This is a question for writers with an agent...?

Question

I have finished my book but am having a hard time procurring an agent. The book itself has enjoyed great review from multiple sources however, I find it hard to sum up a 100,000 word book into 100 words or less as per the request of most agents.

I am an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran who decided to give a different perspective on the world at large to include: The President, government, religion, international affairs, current events, a slight bit of history, and of course the war. Though the book itself makes complete sense when read, I find it hard to summerize something with topics as vast as this. I am convinced that it is my marketing of the book and am wondering if there is any advice or recommendations that a writer could give, perhaps even take a look at my work that might help me in my quest.

NOTE: All work is copyrighted.

Answer 1

Look at the books you currently have on your shelf (preferably, Hard cover). Look at the inside flyleaf. You'll find a short synopsis of the book written there. Now, do the same for your book.

I'm sorry, but you have to be able to condense it down. If you, the author, can't get a firm grip on the material, how can you expect an outsider to do it. It's hard, I know, but you just flat-out have to do it. I recently wrote a book about government, and the way I sold it was by asking a series of provocative questions about the subject matter, the answers to which were contained in the book.

Your query letter must be limited to one page. Your first paragraph should introduce you, your book's title, and why you are uniquely qualified to write it.

Your second paragraph should give a synopsis of the book (or, if you find it impossible to do this) say something like...

"XYZ is a penetrating analysis of big-money corruption in the internecine worlds of politics, religion, and big business. It's a fresh perspective that illuminates hidden issues and raises new questions...

Question 1.
Question 2.
Question 3. Etcetera, etc.

Your third paragraph should state something of the market and competition for your work, and why yours is different/better.

Your fourth paragraph should state how long the manuscript is, that it is finished, and that you have a complete proposal package ready for inspection.

Okay?

Now. Assuming this book is nonfiction, have you written your proposal yet? Since you say you don't know how to condense your ideas to 100 words, I'm thinking that you have not.

Post a follow-up comment on this question if you'd like some guidance on how to construct a proposal package.

In any event, I'm posting what I consider to be the best writer's resource website available. It has multiple pages of agents, many of whom accept online queries. Cheers, mate.

http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/

Answer 2

work out what genre your book is - is it a factual book, a contemporary history, personal journal type thing. then you need to target the right agent for your genre. You will have to summarise your book - what is it that you are trying to say with your book - what's the central message or point/s that you are setting out to prove. So once you have set out your aims and objectives ofthe book you then set your credentials and unique sources of information - be it yourself or access to key figures involved with the events - first hand witness information. You can then possibly add in a little section of the book which should engage their interest and give a flavour of your work, style and thought processes. I have just been helping a friend with his first book on some similar topics - took a fair while to get an agent but he did it in the end. You have to get yourself disciplined with editing your work and being able to break it right down to basics to explain it to potential agents.

Answer 3

It can be tough, by keep trying, and you'll succeed. :) Just try not to fall for any scam agents, okay?