Love and Romance, etc.
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By Bonnie Williams
FREE REPORT: How to write your book FAST!!
12 Steps to Getting a Literary Agent
By Bonnie Williams
So you've just finished your novel and you're ready to find a literary agent. Unfortunately, it can be just as tough to find an agent as it is to get your novel published. With the exception of Harlequin Books, most publishing editors will throw your manuscript into the slush pile unless it comes from a literary agent.
But if you have that "unique hook" or that "fresh idea," an agent is likely to take notice.
Here are 12 steps to help you find a legitimate literary agent.
1. Have a completed manuscript
Finish writing and polishing your novel before contacting literary agents. Once you begin your search for the perfect agent, you must be ready to present your manuscript immediately upon request.
Format each submitted manuscript according to the guidelines of the agency you're submitting to. Knowing how to present your manuscript in an acceptable business manner will always be a plus in your favor.
2. Build a support network
Your support network should be resources and contacts you can turn to when preparing for submission.
Join one or two critique groups or local writing groups. Have several of your critique partners review your manuscript thoroughly. As writers, we all have blind spots when it comes to our own work. Have your writing partners help you find those weak spots and fix them before contacting an agent with your novel.
3. Establish credibility
Submit some of your other works to journals and magazines. Submit portions of your manuscript to writing contests within your genre. An agent will be more likely to pay attention to your work if you have published in smaller journals and magazines or if you've won any award-winning writing contests.
4. Find a Legitimate Agent - Do your research
Some authors mention their literary agents in the acknowledgement pages of their novel. Find out who represents some of your favorite authors within your genre and read through their novels. This is the best way to know their agent has actually sold a book to a publisher. Make note of that agent and research them. Author's websites are also an excellent resource for current information.
Most legitimate agents are members of the Association of Authors' Representatives, Inc. (AAR), a not-for-profit organization of independent literary and dramatic agents.
To search for agents and view the AAR code of ethics, visit their official website:
Association of Authors' Representatives, Inc. OnlineNOTE: Avoid any literary agents who charge reading fees. AAR members cannot charge fees according to their professional code of ethics.
Another popular resource for finding agents is the annual Writer's Market Listing. However, agents change jobs frequently. By the time the publication is printed, it may already be out of date.
5. Choose several agents to contact
Finding an agent is a numbers game. Be prepared to submit to at least 50 agents. 80% to 90% of them will turn down your submission. However, the odds are that the remaining agents will ask to see a sample of your work.
6. Prepare a query letter
Your query letter works much like an employment resume. It introduces you and your work to a potential agent. Address the agent by name. State how you heard about them and why you think your novel would be a good fit for their agency.
NOTE: Know the exact name and job title of the agent you're submitting to and address your materials to that person--not the agency.
Make your opening line the hook to your story to keep them reading. Then write a brief paragraph about your story plot. Include what your story is about, why it is unique, and briefly describe your characters.
Provide a short bio highlighting your credentials. Include any publishing credits, contest winnings, or published magazine articles. Conclude with a request to send her your manuscript. End your query by thanking the agent for her time and consideration.
If you are submitting queries to more than one agent at a time, be sure to let them know as a courtesy. In your letter, say that you've sent queries to a few other agents. However, if an agent requests an exclusive read, honor her request and hold off sending additional material to other agents. Limit exclusivity to 2-3 weeks.
Be sure to keep your query letter no more than one page long.
7. Prepare for rejection
Agents are overwhelmed with submissions. Don't take a rejection letter personally. Keep in mind that nonfiction sells much better than fiction, and agents can only afford to sign fiction they're really passionate about. Cross that agent off your list and send a query letter to the next one.
If you still haven't found a literary agent interested in your work after 50 rejections, consider submitting another piece or start heavily re-working your story. If you've written a story with a solid plot and a fresh idea, one or two agents will eventually be interested in representing you.
8. Submit your manuscript
The agents who read your query letter and think you've got a fresh and interesting story concept will want to know that you can actually write.
Most agents provide very clear instructions on how to submit material to them. So before you submit make sure you clearly understand their guidelines. Some agents will request a story synopsis and the first 3 chapters of your manuscript. Some agencies require you to fill out an online submission form, and others ask you to e-mail your submission.
Along with your manuscript, enclose a business-sized, self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) for her response. If you want your manuscript returned, enclose a manila envelope with proper return postage.
If you've already spoken with an agent via a conference or seminar and they've requested a sample of your work, send your material in with "Requested Material" clearly marked on the outside of the package. In the opening of your cover letter, briefly remind her where you met and that she requested a sample of your work.
9. Have additional writing samples
Having one completed manuscript is great. However, if an agent is unsure, she may request additional work from you. Have a few other pieces of work ready to give the agent should they ask. This may include other novels you have not yet completed or short stories you've written.
10. Follow up
Contact the agents that have responded positively to your query. Schedule a time to discuss any questions you have about them. If they're too busy to take your call to answer a few brief questions, they may be too busy to take on new clients and sell your book. Here are a few questions you should ask a potential agent:
- Do you charge a reading fee? Note: If the answer to this question is YES, check them off the list and move on to the next agency.
- How long have you been an agent?
- Are you a member of the Association of Author's Representatives (AAR)?
- What are your submission guidelines?
- Are you interested only in a book-by-book basis contract?
- Do you discuss career building with your unpublished clients?
- How much editing do you generally do with your clients' work?
- Do you call publishers to pitch books or do you mail out proposals?
- Do you issue a contract?
- What is your commission rate?
- Do you charge for expenses?
If she makes you feel like you're wasting her time or if she acts like she's doing you a favor, takes this as a sign to move on.
11. Revise your manuscript
Be prepared to make revisions to your manuscript. Some agents take on the role of editor before presenting your work to a potential publisher. This is a great advantage for you, so use this opportunity to improve your story. Carefully review any suggestions the agent has. However, until you've signed a contract, you may still be rejected.
12. Accept an offer
This is your writing career. Never let an agent pressure you into making a rushed decision. Take your time and find the right agent to represent you. Your agent works for you. She should always consider your best interests. Accepting her offer is a long-term commitment to your writing career. It is the literary equivalent to a marriage contract.Don't settle for the wrong agent just because she's the first to show an interest in your work. There are hundreds of agents out there. Make sure the one you sign with is a good fit for you. Remember, an agent making an offer is already interested in your work. The agent won't change her mind simply because you need a few days to think about it. Also, have several questions ready to ask before accepting representation from an agent:
- Ask the agent to put you in touch with some of her current clients. If she's reluctant or refuses to provide client references, this may be a warning sign to move on to another agent.
- What have you sold recently and what was the process?
- What piece of work did you love that you couldn't sell?
- Ask her to describe her ideal client.
- How many clients does she currently have?
You should have a good idea how many books she has sold to publishers recently. Understand what happens if your manuscript doesn't sell. Will she set it aside and ask for your next project or will she persistently shop for a publisher for your original manuscript? Will she drop you as a client if she can't sell your manuscript? If you normally write fiction, what happens if you decide to write a non-fiction book, or write in a different genre? Ask how your royalties are distributed. Typically the publisher will send your advance and royalties to your agency.
If you've got an agent offer, it means you've achieved what most people never have. You've not only finished a novel - you've completed a story that is salable. Do yourself a favor and take your time before making a final decision. Find the perfect agent that works for you!
Love and Romance, etc.
By Bonnie Williams
Copyright © 2008
