to thoroughly check out any agency you are considering before signing with them. It could take time to find the right agent. But it is important that you choose one who is legitimate, with whom you are compatible and who believes in your project. Locate agents through the following channels:
1: Access the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR) database at http://www.aaronline.org All 382 literary agents on this list have gone through a stringent screening process. All come recommended. Before signing with an agent, make sure that he or she is a member of this organization.
2: Visit the Agent Research and Evaluation Company’s free access agent database at http://www.agentresearch.com They provide a new agent list for $75.00. For a $210 fee, they’ll offer a more detailed search involving five agents of your choice.
3: Find agents listed in Writer’s Digest’s Guide to Literary Agents. You’ll also find lists of literary agents in Writer’s Market, Literary Market Place and a database of US and UK literary agents at http://www.1000literaryagents.com
4: Consider an agent who is recommended by another author who has a book similar to yours.
5: Find agents listed in recently published books similar to yours. An author will often mention his agent on the acknowledgements page.
6: Attend writers’ conferences where agents are speaking and see if you can find a match.
7: Set up appointments with appropriate agents at writers’ conferences.
In tomorrow’s blog, we will discuss tips for choosing and working with an agent. In the meantime, for more information on writing, publishing (including publishers and agents), book promotion and more, go to http://www.matilijapress.com For editorial services: http://www.patriciafry.com
I am planning to teach one of my newest online courses for FREE starting in May. Which would you prefer: Build Your Author’s Platform or Memoir Writing. See the descriptions of these courses here: http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm Leave your comment here or contact me at PLFry620@yahoo.com.