I want to publish a book.?

Question

Is it better to go with an agent? Know any good ones?

Answer 1

When you get a chance, go to your local library or a Barnes and Nobles (any books store shall do). They have a section for aspiring writers. Read some of the career books on finding an agent. Also look through the tips on writers.com. They have a great set of advice for avoiding agency scams.
A good number of publishers will only take submissions represented by an agent. Some of the testimonials from 'Writer's Market 2006' explain how the business works.
What is more important is finding the publisher you want to work with rather than shopping for an agent. Once you get an idea of what genre your book is best classified as (you can use the index as a guide), sift through the publishers and learn what materials and qualifications they desire for submission. A lot want self addressed envelopes, the first three chapters of a manuscript, or a brief synopsis. These can take anywhere from a month to a year to review (or two).
To make their job easier, my friend who worked with a publisher recommends that you make a self-addressed post card with the following:
(check box) Please send synopsis and outline
(check box) Please send three chapters
(check box) Please send complete manuscript
(check box) Not interested in your ____ at this time

or something of the like and include it in your submission. That way they'll get back to you more quickly because they don't have to type out a letter.

The easier you make their job, the more likely they'll do business with you. The key is to understand what the manuscript readers have to put up with and to reduce their hassle. When you send your materials or manuscript, bind it nicely and make it easy to turn on neat paper so that the reader can look it over on a train, fold the pages back, and have room to make comments. You can even ask in your cover letter for the editor/reader to leave comments to help you improve your craft.

There are a lot of options here, but you'll need to learn how to write a good book proposal and how to market your work. The publisher often takes over the marketing for you, but if you frame it comprehensively in your book proposal, it'll save the publisher effort and ideally engender favor.

But the role of the agent still can enter. All I can suggest is to read up on them in the 'Guide to Literary Agents'.

Also, look into self-publishing online, which requires a more entrepeneurial spirit. It is quicker and inexpensive, although you have to undertake a different type of work and market/sell your own work.

Answer 2

Agents can be very helpful in getting you published with the right houses, in fact, some publishers only accept agented submissions.

The truth is you don't not have to have an agent to publish a book. At the beginning of your writing career you can most likely submit your manuscript yourself by following the publisher's guidelines.

I know of quite a few famous writers who didn't use an agent for a very long time (Stephen King, Mercedes Lackey, Larry Dixon), and some refuse to use an agent just because of the bad ones they've had in the past.

Write what you love, believe in yourself and submit your work. Every writer out there is a reader too and we like seeing new novels hit the shelves.

Answer 3

Everyone wants to it seems. In the first place, agents only take clients either through referrals, or ones they figure have the next great blockbuster You need to query agents with outlines, sample chapters, synopsis, etc. Most agents are not taking on new clients. The publishing field is very tight. Only 1% of all the MS submitted in a single year are ever published. Thousands upon thousands are submitted, never read, and returned. Your chances are slim at best. Mr. Num Num makes a good point, too, and he is right!

Answer 4

Welcome to the 99.9% Club! :0)

So do the rest of us. But the market is tighter than you can imagine, and many thousands of us get rejected in the long run.

*However*, this doesn't mean you should give up after the first try. You should keep trying for as long as you wish. But be realistic: Traditional publishinig isn't as cracked up as it used to be.

These days, publishers are in it for the money. They have no time to nuture and hold hands with a first-time author. So you have to know your ****, know what you're selling, what your book is about and so on.

And the majority of publishers (mainstream) take agents. At least 80% of them are required to go through an agent. Only a small number do not.

Any good ones? You'll have to get a copy of A Guide to Writers, editors, and Agents by Jeff Herman.

But personally? No. I don't know any good ones.

Answer 5

You definitely need an agent or you won't go anywhere...

Welcome to the current day world of literary publishing. It's not WHAT you write, it's WHO you know.

Answer 6

Agents vary depending on location, but they really aren't necessary, despite what most of the people here would have you believe.