How to Get a Literary Agent
A literary agent can pull strings for you and get your writing seen by people you would not be able to contact directly. They can also open literary doors, help with networking, and fight to get your work seen. In order to make money, a literary agent wants your work published just as much as you do.
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Instructions
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Write your novel first. Make sure you have a polished manuscript before contacting any agent. They need to know that you are serious and professional about writing.
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Get experience. Before jumping into trying to sell a novel, try writing for a few publications. Establishing that you can write for an editor, and get paid for it, will speak volumes to any agent. Try different mediums to get published. Try writing for local publications, send your information to contests and submit to your local or school paper.
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Research agents. Use the web, other writers and networking to find an agent that is right for you.
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Submit your work to more than one agent at a time. Getting a literary agent can take a while. Simultaneous submissions may be frowned upon by some, but as long as you are straightforward about your submissions when you send them in, it should not be a problem.
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Gather information and write a synopsis. This is a brief but thorough overview of your work. Once you have the synopsis done, you will also have to send a query letter to the agent(s) you want to work with. It should also be brief--no longer than one typewritten page--but it needs to grab the reader. Queries are seen every day by the agents and their assistants, so you need something that will stand out to them. Include your experience in the query letter and let them feel your passion and why they should want to work with you.
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Join writers' groups. By networking and marketing yourself with other writers and agents, you will be able to broaden your knowledge and contacts.
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Repeat. If you have rejections, don't let that get you down. Being persistant is key.
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Resources
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Comments
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claydog1
Nov 02, 2008
Wonderful insight, great article. -
brazoswriter
Aug 15, 2008
Although I write fiction, I found the article very informative. The information is relevant to those of us who write fiction as well. Great job Ms. Keller. Too bad you don't accept fiction. I would contact you.
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QuackJack
Jul 28, 2008
Another outstanding article.
