The Oracle Of Delphi
An Amazing Author Ezine Column by Fran Baker
Fairytales Can Come True
By Fran Baker
(Copyright © 2000)
A Guide To Agents: Part 1
Finding the perfect agent is akin to finding the perfect mate. It only happens in fairytales. (In fairness to agents, they probably feel the same way about finding the perfect client.) But finding a good agent, one who likes your work and is enthusiastic about representing it, one who shares your goals and is able to offer constructive guidance if those goals are unrealistic, is easier than you might think ... if you're willing to do the work.
Your first job, of course, is to write a compelling book, one that opens with a bang (metaphorically speaking) and keeps the reader - the agent, in this instance - turning the pages. If you haven't done that, it's time for a rewrite. Agents receive hundreds of queries a month. If your book doesn't grab them right away, it will either come back by return mail or, if you forgot to enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope, it will wind up in the agent's "circular file."
For purposes of this article, let's assume that you've finished your book. It's been written, rewritten, and those pesky spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors have been corrected. Let's also assume that you're ready to submit your book to an agent.
This is where your second job, finding an agent, begins. Literary agents are listed in the Literary Market Place, the directory of the publishing industry, which is available at most libraries. Or check with your favorite bookstore and see if they have any directories on their shelves. You may also ask for recommendations from editors, writing instructors, or other writers. Today there are even Web sites where, for a fee, you can find out more about the agent(s) you may be interested in contacting.
Now let's assume that you've finished your research. You've eliminated those agents who charge reading fees, added those agents who specialize in your genre, and narrowed the field to an agent (or ten) whom you would like to contact. This is where your third job kicks in. This is also where that old virtue, patience, comes in handy.
Write the agent a brief letter describing your work and listing your prior publications (if any). Enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the agent's reply. You may approach several agents at the same time. Submit material only if and when an agent asks you to do so, but remember that agents expect you to inform them when you are submitting to more than one agent simultaneously. Send neatly typed or printed, double-spaced unbound manuscripts and include either sufficient postage or a stamped, self-addressed mailer for return of your manuscript. Some authors also enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard that the agent can drop in the mail to let the author know that they're reading the manuscript. Always retain a copy of your manuscript.
Keep in mind that good agents are busy. They have contracts to negotiate, meetings with editors or publishers to attend, proposals or finished manuscripts from existing clients to read, critique and/or submit, and royalty statements to peruse. Like you, they also have personal lives to lead. Allow the agent some time to respond. Six to eight weeks is standard. If you haven't heard by the end of eight weeks, drop the agent a polite note to give them a little nudge. A phone call is a waste of your dime and your time. Unless you're on the client list, you probably won't get any further than the receptionist.
While you're waiting to receive feedback, roll up your sleeves and start your fourth job: Writing your next book.
Fran Baker
www.FranBaker.com
Watch for A Guide To Agents: Part 2 by Fran Baker
Return to:
Choose which group is best for you -- or even join both!
Enter your email address above to receive the Amazing Authors Showcase Newsletter. Perfect for those with a busy schedule -- an overview of the news for the month delivered to your mailbox around the first of each month. |
This group is a collection of some of the finest writers online. Enter your email address above to join this group and share your writing tips, find help, exchange ideas, or just about anything else you can dream up. Have fun! |
| LIKE THIS
SITE?
|
![[IMAGE]](http://carolinanavy.com/navy/creativewriting/renegade/alcoonfi.gif) Bubba's Famous Web
Stop |
Can't find what you are looking for? SEARCH OUR SITE!! Enter a keyword and GO!
|
All stories and graphics are © copyright the authors. Any use, reprint or reproduction of stories on these web pages without the expressed, written consent of the authors is strictly prohibited.
Copyright © 2000 Pepper Raines
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
