Is it difficult to get a successful and reputable literary agent?

Question

If you have had experience in the realm of agent representation, how challenging was the process? Also, what is the average percentage they take? As an unknown writer, do I have a better chance at getting my manuscript read by a good agent than publishing houses

Answer 1

yes, it's very difficult. And I don't know who thinks that agents give advice or will comment on your book, because that's just not true. You'll be lucky if you get a nice form letter.

All is not lost, however. Your best bet is to attend a Writers' Conference where there will be agents and publishers. You can make an appointment to pitch your book in person. You will have ten minutes and if you're lucky, s/he'll want to see the first fifty pages.

I attend the Colorado Gold Conference, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. It is held in Denver in October and people come from all over. I've also attended The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (RMC-SCBWI) (rmcsbwi.org) 's conference - they have two each year. I can't emphasize enough how helpful this has been. My first agent was someone I met at a gay and lesbian writers' conference.

Answer 2

Literary agents are a lot friendlier than publishing houses. Publishing houses will give you no feedback whatsoever about your book unless they really like it and want to publish it. Literary agents will give you some feedback even if they don't want to represent your book. As far as getting a literary agent to represent you, it's as difficult as getting a small publishing house to publish your book. What makes an agent valuable is the agent has connections with the big publishing houses. On average, an agent will take 15% but then you have to take royalty and other legal matters into consideration.

Answer 3

Most publishers only accept manuscripts from agented writers. Many literary agents prefer to represent published writers. You would have to do a very thorough and persistent search to find a good one to represent you. Avoid those who charge reading fees.

Answer 4

the 1st agent became not a real agent. brokers in no way ask for funds up front. the different 2 have been blowing you off, because of the fact there incredibly isn't something to stop an agent from representing a foreign places born author to American publishers. The publishing international has been worldwide for fairly a while now, so your present day u . s . of place of residing isn't that lots of a controversy. Heck, even my little itsy bitsy press has printed writers from India, Germany, Canada, and international extensive.

Answer 5

It easy peasy lemon squezzy