book writing..........?

Question

i am young (20) but like writing. i am working on a book about events in my life. is it poosible for me to find a literary agent to represent my book? can i get this published?

it is a book of short stories... does that make a difference? because i've read around and it says to do a table of contents and an overview but mine is more similar to david sedaris, kind of.

Answer 1

You should consult Writer's Market. They have listings of both publishers and agents that will tell you how to contact them. Some major publishing houses only accept material from writers with agents, so you may want to get an agent first or you may want to submit your book to a smaller publishing house that accepts unsolicited material. There is also a book, Guide to Literary Agents, that has listings of just agents. You may be able to find both books in the reference section of your local library.

If your book is a collection of short stories, you may want to try to publish some of the stories separately in literary magazines. This way, not only can you perhaps get paid for these stories separately, but it may be easier to find a publisher who will publish a collection of stories from a writer who has been published before.

Either way, I recommend consulting Writer's Market, at least, and perhaps the Guide to Literary Agents as well. If you decide to buy the books new, make sure you get the latest editions. I think the 2007 editions have just been released or will be soon. If you get them from the library or a used book store, earlier editions will work as well, although some of the information may have changed since publication. Good luck with being published!

Answer 2

There have been published authors even younger (14 or so) than you. Go to your public library and look at Writer's Market in the reference section. It gives info about what kinds of books different publishers want. It also has a section about literary agents.
Other sources of help would be local writer's groups which usually are supportive to new writers. There are also ways to self-publish now. That requires a lot of effort on your part promoting the book and sometimes can be expensive. The library should have a variety of books in the 800 section for writers.

Answer 3

Of course you can find an agent. Agents are everywhere. Don't look at the yellow pages, there are plenty of books at the local library that will help you like The Writer's Market hanbook, is a great source of facts about good agents. Or look up a serach under the internet, it will turn up a good search. Just remember to pick an agent that's going to represent the type of book you are writing. It wouldn't do any good if you sent your book to an agent that doesn't accept the type of book you're writing. So, look around, and good luck with your book.

Answer 4

I've written a book and also had poems published. An agent is expensive and hard to find for a newcomer. There are books that give you advice and resources, like "How to sell your first novel". Can't remember the authors name. Invest an afternoon at the library or Barnes and Noble. You'll be surprised at the info out there. Good luck!

Answer 5

Age has nothing to do with writing. I suggest that you first write the first few chapters and get it read from people who would give an honest comment. After that just mail these to all the publishing houses you know(you can find their addresses in the books published by them for other authors). Then if you get a feedback, you will know how to proceed furthur. If you dont get a fed back, then just complete the book, prepare a draft, get it read from people, finalise it and get it registered.

Answer 6

First of all, have you joined writers groups yet?

You meet published writers (a good place to ask them what worked), literary agents and editors.

National and international writers groups usually have conferences where you can pitch your work to literary agents and editors. 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.

Here’s a great free online writers group:

The ShalladeGuzman Writers Group

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

We invite literary agents to answer questions and to tell us about what they’re looking for. You can read transcripts of past Q&A’s on there.

For a list of writers groups:

http://shallabizness.blogspot.com/2006/02/join-writers-associations-and.html

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

If you write short stories, you may like to check out agents that represent literary works. Are your short stories literary?

Actually, if you write short stories, how about submitting them to magazines and/or literary journals first?

Did you know many literary agents look for new writers there? Many literary agents I've met (I interview them for magazines) have said they read mags such as Carve, Story Quarterly, etc.

If they like a writer's work, they will contact that writer. Writing for magazines is also a great way to learn what editors are looking for.

Here's a list of magazines, literary agents told me they read:

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallaresources.php



Good luck!

Answer 7

Getting a book published is very difficult, but if you stick with it, it could happen for you.Check out Jerry D. Simmons
WritersReaders.com. He'll send you a news letter about getting published, and other things writers need. He's been with major publishing company's for years, and knows the buz. His stuff is really helpful!
Bliss

Answer 8

omg he can write only kidding He surely revealed a e book entitled A cost to maintain, co-written with Michael Herskowitz. Later variations have the subtitle 'My journey to the White abode'.

Answer 9

I don't know how you would find an Agent. Maybe check the yellow pages or do an on-line search...

Good luck with your book! I hope to read it someday.

Answer 10

start a blog. now.