How an Author Obtains an Agent - podcast

Finding a literary agent for your book is an exciting step in the process of getting published, but it can also be frustrating if you don't know where to start. Literary agent Amy Levenson explains how an author obtains an agent. One place look is at local or national book festivals and book conferences. At these events, many agents speak on panels. You can get to know the agents to see if their goals align with yours. If you cannot travel, you can find agents through online resources, such as PublishersMarketplace.com. There, you can identify agents that might be familiar with a particular publisher that interests you, or you can find agents that specialize in your book's genre. If you think you found the agent for you, do your research. Follow the agent on social media and review the submission guidelines on their website. With all of the self-publishing options available today, not all authors need an agent. But if you want to be published by a traditional publisher, you need an agent to negotiate a deal. Many publishers don't accept manuscripts directly from the author. An agent is also your partner. He or she is like a matchmaker who will help you find the best deal and best publisher for your book.