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Writers' information booth

Started by studio at 02-02-2009 6:21 PM. Topic has 4 replies.
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   02-02-2009, 6:21 PM
studio

Joined on 02-02-2009
Iowa City, Iowa
Posts 1
agents

I'm a newbie at fiction with a couple of projects in the works while on sabbatical.

I'm looking for general and specific information or resources. 

My question:

Can an agent peddle your idea to the movies while you're still writing the book?

Also please: any Iowa City, Iowa resource points? I know they're here but any leads or thoughts would be appreciated.

 Thanks,

studio

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   02-03-2009, 12:26 PM
C.F. Jackson

Joined on 05-23-2008
Atlanta
Posts 27
Re: agents

Hey Studio,

A great resource is a book I found
to be very useful, called "Writers
Market."

Awesome resource to grab from any
local book store.

One thing... Remember the agent
works for you. So you can hire and
fire as you will. You create your own
rules per se when it comes to what
you want.

Continue to reach for success!

Won't Be Denied,
C.F. Jackson


FREE The Authority Site For Authors & Writers
http://www.FreeeEcourse.WebsiteMakeoverWorkshop.com
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   02-17-2009, 9:38 PM
toycar16

Joined on 02-06-2009
Posts 11
Re: agents
Im have this stigma about agents, do you know any resource where can I determine if the agent is legit or not.

Looking for someone who will do my essay.
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   03-02-2009, 7:48 PM
MonicaW

Joined on 07-11-2008
Minnesota
Posts 16
Re: agents
You start at their website.  A website doesn't necessarily mean anything, but it should list or they should be able to give you a list of authors they work with, authors who've published something you can verify.  Be wary of vague claims, get facts.  You could also google a specific name and bad agent or some similar term and see what comes up.  Ask anyone you know who's heard of an agent you don't know.
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   03-02-2009, 10:10 PM
Craven

Joined on 03-26-2008
Posts 88
Re: agents
For you the answer is 'No'. For Stephen King, probably yes. I'm not being glib here. For fiction and screen plays, unless you're Stephen King or John Grisham, you must complete your works before querying an agent - especially as a newbie, an unknown commodity.

And then you don't hire an agent, you query them. It's like an audition, where in the span of a few paragraphs, you are trying to show why your idea is unique and marketable, while at the same time give the agent a flavor for your writing style and voice. Querying is an art form. If you manage to entice an agent, they will request more chapters and possibly the whole manuscript. They will tell you whether or not they are interested in taking you on.

You can learn a lot about query letters on agent blogs like Query Shark and Miss Snark. Learn how to query, before you try it - even have other writers review your query prior to sending it out. Look at the Preditors and Editors website (P&E) to find legitimate agents. There are a lot of scammers out there trying to get into your wallet. You NEVER pay an agent. Agents earn their wages from a percentage of what they get you from the sale of your work.

One other warning. After you find the legit agencies on P&E, go to their websites and research. Most have submission guidlines, and they vary from agency to agency. Some will want only a query letter, some will allow you to send manuscript pages as well, some work only via snail mail, some prefer e-mail. Follow the submission guidelines to the letter. Deviating can result in immediate rejection. Also, read the agent bios on most sights. Not all agents represent all genres. Find out which agents represent the genre you've written, and address your query to them; i.e., Dear Ms. Reid,.

Okay, now my fingers are as tired as your eyes, but this is fairly involved process.

Good luck, -Craven

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