Finding an agent?

Question

Hi Everyone....I would really appreciate serious answers on this question, as it is not worth my time to chase down false answers. Thanks!

So...I've written one book, and gone through a place that printed it and provided it...it's even listen on Amazon...but that's about it. I never had to pay to have it published, and that was nice...but now I want to go about finding a real agent who will accept my work (I have the beginnings of about 3 more books, as well as a children's book written). I want one that is certified, and will be able to promote my work, without it costing me money outright...I'm a bit wary of that kind of business. I'm working on a degree in English, which I'll take to the editing world, and hopefully be able to make more contacts, but as of now I have very little contact with the publishing world, and I would very much like to continue to produce work. Any suggestions?

Thank you~

Okay....I was probably tired, and didn't make myself perfectly clear when writing up this question...but thanks for all the great answers! My first book is completely published, and they did all the design work, and they did accept it. I do not consider it self published, as I never paid them a cent, and they took it at their own risk...as well as giving it to amazon and barnes and noble.
I am working on my manuscripts, finishing them up and editing them. I am an English Major, so I do not somewhat of what I am doing. My problem is just finding agents who will take new writers without charging, and going about doing such a thing. Thanks!

Answer 1

I'm drawing my conclusions on what you said as well as what you left out. You said you "went through a place that printed it and provided it" so it sounds like you self-published some place like Lulu.com. Most authors say they were 'published' instead of 'printed'. If this is the case, if you self-published, it will be difficult (though not entirely impossible) for you to find an agent. Most literary agents don't count self-publishing as an actual publishing credit because your work wasn't 'accepted' by a publisher, just a book printer.

I say it's not entirely impossible because--depending largely on your sales--it is possible for an agent to recognize that you have talent. Stephen King self-published his first book and sold it out of the trunk of his car (or so I've heard).

If you truly desire an agent, then you need to do your own research. Go to the public library and use the Literary Marketplace. Research the agents that represent the genre of fiction you write as well as childrens literature. It will probably be difficult to find one that handles both, but you never know. Once you've selected some agencies, follow their submission guidelines to the letter. Give them exactly what they want, the way they want it.

But sincerely, the first thing you need to do is have a finished and polished manuscript. Shopping for an agent without one is a waste of your time and a sure rejection from the agent.

Answer 2

First you have to finish writing it, and edit it to the best of your ability. No reputable publisher or agent will look at unfinished work from an unproven author. It is HARD work writing a book, so unless you are very famous you need to sit down and write. Publishing comes later.

Unfortunately, you probably aren't going to be able to find someone to take on your self-published work unless you have success with your other ones. You may want to pull it from whatever site it is on now, though.

As far as novels go, different publishers specialize in different things, and fiction is a broad world. You have to try and sell your material to companies that produce similar works (ie, don't try and sell a fantasy novel to a romance publisher). So do your homework. Take a look at the most recent "Writer's Market"... or even better, try the "Guide to Literary Agents".

No publisher or agent should charge you any money up front! That is the sign of a scam! They make money by selling your book. Agents work on a commission (generally 15% of the amount of money the publishers pay you).

Make sure that you follow their exact submission specifications. You can't send them your book, but you should be sending them a query letter (Nicholas Sparks has a good example on his website). Don't copyright your book first, it looks amatuer and would cause them trouble down the line when you do the revisions they ask for.

New writers will never have all the publicity taken care of. Publishers will do some, but you will have to have a web presence and do book signings, among other things. No one is going to push your book if you don't push it yourself!

Here are some websites that can help. Read them thoroughly and research, research, research! Pay special attention to Miss Snark, because her archives can answer any question you ever have about publishing:
http://www.nicholassparks.com/WritersCorner/Index.html
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/
http://www.agentquery.com
http://www.misssnark.blogspot.com

And be warned of the people on this list:
http://www.sfwa.org/beware/twentyworst.html

Good luck!

Answer 3

Why not try Outskirts Press, Inc. Click on the attached link where you'll find answers to these questions:

Frequently Asked Questions:
What does Outskirts Press do?
How do I submit a manuscript?
Who maintains the copyright of my book?
How do I register my copyright?
What are the contractual processes?
What are the fees?
How do I pay you?
Is online payment safe?
Is submitting a manuscript the same as getting published?
How soon will I know if my manuscript has been accepted?
Why was my manuscript rejected?
What are the cover choices?
What are my royalties?
Will I get any copies of my book?
Why do I need to register?
I have forgotten my login information.
What is your Affiliate Program?
What kind of control do I have over the final version of my book?
What format of e-books do you support?
How long does it take to get a book published?
How long does it take for my webpage to be created?
Will I get a chance to review my book during the production phase?
How will people buy my book?
What marketing materials and services do you provide?
How much will one copy of my book cost?
How and when do I get paid?

All the best for your book!

Answer 4

if you got a strong will ... well if i were you, I'll try to find another known writers to help me out. so the question is ... is there any writers you know (in town or out there that you can contact), so you can at least ask for any information you need.