where can i get a genuine literary agent?I have been conned once!?

Question

I have written several short story manuscripts,however i'm unable to do self publishing. I have contacted several literary agents that i googled but it seems none of them are genuine!

Answer 1

Not knowing what kind of writer you are, we can't answer that question. You see, like publishers, different agents represent different genres. You can have an amazing book and a beautiful query letter, but if you write chick lit and send off your letter to an agent who represents fantasy, you are going to get a rejection.

Pick up a copy of "Writer's Market" or "Guide to Literary Agents", hunt through Agent Query, and put your Google skills to use to dig up as much information as you can on agents who represent the kinds of things that you write. There is tons of information out there! Read these two sites thoroughly:
http://www.agentquery.com/
http://misssnark.blogspot.com/

That said, the previous posters are correct-- almost no literary agents will look at short stories. It just isn't a big selling market. You would be best to submit to literary journals and magazines that want similar work to yours. Each publisher will also have their own length guidelines-- some publications can support much longer pieces than others, so look for one that matches this as well!

To begin your research, take a look at the current edition of the book "Writer's Market". It is a fairly comprehensive listing of locations to submit work. Then, head down to your local public library and see if you can track down copies. Make sure it is appropriate or it will be a waste of time and postage to submit.

Each publisher has different submission guidelines, so make sure to research the specifics. Oftentimes, they are now on the web so it's much easier. Most only want you to submit one story in each submission package, and they generally have length guidelines as well.

Do not submit your story to multiple publications simultaneously unless you specify it in your cover letter and you are sure that the particular publishers accept simultaneous submissions.

For formatting your story and manuscript, see if you can locate a copy of "Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript" (which is actually published by the folks at Writer's Market). It's my favorite reference for all sorts of literary queries. I write poetry primarily, but my submission package generally includes a cover letter introducing myself and the work that I have enclosed, plus my poems (each page having my name, address, and the page number at the top). Like "Writer's Market", many public libraries have this book in their reference section!

It could take a long time, and be prepared for multiple rejections. Such is the life of an author! But, if you are persistant, you will find a home for your story.

Let me also suggest checking out the website http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/ to help you avoid other scams in every aspect of writing.

Answer 2

Most literary agents dont read short stories. That's why you are being conned. Get yourself a copy of Writers Market 2007 - Short Fiction and also a copy of the monthly magazine Writers Digest. There are many markets in there for short fiction -- contests, magazines and anthologies. You can also Google anthologies accepting submissions and see what ones are open now for stories. Before you send anything to anyone, go to Preditors and Editors and Absolute Write Bewares and Background Checks and check out the place you are sending to. Both are very reliable sources for keeping track of scams. Pax - C.

Answer 3

For short stories you are better of selling them yourself. Most agents wouldn't touch them unless you are an established writer. Contact magazines.

Answer 4

Why can't you self-publish?

I'm just curious.

On your agent problem, you have to buy the latest Writer's Guide and skim through it like the rest of the wanna be traditionalists.