Literary Agents: Needing an Agent, Querying an Agent, Getting an Agent
Agents are an interesting sort. They remind me of creditors. Nobody wants you until someone has you, and then they all want you. Literary agents have been burned so many times by writers that write like the rejects on Idol sing that they don't even want to see a manuscript anymore. They search for reasons to reject the unpublished writer. Don't get me wrong, literary agents want nothing more than to find the next blockbuster novelist, but after opening hundreds of letters by frogs all day, it's hard to convince them to accept you when you're a prince.
Okay, let's back up a step. An agent is needed for a number of reasons. Sure, there are a few unique cases out there of authors that gain publication through unorthodox methods, but the odds are stacked against such avenues being open to you. Publishers more often look at manuscripts presented to them by an agent they trust. That is the cold hard fact. Besides, wouldn't you want a seasoned professional in your corner that knows who is buying what? An agent can also handle the money matters, negotiate for you the best deal, has connections in the industry you don't have, and can help well beyond the point of publication. Unless you are one of those rarities out there that somehow hits it big because you were in the right place at the right time with the right manuscript in your hand, you need an agent.
My queries began like any other author's, a strictly carved statue that went clearly by the rules. Don't get me wrong, the rules are good and should be followed, but your query needs to have something special. Something that stands out. Something that gets an agent's attention, but it best not be a gimmick. Original, quality writing stands out. One agent has indicated that they prefer, whether asked for or not, that at least the first five pages should always be included with the query. Another has indicated to me that a letter that also details a marketing plan catches their attention.
Now for the query rules: state your work's primary feature, its category/genre, credentials you have to write the book if its non-fiction, plotline or subject, and keep it concise and professional. It's your 15 second pitch. If you can't convince someone that your book is worthy in 15 seconds, or six lines of print, it may not be the blockbuster that you think it is. Oh, and thank them for reading your query, and tell them that you look forward to their response. Cordial niceties go a long way.
Personally handpick the agents that you plan to query. Do your research. Otherwise your rejections will read something like, "Your manuscript is not right for our agency," or "We are not the right agent for your work." Most agencies reject 98% of what they receive. They're not mean, they are in business to make money, and a literary agent does not earn a penny until they make you a penny (hence, if they ask for money, get a different agent/some legitimate literary agents may charge duplicating costs, etc., but most postpone payment until you make money, and then take the charges from that). If they are going to stick their neck out, then they only want to represent what they believe has the best chance at publication, and a good chance at bringing in a high dollar. It's all about business, and until you treat your writing like a business, it will remain nothing more than a hobby.
Don't do anything that will burn bridges with any literary agent, and don't get a bad agent that is capable of soiling your reputation before you build one. I had a bad agent, an experience of which you can read in one of my past posts, and it was a year of wasted time and effort. Also, I don't know what damage it caused me in the publishing industry. Hopefully, the damage was minimal. Research, research, research.
I have more information about getting a literary agent on my website. Click the title of this post to take you there. Good luck, stay persistent, and remember: A professional is an amateur who didn't quit.
Stay the course, and finish the race.
Okay, let's back up a step. An agent is needed for a number of reasons. Sure, there are a few unique cases out there of authors that gain publication through unorthodox methods, but the odds are stacked against such avenues being open to you. Publishers more often look at manuscripts presented to them by an agent they trust. That is the cold hard fact. Besides, wouldn't you want a seasoned professional in your corner that knows who is buying what? An agent can also handle the money matters, negotiate for you the best deal, has connections in the industry you don't have, and can help well beyond the point of publication. Unless you are one of those rarities out there that somehow hits it big because you were in the right place at the right time with the right manuscript in your hand, you need an agent.
My queries began like any other author's, a strictly carved statue that went clearly by the rules. Don't get me wrong, the rules are good and should be followed, but your query needs to have something special. Something that stands out. Something that gets an agent's attention, but it best not be a gimmick. Original, quality writing stands out. One agent has indicated that they prefer, whether asked for or not, that at least the first five pages should always be included with the query. Another has indicated to me that a letter that also details a marketing plan catches their attention.
Now for the query rules: state your work's primary feature, its category/genre, credentials you have to write the book if its non-fiction, plotline or subject, and keep it concise and professional. It's your 15 second pitch. If you can't convince someone that your book is worthy in 15 seconds, or six lines of print, it may not be the blockbuster that you think it is. Oh, and thank them for reading your query, and tell them that you look forward to their response. Cordial niceties go a long way.
Personally handpick the agents that you plan to query. Do your research. Otherwise your rejections will read something like, "Your manuscript is not right for our agency," or "We are not the right agent for your work." Most agencies reject 98% of what they receive. They're not mean, they are in business to make money, and a literary agent does not earn a penny until they make you a penny (hence, if they ask for money, get a different agent/some legitimate literary agents may charge duplicating costs, etc., but most postpone payment until you make money, and then take the charges from that). If they are going to stick their neck out, then they only want to represent what they believe has the best chance at publication, and a good chance at bringing in a high dollar. It's all about business, and until you treat your writing like a business, it will remain nothing more than a hobby.
Don't do anything that will burn bridges with any literary agent, and don't get a bad agent that is capable of soiling your reputation before you build one. I had a bad agent, an experience of which you can read in one of my past posts, and it was a year of wasted time and effort. Also, I don't know what damage it caused me in the publishing industry. Hopefully, the damage was minimal. Research, research, research.
I have more information about getting a literary agent on my website. Click the title of this post to take you there. Good luck, stay persistent, and remember: A professional is an amateur who didn't quit.
Stay the course, and finish the race.
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