Tips and Helpful Hints

Finding an Agent

The best advice we can give when choosing an agent, or seeking an agent for representation, is do a lot of research. Look at the Preditors and Editors lists to see if an agent is listed as reputable. There are a lot of new agents out there, and there are several internet sites that make it a daily purpose to list all NEW agents to the world of publishing. New agents generally spend time actively seeking new clients for representation. They need to build their resumes and client lists, so new authors stand a better chance at finding representation with a new agent than one who is established and has big name clients.

Searching the internet with the term "agents seeking new authors" or "agents who represent new authors" is the best way to locate new agents. The list changes constantly, and also each agent has different requirements about what they will accept and what they are actively seeking. Be sure to follow the requirements and guidelines they have listed. Here are some tips about submitting query letters.

If it says do not send and attachment, then don't. They won't even open your email.

Compose a professional and well-written query letter. There are several examples of these floating around the web to use for reference.

    When composing this letter do not:

        compare yourself to another well-known author. They don't want the next James Patterson, they want someone new and refreshing...

        tell the agent that your friends and family think it is the best book they have ever read...

        tell them you do this in your spare time since you retired. Agents want to know this is your life-long passion...

        spam them with repeated emails about whether or not they have read the work. Read their guidelines, if it says they will contact you in 6-8

                weeks, then wait to hear from them...

Do the following:

    follow the instructions for submitting and do not variate...

    have a 3 page synopsis of your book on hand just in case they ask for it...

    make sure the work is the best it can be, story-line is tight, concise, character development is strong and well defined, punctuation and grammar are

        correct...

    make sure your spacing meets their requirements...

And the number one rule to follow:

Don't take rejection letters personal. It is not an attack on your work. Your work just isn't right for that particular agent. Agents get hundreds of submissions a day. The world of publishing has quickly followed the music industry and it is a very cut-throat business. Your edge is your work and your first impression. If they don't accept you, smile, move on, and send more queries. The right agent is out there, it may take a little hard work to find them.

Best Wishes and Good Luck!

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