How do you get a young adult fantasy novel published?

Question

What are publishers/agents looking for? What do they think is marketable? How do I write a knockout query letter, given that I have no impressive credentials? How can I stand out from the crowd in a positive and professional-looking way?

Answer 1

Here are two links that may be of use. The first one is Preditors and Editors. This has a list of agents. It's a site that looks out for writers and is reputable. It also has tips on what agents are looking for. The second one is "Mugging the Muse: Writing Fiction for Love and Money" by Holly Lisle - a career novelist. She has many great straight-forward tips on becoming a published novelist - including how to write a professional looking query.

http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pubagent.htm
http://www.envisionsoftware.biz/hollylisle/muse2-new.pdf

Answer 2

As a reader and not a writer, I'm just going to tell you to write what you know and like. Don't worry about what's marketable. No one was looking for a book like Harry Potter a couple of years ago. Good luck,

Answer 3

Sea:
There are many publishers out there and believe me, it is hard to find one. I spent two years and many, many manuscripts sent with only three replies to the negative. One took three years to reply? Just type in (Canadian) USA Literary Agency's and try some of these.
I went the self publish route. Very hard row to hoe. It worked for me only because I am retired and had time to do many book signings.
I write this mainly to warn you about the bad guys out there trying to take your money for nothing. Check (Warning &Cautions for Writers) May save you some headaches.
Wayne Russell, The Vagabond Writer

Answer 4

The Infernal contraptions series and The Mortal contraptions series via Cassandra Clare. I promise you will adore them :D I tell actually everybody searching for books to study them, they are magnificent.

Answer 5

Check out this book. It's a pretty good read. This seller has a good price on it too. Hope this helps...