I'm a first time author, what literary agents can help me?

Question

I've been writing for about 7 years now, however I just haven't published anything. I've finally buckled down and started (almost completed) to write a novel. It's SciFi/Fantasy, however, I know it's pretty hard to get into the literary world without having a good resume as far as being published goes. I've been doing my research, and I think I'd like to go the Literary Agent route. I was thinking of self publishing myself, but I'd like to really pursue the road to where I can get published through mainstream. Can anyone give me advice and what literary agents out there that would actually take on a "first time author"? Thanks.

Answer 1

You will find very few agents reading sci fi fantasy at the moment. The market is glutted. What you have to do is get a copy of Writers Market or go to the library and use Literary Marketplace. Choose agents or small publishers reading your genre. Then spend a ton of time googling and researching the hell out of them. Start with Absolute Write Water Cooler Bewares and Background Checks and Preditors and Editors. If there is any information regarding problems with the publisher or agent, keep looking. There are a lot of baddies out there.

In addition to your manuscript, you will be asked for the following things. 1) A query letter - that's where it all begins. 2) A Summary (but not always) 3) A manuscript - either partial or complete and 4) A book proposal. That is the most important document and you MUST learn how to write a good one. That sells your book.

Also especially in the case of a first time author, they expect your book to be edited. At least Sweep Through edited. That will cost you some money but it will be worth it. It will take a good book and turn it into a great book. It will also ensure your manuscript is perfect and in a style and form acceptable to publishers. Editors know how to do this. They know how to sell a book. Spend the money.

The best advice is that you have to learn to advocate for yourself. Most of the answers here are incorrect and inaccurate. They are based on here-say passed from kid to kid - none of whom have actually done this. You have to learn to help yourself. Get a copy of Writers Market and study it. It costs 30 bucks. If you can swing it Literary Marketplace is our Bible but it costs 300 bucks. Libraries have it in reference sections. The more you learn for yourself, the better you are. Yes, it is a ton of hard work and expect a lot of rejection in the process. Gone with the Wind was rejected 50 times. That should tell you something. Pax - C

Answer 2

The book, The Writer's Market, has a list of Literary Agencies. Buy it at any large bookseller.

It depends on the Liteary Agent, we are not psychic and can't tell you which Literary Agent to contact.

The Writer's Market is your best resource.

As a former "Reader," for a Literary Agency, I can tell you 99% of manuscripts submitted, are thrown in the trash, unless the Author sends a LARGE brown self-addressed, stamped envelope for return to writer.

Answer 3

Try Penguin Books. They provide the literary agent, the publishing know-how and how to get off the ground and running. They will print up a first run, albeit a small edition run. If it is a success, they will print a larger edition run and so on.
And they're global.
http://www.penguin.com
However, if you just want to get just a literary agent, try these:
http://www.firstwriter.com/Agents/
http://www.vantagepress.com/?gclid=CKePmvmnwY0CFRqfYAodhXYuGw
Also, contact your local major newspaper editors for hints and tips.