The agent issue is such an emotional one for writers. Having one is a huge
validation. I was fortunate to sign with an agent while still writing my first novel and it was wonderful being able to work and know that someone was waiting for what I was writing.
But the eagerness to have that feeling often pushes writers to make poor decisions
when it comes to the hunt for an agent. With some thinking, solid preparation and
research it is possible to hook up with an agent and have a satisfying relationship
with him or her. Here are five crucial points to help you with the process.
1. Do You Need An Agent?
You've probably heard the oft-cited fact that most publishers these days don't read
unsolicited manuscripts. But that only means that the editor hasn't been contacted
beforehand. If you send a query letter and the editor asks to see your book or book
proposal, you can send it without going through an agent.
However, if the editor does want to make an offer, they will suggest that you get an
agent. An agent will help you get the best deal possible and, in the best of worlds,
an agent will also be interested in helping you develop your career as a writer. If you
can get an agent before the submission process, I think that's even better because
the agent can help you put your manuscript in the best shape possible before it gets
submitted. As they say, you only get one chance to make a first impression. With
that in mind...
2. Be Ready.
You have to be writing at a top level to grab an agent's attention. Unfortunately, a
number of writers tend to skip that part. You may be eager to get an agent, but if
you're continually sending out subpar material, you'll be seen as a writer with poor
skills and poor judgment and someone not to be taken seriously.
Granted, I know you want to know that you're not writing for nothing and an agent
would provide that validation, but at some point you have to make the decision that
you're writing for the long haul and working on your craft. If you can do that,
getting an agent will not be a problem.
3. Find the Right Agent.
When you're ready to make the search, DO NOT get a bunch of names and do a
mass mailing to anyone with the title "agent." You'll only get a bunch of rejections
from agents who don't handle your material or aren't looking for new clients. If you
do a little work, you can find out what kind of writers an agent represents and the
type of material they favor. Writer's Digest publishes the Guide to Literary Agents
(see below) where you'll find complete listings.
Here's another great tip: if you join Publishers Marketplace ( http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/ ), you can get a daily e-mail listing of what deals
have taken place in the book industry. You'll see what kind of book sold, what editor
bought it and the agent who represented the author. This is good information
because you'll see immediately who is representing your type of writing and--more
importantly--who is buying it!
4. No, You Don't Have to Pay an Agent!
I get asked about this a lot, usually by writers who have already been taken
advantage of by agents who charge expensive "reading fees." A good agent makes
money when you make money (usually a 15 percent commission). You'll want to ask
some questions. If an agent makes most of his money from writer fees and not from
actual sales, you'll want to move on. A good way to weed out this group is by
checking out members of the Association of Author's Representatives (AAR).
Members of AAR are forbidden from charging fees.
5. Network!
An agent is much more likely to pay attention to a manuscript from someone they
have met personally. I know networking and meeting agents can be hard if you live
in the mountains of Arizona or on an island in Puget Sound. But consider it part of
your work as a writer to get out to a conference at lease once or twice a year to
meet agents, editors and, of course, other writers! I'll let you know when good ones
are coming up.
One last note.
An agent is NOT a magic pill. Even the best agent can't work miracles with mediocre
material. It will ALWAYS be your job to do your best writing.
© 2005 Sophfronia Scott
Author and Writing Coach Sophfronia Scott is "The Book Sistah" TM. Get her FREE
REPORT, "The 5 Big Mistakes Most Writers Make When Trying to Get Published" and
her FREE online writing and publishing tips at http://www.TheBookSistah.com
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