Re: agent

Literary agents

agent

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pdibble 08-16-2005, 5:08 PM
I need an agent

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Linda Adams 08-16-2005, 5:36 PM

A copy of the Guide to Literary Agents should give you a good place to start.

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magic 09-05-2005, 7:14 PM
I'm just curious, why do you feel you need an agent?  Do you have a finished book?

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RayRussell 09-08-2005, 8:23 AM
Yes, I have a finished novel

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magic 09-09-2005, 6:53 PM
I've heard some stories about finding an agent.  One writer I met said how he got an agent interested in getting his book to an editor.  It seems this agent also wanted admininstrative cost for the author to pay him-copies that were made and postage.  He thought these things were expected.  After he paid this agent, he no longer had an interest in the author.  This author told me it was two years later that an agent did represent him.  This agent who finally did take him on said it took him that long to go through the slush pile of manuscripts.  One thing this author learned is if an agent asks you for money, that should be a red flag to you.  Don't give them any monies.  Also, not  to give up in finding an agent.  Sometimes it just takes luck.  Good luck and I hope you find an agent for your book.

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Phoenixsan 01-11-2006, 11:13 AM

Postage, phone calls and copying can be legitimate expenses that an agent does pass on to the writer, but not, not, never up front.  Never ever pay an agent to read or do anything until you've gotten a contract with that agent.  Make sure the agent spells out clearly in the contract what expenses he/she will charge you with, usually deducted from advance/royalty or separate.  Agents are supposed to only make money when their clients make money, that's their incentive to do their job....

Cinda

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Hawk 03-29-2006, 12:16 PM
Speaking as one who has been rejected by most agents known to man just hang in there and always remember sooner or later one of them will need you more than you need them.    HAWK

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byElizabeth 03-29-2006, 12:28 PM

pdibble:

I just suggest doing a lot of research before you send anything out...and that your manuscript is very polished.

The Writer mag has agents in the back sometimes...the Feb edition had a ton.  Perhaps you can find the back issue.

Also Writer's Guide has a ton of literary agents as well.  I got a lot of info from them.

I also, once I determined from those sources, some of the best agents to send to I researched online their websites (hopefully they have one) and what they've represented recently.  How they like submissions.  How long it takes for them to respond.  Any awards or publications that may be interesting to keep in mind.  They may like certain things in a query that others don't ask for.

But...someone mention not ever paying for "reading" fees upfront...THAT IS SO RIGHT.  Don't trust any agency who charges reading fees.

I have just started soliciting and I've sent out 14 queries.  I have gotten 3 rejections but the first 2 I received asked for opening chapters...so there is some action happening out there with agencies looking for new talent.  I could totally get shut down at this stage but working with an agent is, in my opinion, the smoother way to get to a good publisher. 

Hope you find what you're looking for!  Good luck!!!

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LivelyCorpse 12-15-2006, 12:53 PM

I always recommend that people check out this site:

http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pubagent.htm

It'll help you avoid agents known to be work avoiding.

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greenhornet 10-25-2008, 2:40 PM

Can anyone tell me anything about querytracker.net? Has anyone used it? It is a free website that helps you keep track of what agents you approached and the lenght of time it took for them to respond. If one is registered on this site one can check out agents responding track record.

Thanks.

Greenhornet