I tried to send stories to childrens' magazines and they are returned with a note about "unsolicited material".
Do I need an Agent? What does a writers' agent do to help the writer?
2007-02-16 11:00:26 · 4 answers · asked by Ceye 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Yes, if it was returned because the company does not accept "unsolicited" materials, you should get an agent.
Try the Children's Writers and Illustrators Market 2007.
http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Writers-Illustrators-Market-2007/dp/1582974357/sr=1-1/qid=1171670686/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-5651246-3013608?ie=UTF8&s=books
Also try the Guide to Literary Agents 2007
http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Literary-Agents-2007/dp/1582974322/sr=1-1/qid=1171670748/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-5651246-3013608?ie=UTF8&s=books
Agents know the publishing community intimately (or at least, they should) and work hard to find the right "fit" for a writer with a particular publisher or publication.
2007-02-16 11:07:05 · answer #1 · answered by Kate 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am going through the same thing right now except with an adult fiction novel. The writer's market guide is a wonderful tool. It lists agents and the type of work they will represent as well as what type of material publishers are looking for presently. Also listed is periodicals and what type of material they are looking for. I purchased my copy at amazon.com for a fraction of the list price. Also, type in agents in your search engine and you will find tons of websites dedicated to literary agents. It's an agents job to know which publishers are looking for the type of material you are writing. They will guide you, not write for you, to the proper places. They will help negotiate terms for you. There is different material out there that will give you an idea what an agents job is. My novel falls in the category of Christian fiction and one place I listed my novel is Christian Manuscript Submissions. I realize your books are children's but if you go to their website they do give some information about agents. I think you will find it useful. Happy hunting!
2007-02-16 19:24:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ceye:
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 or English Literary Agency's and try some of these. If your work is excepted there are no charges to you. They will give you upfront $ and a percentage on books sold. Usually about 15%. Best selling authors can demand much, more. Good luck.
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 (Warnings & Cautions for Writers) May save you some headaches.
Wayne Russell, The Vagabond Writer
2007-02-17 13:31:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on what country you live in, there will be the equivalent of a Writer's & Artists' Year Book that lists literary agents, magazines and publishers. It will also give you insights into whether or not they accept unsolicited manuscripts, and how best to approach them to maximise your chances of publication. UK version here: http://www.writersandartists.co.uk/default.asp?sec=1
2007-02-16 19:56:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋