Any literary agent recommendations for a novice author?

Question

I'm wondering if anyone can recommend any good literary authors for novelists in fiction who've been published before for a novice author. I'm not ready to submit for publication yet until next year, but I want to practice my query letters. Do I pick one for beginners like in Writer's Market or press my luck with experienced ones? Any good websites for literary agency listings other than PR&E and query letter samples?

I lost my list of websites when I switched from AOL to Yahoo SBC, two years ago.

Answer 1

The Writer's Market people have another book which is called the Guide to Literary Agents which could be helpful to you.

Personally, I would submit to agents the same way that I submit to magazines-- start with the absolute best that you can find and work your way down from there. Who are the best agents in your genre? Send them all query letters! Especially since your book won't be ready for publication for a while, there's no reason not to take your time and find the absolute best agent that is out there for you!

A good place to do a little research on whether an agent is reputable and recommended is Preditors and Editors:
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/

Good luck!

Answer 2

When I tried to get my novel published, I followed the directions for submissions to agents, writing query letters and, if asked, sending writing samples. I simply kept doing this until I found an agent willing to represent me.

My novel didn't sell, but Perry Browne in Neversink, NY was nice to me and got my work read at several big publishing houses. This was 11 years ago, so I'm not certain if he's still in business.

Answer 3

You will want to do the following:

1) Write something first. You don't need an agent until you have something to sell. You don't actually have to have an agent to sell something to a publisher either.

2) Do your research, look up the agents and see who they've published, how long they've been in business, if they are accepting new clients, etc.

3) Look up information on agents at Predators and Editors (a website that lists agents, houses you do not want to work with--ever.) as there are quite a few crooks out there.

4) Do not sign with any agent until you know: a)how can I get out of the deal if the agent and I do not get along, b) what does the agent charge for (ex. you don't want an agent who charges reader fees or who wants you to go to their book doctor), c) how many authors they represent and who those authors are, d) have those authors actually sold any books?

5) If you know any published authors, ask them who represents them. Ask if they like the agent, if they are happy with the service they get from that agent. There are horror stories of agents who don't send out manuscripts, who don't follow up, who keep money owed to you (one of them used it to buy cocaine with), who don't read the contracts they send you to sign, etc.

6. Lots of times, authors will list their agents in the credits or acknowledgements. If that author is writing the type of thing you like to write, look up the agent on the internet and study them.

7. Remember, not every successful author has an agent.

Be professional. Be courteous. Good luck.

Answer 4

confident. some are indexed in author's Digest, a mag available in maximum public libraries. or basically Google "literary brokers" and seek on people who will settle for a minor for a shopper. the main concern is minors can't legally sign a settlement, so a be certain or father or mom must be in touch.

Answer 5

Hey!! I was on a search like yours once only,it was for poetry.What I did was just to use the yahoo search and you can type in"Publishing houses" and see who you would like to work with.Just make sure that they are authentic.Good luck!!