How would you go about getting a writing agent?

Question

Is the internet trustful for finding one? =/

Answer 1

In addition to the great advice already given, it is always good if you are working with a local writing group of published authors who may be able to refer you to a literary agent. I know in my case, I was put in contact with an agent through a writer friend of mine. So don't underestimate the power of close relationships in helping you achieve your dreams.

Answer 2

You have to buy a copy of Writers Market 2007 or go to the library and use a copy of Literary Marketplace. Literary Marketplace costs 300 bucks and is a reference book. You can buy it if you can afford it. When you have a completed manuscript, the first step is to have it edited. That will cost you money, but a perfect manuscript is what sells. Even the pros use editors. It is worth the money. Then you send a query to an agent. You go to their website or listing in the books and follow their submission guidelines to the letter. Send only what they ask for. If they like that they see, they will ask for a book proposal, a partial manuscript or a complete manuscript. The most important document is the book proposal. That is what sells the book to a publisher. There are several books on how to write a proposal that sells. Buy yourself one and study it. If you have an editor, the editor can be most helpful in writing that proposal. Without a great proposal, an agent has nothing to show an editor at a publishing house and the editor has nothing to take to the head of the publishing house to convince them to publish your book.


As for the internet being trustful for finding one - think about it. Is the internet always the most trustful place for finding anyone? The internet is useful for finding out who the agents who cannot be trusted are though. Go to Preditors and Editors and Absolute Write Water Cooler Bewares and Background Checks and research anyone before you query them. Pax - C

Answer 3

http://www.nicholassparks.com/writerscor...
Nicholas Spark's own advice.

http://www.hollylisle.com/fm/articles/fa...
Holly Lisle's advice, it is VERY thorough. Read through it all.

http://www.aar-online.org/mc/directory/v...
A listing of GOOD literary agents from the Association of Authors' Representatives.

http://www.hollylisle.com/fm/articles/ag...
How to query an agent.

http://www.adlerbooks.com/mostask.html.....
FAQ on Literary Agents and Publishing

Answer 4

http://www.agentquery.com/

I've listed a great website for searching for literary agents. You can search with lots of different criteria, and even learn about their credentials and published titles!

Answer 5

not at all trustful.