How to Find a Literary Agent to Publish a Book
Finding a literary agent can be the key to having your book published. It's important to go about this carefully and do your research thoroughly. There are many literary agents out there, but not all of them will communicate well with you, meet your specific needs and, most importantly, take an eager interest in your book. Thus, before committing yourself to the first literary agent who offers you a deal, follow these steps to ensure that you find for yourself and your book the most capable and committed literary agent.
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Instructions
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Finish your first book. If you are a first-time author, most literary agents will not be interested in a partially completed book or an idea. In order to have a shot at finding a legitimate agent, you must have a finished work in hand.
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Do some preliminary research on literary agents. This can include going to a local bookstore, finding books within the same genre as yours and seeing who represented those authors. You also may want to pick up a book on finding a literary agent. A good choice is "Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents," a handbook that is updated yearly and lists virtually every reputable agent in the business.
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Write a query letter. Though you have a finished book, it is inappropriate to send the entire manuscript to a literary agent unless it is requested. Rather, compose a query letter that demonstrates your writing ability. You may include a choice excerpt from your book, but this is optional, and if you choose to do so, remember to keep it brief.
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Begin the process of marketing yourself. Once you get a literary agent, it will be his job to make you well known. Until then, be proactive about pursuing an agent. If you have done your research and are a good writer, you likely will be able to acquire a literary agent.
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References
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