Finding an agent is one of the most difficult steps on the road to publication. Its importance cannot be stressed enough: a good agent will provide feedback on your manuscript, get it on the desks of potential publishers, and make sure you get the best possible deal.
one.finish your novel
As a pre-published author, you’re not ready to start looking for an agent until your novel is complete and polished. Join a local criticism group to get feedback on his manuscript. If you can’t find a face-to-face group, consider joining an online critique group. There are many that cater to different writing styles. If that’s not an option, pay a freelance editor to provide feedback.
Whatever you do: don’t ask until the manuscript is complete and perfect.
two. Build your platform and/or your credibility
Nonfiction writers must show credentials in the same area as the book they are proposing. This could be a degree (the more advanced the better), serving as a spokesperson on the topic, working in the field, and/or speaking to people at seminars or conventions dedicated to the topic.
For fiction writers, platform building can be a chicken-or-egg problem. It’s hard to get a following without a book to promote, and it’s hard to publish a book without those followers, but there are ways to do it. Christina Katz’s book Get Known Before the Book Deal is an excellent resource.
Some activities of fiction writers could be: teaching literature or creative writing classes (or tutoring in the field), maintaining a blog, attending prestigious writers’ camps, or winning awards for their writing.
3. Learn about the business
Ideally, you should be learning about the publishing business while writing your novel and building your credibility. She attends major writing conferences and talks to agents and authors (this is not the time to tell an agent you have a book she should read). Read blogs from authors and agents. Visit their websites and the websites of the publishers.
He wants to know as much as he can about the business. When an agent knocks on the door, you want to appear smart, intelligent, and knowledgeable.
Four. Publish Short Fiction or Articles
It has long been debated whether publishing short fiction can build enough credibility to interest an agent. Some publishers say that writing short fiction does not prepare you to write a novel. Others disagree. They say post credits (in reputable media) show that you are serious about posting. Plus: the process can toughen your skin for rejection and provide some editing experience.
Publishing articles related to a nonfiction book you’re proposing, again in reputable outlets like trade magazines or newspapers, almost always lends credibility. The post shows that other publishers believe your credentials.
5. Prospective Research Agents
Like doctors, agents specialize. You’ll want to find one that represents the type of work you write. AgentQuery.com and the Association of Authors’ Agents (aaronline.org) are two websites you can research to find agents.
Once you’ve made a short list of agents, visit their websites and blogs to find the specific books they represent. have you read any of them? Are they similar to yours? Would you like to read those books? (If not, consider if this is the right broker for you.)
After doing your research, if you still want to check out this broker, find the requirements to send him. Some will accept email. Some won’t. Some will want a query letter and synopsis. Others will only want a query letter.
6. Write a query letter (and possibly a synopsis)
A query letter is like an audition. It is your one page introduction to your chosen agent. It should contain only a few short paragraphs: the type of book you are trying to sell along with the number of words; a brief and convincing summary of the book; and your credentials: why this agent should represent you.
A synopsis is a three to five page summary of your book. It should be written as carefully as his novel, in the same voice, and contain all plot points and spoilers.
Have both reviewed by the same people who reviewed your original manuscript. Is the letter error free? Does the synopsis match the tone of the novel? Pay as much attention to these two elements as you did to your novel. If the synopsis is not well written, agents will not ask to review a full manuscript.
7. Submit your inquiries
Send your directed inquiry packet (letter, synopsis, and anything else the agent requests in their guidelines) to your three to five “first choice” agents. It is considered unprofessional to “spam” a large number of agents at once.
If everyone turns you down, send in your second-choice agents.
8. To be prepared.
This is where having a complete and polished manuscript comes in handy. An agent who likes your query will request a partial manuscript (many pages or chapters) or a full manuscript. Since yours is complete, you’ll be able to submit at any time: the exact amount of time to prove (again) that you’re a professional ready to be published.
Simply put, finding an agent is as easy (or as difficult as) to write well, make a good first impression, and be professional. There is no surefire way to get an agent, but following these steps can increase a writer’s chances.