What is the best way for an unknown author to find a good agent or a publishing company ?

Answer 1

First, don't believe what they teach you in the beginner books about writing and publishing. I've been working in the business for 15 years and my experience is that editors and agents aren't nearly as feared as these books want you to think they are.

Pick up a copy of Writer's Market. It's expensive, but it's filled with leads. And start making contacts in the industry.

Also, go to my profile and click the "email" thing and send me a message...

p.s. I just edited my answer: Somebody mentioned LuLu.com. I second that. LuLu is a GREAT way to go.

Answer 2

OK, to clarify, Lulu is NOT a publisher. Lulu is a print technology company. Some small presses use Lulu to print their books, but Lulu itself is not a true publisher. I NEVER recommend self-publishing to someone who is not already familiar with the industry.

The best way to find an agent or publisher is to research the industry and start small. Baby steps. Too many writers want to go straight to the million dollar contract. It does not work that way. You need to get involved. Write poems, articles, or short stories for micropresses and small magazines first to build a name for yourself. Attend writing workshops to socialize with people in the industry. Subscribe to Poets & Writers, Writer's Digest, and similar publications. Go to author signings and open readings. Get involved in writing organizations like the International Women's Writing Guild, The Speculative Literature Foundation, and others that help writers network with agents and publishers.

Be professional and humble. By that I mean when you query, avoid chatspeak and slang. Don't go on about "I always wanted to be a writer and my mom's boss's cousin thinks my poetry is great and..." WE DON'T CARE! The only thing we care about is if you can tell a good story. Keep your query short and to the point and present your best face.

Be open to criticism. If a publisher bothers to actually explain why they rejected your work instead of sending you a form letter, be grateful. That means they see something good in you and want you to get better. You don't have to agree with it. But keep your ego in check. Whenever I get an angry "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT YOU (insert expletive)" reply to a rejection, not only does that author end up on my blacklist, but I discuss it with other publishers as well. Criticism is not meant to keep you down. It is meant to inspire you to do better.

Answer 3

Definitely agree with jeffcogs on this one. Buy the latest edition of the book "Writer's Market." Become familiar with the works that the publishing company publishes before applying simply because they're not going to publish something completely out of their genre. Work on a good cover letter, and make sure that your work is in the format that they're asking for.

Answer 4

I searched online. I use Lulu.com . It may not be a very well-known publisher, but my sales are doing OK due to my PR campaign and good persuasion with friends and family. I write military fiction books. This may not be for you, but it'll do until I become well-known enough to go with a publisher many people know.

Answer 5

Query, far and wide.

Get a current copy of Writer's Market and query every agent in your genre -- as long as they're currently accepting queries. Make sure you know who you're writing to, or it just makes you look unprofessional.