How do I find the best literary agent?

Answer 1

I really like the current issue of the "Guide to Literary Agents". It is from the folks at Writer's Market, who do an excellent job is creating resources for authors to start their research of agents. I'd also recommend their book "Formatting & Submitting your Manuscript".

As for finding out if they're reliable, and excellent resource is the website Preditors and Editors-- they are a good jumping off point to start your quest!
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/

Do your homework, and find out exactly what they want in a submission package or a query letter. Then submit over and over until you finally find an agent who accepts you. You will face a lot of rejection, but keep going!

Happy writing

Answer 2

Get hold of The Writer's Handbook, which lists all agents, publishers, and just about every other question that a budding author needs. It will tell you which agents deal with which particular kinds of work, and often tell you whether they're accepting new manuscripts, whether they charge a reading fee, how they like work presented, etc., and it also has a section on authors' experience with different publishers (and, I think, different agents). That's your starting place.

You also need to think about what you want an agent to do for you (assuming that you're successful). Selling film/TV rights? Selling translation rights/overseas rights?

Another thing worth doing while you're waiting for Amazon to deliver The Writer's Handbook is to look at the acknowledgements in books similar to your own; often the author will thank their agent, and if their thanks look to be more than just a form letter then there's another clue for you.

Good luck. You've probably got a long road ahead but remember all those authors who couldn't find agents/publishers for their best-sellers. Almost every agent, publisher, and author has such a tale to tell.

Answer 3

I'm going to assume(yes I know the joke) that you have written something you wish to publish. There is a book in your local bookstore that has lists of different publishers and literary agents. It's called the Writer's Market. It's published every year. One thing to beware of when selecting an agent is you shouldn't have to pay an agent to read and (for want of a better word) pimp you work to various publishers. The agent is going to get a percentage when the publisher wants to buy the book. If they want money upfront pick another agent. Also, have you tried submitting to the publishers yourself? You don't need an agent to do that. If a publisher buys your work, and it goes big, and agent will come to you.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Publish your work on your own and work hard at marketing to prove your book has selling potential and that you're willing to do what it takes to push it.

Nowadays, both publishing companies and agents want authors who have proven themselves in some way. There is too much competition and very few books making money for them to take a chance on those who do not have some kind of a record to show.

Sales are more about marketing than about quality: sad, but true. Authors have to work hard to promote themselves. Not even an agent can make it work otherwise.

Answer 5

As a former reader, at a literary agency, most material sent to us was unsolicited, and went in the trash can, unless the writer provided a large self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of material. It's best if you ask a writer friend for a referral to/his her literary agent. If you are in a writing class, ask the teacher for a referral.

Our priority was to read material that had was referred by our clients. The best literary agents are busy with clients, it will hard, unless you have a referral, for the "reader," to review your material. Good luck.