How do I get a literary agent? Does anyone know one?

Question

I have written a health-oriented book mainly for women, dealing with a particular (and immensely popular) surgery. I need a literary agent if I want it published, which of course I do. I currently live in Florida and know no one in the publishing business in NY. Does anyone know the exact steps I need to take to get it published? Does anyone out there KNOW a literary agent they can refer me to?

Answer 1

Hi there. I have a couple of agent names you might want to contact. No guarantees, but if you'll contact me via email, I'll send those to you.

In the meantime, here is a terrific query letter example you can adapt for your mailings. I got this from a top NY agency and it is one of the best examples I've seen.

*****
Dear Mr Smith:

I am writing to submit for your consideration my 90,000-word adult mainstream novel, GREAT LOVE LOST, in which fate pits two sisters against each other as they battle for the love of one dedicated physician fighting an epidemic no one realizes exists.-98 I have pasted the first 10 pages of chapter one in the body of this e-mail message as directed by your Web site guidelines.

My previous publishing credits include: LIES, MORE LIES, THEN SOME CHEATING, a mainstream novel published in 2002 by Rose Heart Publishing, an imprint of Lemon Slice Books; LOVE IN SUMMER, another mainstream novel, and its sequel, LOVE IN WINTER, published in 1999 and 2001, respectively, by Doubledog Press; and finally, LOVE TO LOVE YOU, another mainstream novel that will be released in 2007 from Major Publisher Press.

I appreciate the opportunity to have you review my novel, GREAT LOVE LOST, for possible representation. Thank you for your time and consideration; I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

(Signature line)

*****

Good luck with your book, whatever you decide.

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)

(For a FREE copy of The Scythian Stone or a full color, four chapter illustrated demo of The Blackgloom Bounty, email me at [e-mail]).

My author blog: http://the-blackgloom-bounty.blogspot.com/

Answer 2

Self-publishing is okay if you're willing to do all the legwork and spend a small fortune. That's why such publishing houses are called vanity publishers.

Otherwise, consult the Writer's Market book at your library. It is also available at bookstores.

Within are lists of literary agents and publishers that will state their preferences in genre, type of manuscript, and methods of submissions. A literary agent is the best approach for an unpublished author. Always check their websites for additional guidelines.

Format your manuscript in accordance with acceptable guidelines--always double-spaced with pertinent contact information on the cover page.

Meanwhile, edit your story as it moves on. When your writing slows, concentrate on catching errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Any manuscript submitted prematurely without corrections will surely be scrapped immediately upon receipt.

Learn how to craft a powerful query letter; they are the door openers to representation.

Your chances of getting a health-oriented book for women published is better than other genres. Non-fiction works are readily accepted faster than fiction manuscripts. But the process in submitting the synopsis and overview can be overwhelming. In your query letter or your proposal package you must address how your book should benefit and impact a part of society

For submission guidelines, I recommend you find the book titled "Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript" by Cynthia Laufenberg. The contents are most informative for unpublished authors. Ms. Laufenberg will walk you through the necessary steps for submitting your proposal.

Good luck.

Answer 3

which would be beginner, offensive, pointless and ineffective because of fact the "unfavourable guy's copyright" does not definitely recommend something. you will want a real copyright from the Library of Congress and you does not even could desire to try this because of fact the writer will handle the copyright for you. verify you place up to a great agent and you will not could desire to rigidity approximately something. in case you insist on doing it in any case verify to not make any point out of it.

Answer 4

You may want to self-publish it. Try LuLu.com