Oh my heavens there is a lot of it.
There are so, so many agents out there, and then the ones outside my genre. I'm starting a tentative list, but its hard to differentiate between the ones that would do great and the ones that would be perfect, if you know what I mean. I'm new to this whole thing, obviously, and its fascinating and a bit complicated, though that's okay. Live and learn, right?
Really what matters is that this is a two person decision, so what I expect my job to be is make a list of agents and just keep submitting until something good happens. I've heard seven at a time is the magic number. And I think I'm over-analyzing things, too, because if I can find someone who is as passionate about my project as I am, then that's really the main thing I'm looking for, right? I'm one who believes that everything happens for a reason. My job: submit and deal as smartly as I can with what happens.
Right? Any advice? How do you find agents you think would be right for you? And what kinds of questions should I be ready with? Though I haven't done specific agent research until recently, I've done lots of reading on the whole agenting system and contracts and all the uproar and controversy around that, so I'll try and be as wise about this whole thing as I can. But...help?
This is all still a bit in the future yet. I've got editing to do and beta readers to give to and more editing. So couple of months, ish. We'll see. But I'm going to start working on a query letter and put it up here for your advice and critique in the next little while.
Agents. Ah!!!
Sarah Allen
p.s. Also, I mentioned Downton Abbey yesterday. Oh. My. Gosh. Why must the BBC be so freaking delicious? Its quite taken me over lately, case you couldn't tell.
19 comments:
Jeff Herman's guide seems to be a popular choice. Love that stage! So much potential lies within your list.
You're further ahead in the process than me so I don't have any good advice for you. I have hugs and good wishes though :-)
I have a wish list for my novel-in-progress. I went to the acknowledgements page of my favorite novels and added their agents to my spreadsheet. Then I added the agents for the rock star authors in my genre, and then added those books to my TBR pile. I plan to only query agents who have rep'd books I have read (and enjoyed).
I agree with Anna. Before I retired my last novel from the query trenches, I *almost* always received a positive response when I queried an agent who reps a book like mine or reps a book I love. The acknowledgement section of those books is your friend :)
Start with a list of agents in your genre. It does seem like a lot, and make sure to real the Bewares and Recommendations in the Absolute Write forums to see about the agents. Make sure they do not charge fees upfront, are members of AAR. Check Predators and Editors, and Writer Beware. After that you will have to type a query letter to send to the desired agent. That is my advice in that area, and do not worry you are not alone. I am trying to figure out the process too.
I just sent out one a week for a while...I work full time and that was about all I could manage. I tweaked the query along the way because it is amazing that what sounds great one week falls flat the next...
Good luck!!
Shelley
When I was doing the agent search, I relied heavily upon <a href="http://caseylmccormick.blogspot.com/><b>Literary Rambles</b></a>. They have a database of agents they've spotlighted, and they take snippets from interviews, submission pages, and agent blogs, as well as response time, whether or not they accept e-submissions, whether they're new or old or have a lot of buzz or don't. I really recommend using their website!
sorry, i suck at html... i always forget the end quote. /sigh
here's the proper link (or it should be... if i fail this one too, just ignore me: Literary Rambles
If only literary agents were as badass as the ones in The Matrix. Lol. My only advice is don't spend too long sending query letters for one book. Know when to move on to other projects. Life is too short to get bogged down by any one roadblock. Not when we have so many other avenues.
Go pick up a Writers Market book from a local bookstore. Many authors swear by this method! You'll find many agents who represent your genre, and they often include information as to what they're looking for specifically and how to query them.
Best of luck!
Congrats on finishing your book!! Such an exciting moment. :)
And the agent search...sigh. When I queried my last book, it was AMAZING how much time it took. I went to the same sites you did. I also used this site http://caseylmccormick.blogspot.com/ to find out more information on each agent to see if they would be a good match.
Good luck, Sarah!
Have you thought about going to writing conferences? Last year I went to LDStorymakers with my mom. We both loved it and got to talk a little bit with some agents and editors. Usually at conferences like these you have to buy a pitch session with the editor/agent and they run out pretty fast. But, even if you don't get a pitch session you can go to workshops with them and learn all about what editors and agents are looking for and how to approach them and, the cool thing about going to conferences is you get to meet the agents and editors and they usually offer a window of time where they will accept manuscripts from conference attendees and you'll be less likely to end up in a slush pile by having that conference marked on your query.
LDStorymakers is a great conference. I'd recommend it. And this year it will be in Provo! http://ldstorymakers.com/conferences/2012-conference/
Also, for anyone interested in Children's literature, check out the Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers conference--that's the BEST conference I've ever been to, and they have some really good editors and agents come to that one. That's where I found an agent I'm going to query for my novel as soon as I'm done (shooting for May!). http://wifyr.com/
Good luck, Sarah. I wish I could give you advice on that subject but....I'm going all out Indie. When I figure that out, I can tell you about that.
Query Tracker is also an invaulable website to check out as well.
Good luck on you search, and especially good luck on writing a query.
Took me about 2 1/2 months to write a good query letter and just as long to write a decent synopsis.
I was going to rave about Literary Rambles, but Brooke beat me to it. Nice to meet you! From a newb follower
I loved the Agent Query website, which lists agents by genre. Just make sure you check out the agent links before sending in, as some things aren't regularly updated.
I second the queries in batches idea, as well. I'd say start with seven, see how that goes. Most of all, be prepared to be PATIENT (UGH). It could take a couple of months, but after that, I'd get back on the train and start querying again.
Also, don't make the mistake I did and think you can break all the rules about what they request you to send (proposal, first 3 chapters, query only, etc). Each agent is different, even when it comes to proposal setup. Yes, it may be boring, but follow those rules! (I'm reminding myself here)
I've been thinking a lot about getting an agent. Alas, the process seems so daunting ....
Downton Abbey is THE best. So in love. Have you seen Sherlock? Another of my BBC obsessions.
I actually compiled a bunch of links and articles that I found particularly interesting over at my blog. Could be a less daunting starting point...
http://awesome-fearsome.blogspot.com/p/internets-guide-to-writing-and.html
Thanks guys. Definitely going to use these tips and resources.
Sarah
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