Agents: Where to Find One - article

Molly Blaisdell — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 14:50:56 GMT

Current Revision posted to Agents by Molly Blaisdell on 6/8/2017 2:50:56 PM

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.

1. Online Databases

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.

2. Professional Associations of 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.

3. Writing Group Recommendations

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.

4. Conferences

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.

5. Guides

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.

6. Blogs

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.

7. Social Media

Many agents participate in social media. Follow them on Twitter, friend them on Facebook, connect with them on Linkedin.

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

Agents: Where to Find One - article

Molly Blaisdell — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 20:01:31 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Agents by Molly Blaisdell on 3/4/2017 8:01:31 PM

1. Online Databases -- 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.
2. Professional Associations of 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.
3. Writing Group Recommendations – 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.
4. Conferences – 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.
5. Guides – 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.
6. Blogs – 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.
7. Social Media—Many agents participate in social media. Follow them on Twitter, friend them on Facebook, connect with them on Linkedin.

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

Agents: Where to Find One - Article

Molly Blaisdell — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Agents by Molly Blaisdell on 12/14/2016 12:00:00 AM

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction