How do I find an agent and / or publisher on the web?

Question

I am writing a book and I am about 1/2 way through writing but would like to start looking for an agent or publisher. What is the best way to do this, or is there a website or someplace to get started? The book is a vampire novel if this helps.

I am not in school and just writing this on my own. I don't want to publish the book on the web, but would like to find a list of agents or publishers that are legitimate on the web.

Answer 1

(I'm cutting and pasting from another question I answered elsewhere.)
Here's the link to the WritingWorld advice on agents: http://www.writing-world.com/publish/index.shtml#agents

I've actually been doing some research on publishing and agents while I've been working on my book, as well. Here's some of the information I have found. One thing is certain - a reputable agent never gets paid up front. Their pay comes when they've done the work for you and found the publisher. So if any agent is asking for fees up front - it's more than likely that they're shady.

I found this excerpt from "Finding an Agent" by Judith Bowen on absolutewrite.com.
-Check out books in the library that list literary agents. [Like “A Guide to Literary Agents” published by Writer's Market] See if they are members of reputable professional organizations. Go to writers' conferences. Talk to other published authors. Gradually put together your own short list and send out query letters describing your manuscript--the fact that yours is completed is a plus-- starting with the first agent on your list and working your way down. Chances
are, none of them will take you on.

Don't give up. Get out there and sell your manuscript to a publisher. Contrary to what you might have imagined - that it's the agent's job to sell your book - the truth is, your book is going to have to sell itself, whether you send it out or an agent does. Then, when you're offered that contract, contact your short list of agents again, starting at the top, and mention you've got a contract to negotiate and you'll be pretty pleased to find that the response will be quite different. Maybe your first choice or your second still won't be interested, but your third or fourth will. If you've done your research, he or she will still be a fine agent with a good reputation. -

Here are "Seven Essential Points on Literary Agents":
http://www.book-editing.com/nagle1.htm

Another good idea for looking for an agent is to read books similar to the ones you want to publish. See if there's any way you can find out who their agent was. It's best to know who else the agent has represented, especially when querying. It lets them know you've done your research.

Once you've done that research, check out if the agent is listed here at Preditors and Editors: http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/peala.htm
It’s a link to a list of literary agents, but it's alphabetical, not by genre - but this is from a reputable group that looks out for a writer's best interest. Don’t query the ones with the red “Not recommended” notes.

Best wishes!

Answer 2

When searching for agents, go to the bookstore or library and get your hands on the latest copy of the Guide to Literary Agents or the LMP (Literary Marketplace) guide. Get a feel for agents who represent the genre of work you're producing and how they prefer to be approached. You'll want to compare your list of agents you want to contact with the Preditors and Editors list (http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/) which has been created through the blood, sweat, and nasty experiences of other authors. P&E will help you figure out who to stay far, far away from.

However, the very FIRST thing you should do, long before you start this process.... finish the book. Honestly, it's harder than it sounds, and few people who start a book ever make it to "The End". When it's done, let it sit for a few weeks, then start revising. When you've revised it at least once from top to bottom, then start looking at the agent/publisher step.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Is a world of connections in that area, you can start on a web but not with a book , maybe short storries, but probability is low for somebody to notice you, best way...on make them listen to you...chose a highschool and write a book at the end as your final study.
..or became your own agent...

Answer 4

Luna; Just 'tic' THIS one up to me: Ask a struggling AUTHOR;
-like, 'Ochipa': E-mail:

(Oh, ask how her outing -with her 3 daughters, went today;
-and she'll, likely tell you THE very-BEST info, on that one).