Do you know a good Literary Agent?

Question

We have a ready-to-publish-novel and are looking for an agent:
men's interest, hilariously funny and unique - think Fargo, Easy Rider and Hunter S. Thompson.

Answer 1

Get the newest "Writer's Market" book, "Formatting and Submitting Your Manuscript" and books about query letter writing, because based on what you've written here, you need help with it. For example, don't say that your book is unique and then list all the things it resembles in the same sentence. The best way might be to show that it's unique in your description, and then maybe mention those names later, when you're describing where it fits in the market. When you read the books mentioned above, you'll see how complicated it gets and how hard it is to reduce your writing to a one-page sales pitch.

Some more advice:
I've found that agents respond better when you show, subtlely, that you know something about them. For instance, mention a book they helped publish that you liked (don't lie), or give an honest reason for choosing them.
Also, since your book is funny, show a little of that style in the letter. Don't quote from the book and keep it professional, but add a few lines of humor.
The last tip is this: go for the broadest audience. You say the book is "men's interest," so mention that, but... would it appeal to some women? Which ones? Show the agent that you're serious about publishing and have an idea of your audience. This is probably very important for a book like yours; if the agent thinks it's too unique, they might worry about it being marketable, so you have to go out of your way to show that it has potential. I know that sounds absurd (if the book is good and original, it should be published, right?) but they worry about numbers, so you'll have to work harder to sell it.

But mostly, read the books and keep trying. I got many rejections before the last couple agents requested the manuscript. You might try the younger members of an agency, who don't have client lists yet.

Good luck. We need more unique comedy in the world-- that's why I'm trying to help you so much.

Answer 2

Hello.

You may want to try Creative Christian Writers Organization. Their web address is www.creativechristianwriters.org. They have literary agents and are affiliated with publishers.

You may also want to check out Living Waters Publishing Company, www.livingwaterspc.com.

I don't know if you know it, but working through an agent costs money. Usually, the agents take a small percentage of the royalties. If the book is a really great one, you may can haggle out a deal on your own. If you are first time publishers, you may not make an advance, but you can probably find someone to publish you in a traditional or a self-publishing program.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Did you submit your manuscript to your Local Literary Agencies?