What would you recommend to read in order to find and agent and publish your own novel?

Question

Book titles etc. I know there is the Writer's Market...but has it really worked for anyone?

Sorry about the typo in the question.

Answer 1

I would buy a current copy of Writer's magazine. I bet you'll find something in there, or you can buy two issues, wait for next month if you don't find it in first issue. Also contact writers' workshops near you. If you live in a major city, there must be some good ones. Look them up on the web or just Yahoo yellow pages. They will give you advice either free or you have one private paid session or a whole class. Pick your advisor well as one having experience in marketing the type of writing you have. If you can't find a workshop, contact you nearest university with offering degrees in creative writing. Also, be open about this search. Talk to people in bookshops, especially the small independent bookshops. Sales people there are professional reading and writing lovers.
By the way, Writer's Market does work, yes. It's just so much to go through...

Answer 2

I don’t understand what you mean by ‘has the Writer's Market really worked for anyone’. The Writer’s Market provides information about agents, publishers, magazines, etc., and it does an excellent job of that. It’s just a starting point. But if you don’t know the information you have to start somewhere, right?

As far as agents are concerned…

Different agents handle different genres. You need to find the agents that handle the genre you write, research to ensure that they are reputable agents (yes, it takes time but you need to do it) and then start submitting to them. Once you have an agent, then the agent (hopefully) sells the book to a publisher.

Let me add though that good, reputable agents are very selective about the clients they take on. They don’t get paid unless they sell your book, so they won’t invest their time and effort into a book unless they really think they can sell it.

Answer 3

Start in the research area of your local library...there's alot more to publishing than just finding a good agent. You need to know about copyrights, permissions to publish, contracts, payment types, query letters, submission rules....the list is long. you might want to start with submitting short stories or articles into the magazine world first to get into the world of publishing...and build a resume. Good luck...

Answer 4

I dont know sorry. But if you find anything out, let me know. I'm only 16, but i've always wanted to write and get published.