I am afraid to get an agent because i am afraid they will bilk me out of my money. I have 2 books written already and more coming. Does anyone have experience i this field?
2006-07-31 01:25:41 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Seek an agent. Look for one that is a member of a known literary agency and literary agent association. Eventually, you will need one. Take it ONE BOOK at a time.
Don't just grow old, consider self-publishing. Read all about it at http://www.booksjustbooks.com Sign up for their free e-zine and read it.
I know one woman author, who self-published 12 books before getting a real publisher.
I know another author who self-published 6 books before getting a real publisher. He self-published in Hard Copy format, and his publisher re-published his older work in paperback form.
2006-07-31 02:39:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way an agent will bilk you out of $$ is if you pay them any upfront money.. they will earn a well-deserved % if they can find a publisher for you.. Most publishers will not talk to an unpublished, unknown writer.. Most agents won't either, so, if you are lucky enough to get a legitimate agent, then consider yourself very lucky indeed.. Do some research and try and find an agent who is compatable and selling what you are writing... There are so many many good writers out there who cannot get a book published - Make sure your writing is flawless and write a good query letter that will hopefully grab the interest of an agent.. best of luck..
2006-07-31 02:36:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As an experienced writer and published fantasy author, I can tell you for a fact that most major publishers these days won't even READ unsolicited manuscripts unless you have previously published something OR you have a reputable agent submitting your material.
The slush piles are in the thousands, so don't waste your time, postage or printing costs on submissions unless you have an agent handling them. Agents know the game and they know what the publishing houses are looking for.
And don't worry about a reputable agent pirating your material. The copyright laws are so stringent now that only an idiot would try to steal a manuscript. Oh, and good agents NEVER ask for money up front. If you are asked for cash, look elsewhere.
That's my advice. Good luck with your books.
Jon F. Baxley (Author, Editor, Ghostwriter and Proofreader)
THE SCYTHIAN STONE (eBook only)
THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY (eBook and hard cover)
THE REGENTS OF RHUM (coming fall '07)
2006-07-31 02:42:26 · answer #3 · answered by FiveStarAuthor 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. If you have any interest at all in getting into one of the "big houses" you're probably going to need an agent. And it's best to get one before you've tried sending your manuscripts out to any publishers.
If you do your homework, you're not going to get bilked. A good agent will MAKE you money. Their 15 percent payment gets taken out of your earnings; so if you don't earn anything, they don't either. This is strong incentive for them to work hard at getting you a good deal.
Don't just start inquiring about random agents. Do your homework to find out who the clients are of each agent you query, what books they've sold lately and what kind of submissions they accept. Fortunately, this kind of information is usually readily available on the web.
2006-07-31 09:29:51 · answer #4 · answered by poohba 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find an agent that will take you as a client on a consignment basis. They will only charge you if they can sell your book. They will read it first and then tell you if they want you for a client...so it works both ways. Of course, if they don't believe in your book...they couldn't sell it...so you have nothing to lose. You can also get a list of publisher's and what they are looking for through Writer's Market. There are copies available at the public library. They also have a literary agent book. You can also read up on the publishing business and how it works. Good Luck to you.
2006-07-31 01:34:03 · answer #5 · answered by riverhawthorne 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try the unsolicited submission approach, but the offering could easily end up on the slush pile and you get the "does not meet our needs" letter in three months.
An agent will at least give some kind of committment to your project. How to find a good agent?
That has been my problem for yeears. I have to assume that I am not that good of a writer, as I cannot get anyone interested enough to be an agent.
2006-07-31 01:30:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to make any money, yes. If you don't have an agent, you will be unlikely to even get a shot with a publisher.
2006-07-31 01:49:21 · answer #7 · answered by Jessie P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a good agent as well as a publishing company
2006-07-31 01:29:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most publishing companies do not accept unsolicited manuscripts from writers, they will only accept them from agents. Do some research, and see if there are any that will accept them from the author.. if there are, then submit them, if the publishing companies that you WANT to print them don't then you're going to have to get an agent.
Here's an example.
http://www.annickpress.com/guidelines/index.html
2006-07-31 01:33:19 · answer #9 · answered by Imani 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, don't get the agent yet.
2006-07-31 01:28:31 · answer #10 · answered by Catmmo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋