Which is the best publishing house or writers agent to try to get a first publishing contract?

Question

I have started writing a novel which I think has real possibilities, however, I don't have the time or money to dedicate to it. I have heard that some first time writers do get advances based on first chapters and a synopsis but I don't really know how to start along the path of doing this.

Answer 1

STEP 1: The best place to start is with querying reputable agents.

A good place to start is www.agentquery.com. This lists agents in a searchable online database that can be filtered by genre, by whether they're currently open, and whether they take e-mail or not.

STEP 2: Write your query letter
This should be a short snappy letter, introducing your book in the best way possible to the agent. Keep it short, make it sound interesting, and don't gush about how all your family and friends think it's great. (You'll find advice on writing queries at the site above)

STEP 3: Send your query letter off, either by mail or email

STEP 4: Wait. While you're waiting, do some writing. Some of these guys take a -long- time to reply.

STEP 5: Work your way through the agents until you run out.

If one takes the bait, they'll ask to see more, usually 3 chapters in the first instance, so it's best to have that much ready to go.

If they then like the three chapters, they'll ask you for the full thing. ( It's very rare for unpublished writers to get an advance based on only the three chapters.)

If they then like the full thing, they -might- offer you a contract.

If you run out of agents, you can try the publishing houses.... go down the library and research their copy of WRITER'S MARKETS. Send your query letter to the publishers.

Wait some more.

Repeat as often as necessary :)

Willie Meikle (A published author who has been round the loop a few times himself)

Answer 2

Go to a writers conference.

Good ones invite literary agents and editors for writers to pitch to. That’s where you get 5 minutes to tell the lit agent/editor what your book is about and why you think it will be successful.


Have you joined writers groups yet? Before anything, make sure your manuscript is polished. Literary agents receive tons of queries, you got to make yours shine.


Here’s a great free online writers group where you can meet literary agents and editors:

The ShalladeGuzman Writers Group

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShalladeGuzman/

You can read transcripts of past Q&A’s on there.



For a list of Online Writers Groups:

http://situationshalla.blogspot.com/

You can also read what agents and editors are looking for:

http://shalladeguzman.com/

And for a list of literary agents:

http://shalladeguzman.com/ShallaAgentList.php

Good luck!

Answer 3

I will be watching this question for answers. this is a good question as many publishers want writers to pay to publish their own work nowadays.

Answer 4

What a helpful answer reply 2 is. Thank you, I shall cut out and keep.