So you have decided to use a literary agent to help get your book known. Before I begin I would first like to mention that not everyone needs a literary agent, if you plan on submitting your manuscript to a larger publishing house then you would most benifit from a literary agent, as most big publishing houses might not read unsolicted manuscripts. If you plan on submitting your manuscript to a smaller publishing house that accaptes unsolicoted manuscripts then you may not even need an agent. Larger publishing houses trust most agents to send quality manuscripts, agents know what publishing houses want. On the down side it isn’t exactly an easy task getting an agent to sign you on if you are an unknown name in the business.
Here are some tips to help you when finding an agent.
1. Finnish your novel or literary work before contacting an agent. If you are required to send in your whole manuscript, you want to have it to send. If you tell the agent they have to wait a month until you are finished writing you will be dropped and the next new emerging author will a full manuscript in hand will take your place. Don't waste both your time and the agent’s time. Finnish your work, edit and edit again, have a friend read it to make sure it flows properly, then maybe edit again for good measure.
2. Make yourself known. An agent may be more likely to sign you on if you have published work in the past, write articles for literary journals or magazines, or write short stories and submit them to magazines or contests, when you contact an agent include these as accomplishments in your field.
3. Research agents. Visit multiple agents websites, find an agent that represents authors who write in the same genre as you. Speak to other authors and ask who represents them and ask if they are happy with this agent.
4. Write the agent a letter. This letter is very important and you should put a lot of time into it. You could have a bestselling novel and still be turned down if you letter to the agent dose not flow properly, remember this letter is your chance to show you are articulate, professional, and serious about your work. In the opening part of the letter add your synopsis (I recommend spending a great deal of time on the synopsis, you want it to sum up your work and want the agent to say to themselves "wow, I want to read more" ) Next add credentials: literary contests you've won, published short stories or articles, etc...
Also you want to mention if you have been referred by someone important or someone represented by the same agent.
5. Send your letter to more then one agent, do not get discouraged if you do not receive a reply back, agents receive thousands of letters a year and only take on a handful of new clients. Be patient and don't give up, you've spent too much time on your manuscript, believe in it and your letter and even if you do not get an agent you may still receive some great feedback.
Best of luck!
List of Canadian Literary Agents from The Writers' Union of Canada
List of Literary Agents from around the world from Writers.Net
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In your opinion, does it matter whether a Canadian author finds a literary agent within Canada or not? Are there pros and cons, or does it really not matter, as long as representation is found?
ReplyDeletePersonally I think the most important thing is to find an agent that best represents you and your work, no matter where they reside. It is important however to research the company or agent. Visit their website, the first thing you want to look for is weather or not they even accept manuscripts outside their country. Look a little deeper to make sure they are a reputable and honest agent. Visit this website http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware/agents/
ReplyDeletefor cautions and warnings when finding an agent. I hope this answers your question. Thanks for visiting.