You have a book ready to go out and want an agent, but have no clue where to send it. The following listing will help you on your journey to find author representation and it should help your target the best agents.
Online databases of current agents are available. Two popular databases are AgentQuery.com and QueryTracker.net. These databases offer information including agent interests, agent blogs and websites, and basic client information. This is a great way to begin narrowing down your list of possible agents.
The Association of Author’s Representatives (AAR) is a professional organization for literary agents. This site includes a directory of member agents who follow a code of ethics to honestly represent the needs of their clients. This offers authors an avenue to investigate the legitimacy of possible agents.
Your network is a great place to reach out to agents. Don’t be reticent to ask a valued writing group colleague for a recommendation. Always be polite when you ask and don’t be rude if your colleague says no. Thank them for considering your request and move on to the next colleague.
Many agents will only take queries from authors who have attended conferences they have attended. If your research has lead you to such an agent, consider setting aside the time and cash for just such a conference. One popular conference for meeting agents is the annual Backspace Writers Conference with over 20 agents in attendance. Another conference with over 60 agents in attendance is the yearly Writer’s Digest Conference. The Texas Writers League also hosts an annual Agent’s Conference each summer.
Many companies publish agent guides with insider information about current agents. Here are two for you to investigate: Guide to Literary Agents, and the Mystery Writer's Source Book.
Many agents keep blogs. Reading their blogs is a great way to get to know their likes and dislikes. Many even give advice on how to write queries and offer goodies like posting queries they’ve found provocative. Two popular agent blogs include Kristen Nelson’s PubRants and Laurie McLean’s Agent Savant. Another popular informational blog is Chuck Sambuchino’s Guide to Literary Agents.
Many agents participate in social media. Follow them on Twitter, friend them on Facebook, connect with them on Linkedin.
I love this article; it's been very helpful to me, and I am going to be buying the Literary Agents Guide ASAP so that I can seek one out. Thanks so much for writing this, Molly!
Hello to whom it may Concern,
My story is motivational and spiritual true story. When I was 8 years old I was handcuffed and forced by police to confess to a crime I did not commit. When the truth came out the police were reprimanded for what they did to me and they decided to turn my life into a living hell. I dropped out of school and got into drugs and in 2001 I was shot 4 times in a home invasion. I went to the spirit world and learned an incredible amount of wisdom. I was in a coma for 10 days but when I woke up I quit doing drugs and went back to school. I now have a Bachelors and a Master’s degree and I wrote a book entitled Phases of Existence and things I learned when I was dead. This is an exciting drama that is uplifting and spiritual. I am not a religious person but I do know that if you are a good and honest person the best thing that will ever happen to you is you will die. I have many great messages to share. I also will begin to have some speaking engagements when I am finished publishing my book. I would like to find the right agent to represent me and my book. I hope that I can get some positive feedback as soon as possible.
Sincerely Russ Horman (801)577-8106