Searching for an agent…?
Having a literary agent is one of the best ways to boost your growth as a writer. Most authors simply don’t have the publishing contacts to sell their work and even if they did, they wouldn’t know how to negotiate a book deal or a publishing contract. Here is where the agent comes along…:)
But how do you find a literary agent, and how do you choose the right one, suitable for you? Here are 5 simple tips to help you achieve that…:)
1. Do what you have to.
If you`re trying to find an agent and you are not a) a famous icon or b) some kind of wizard, you will need to have a finished and polished manuscript if you are writing a novel or memoir, and a finished and polished proposal and sample pages if you are working on a nonfiction project. This is the first thing to start with.
2. Target your agents.
Check out the agents’ websites. You need to know about their background, right? Where possible, personalize your letters and use first names when writing to them. It`s work-demanding and likely to take more of your time but it will reap rewards as your letter is less likely to get intercepted by the PAs and secretaries. When you have the target in your mind, it`s easier for you to take action toward it! 
3. Learn about the Business.
It`s better if you can learn about the publishing business while you’re writing your novel and building your credibility. Go to major writing conferences and get in touch with agents and authors. While you`re doing that, present yourself as a professional writer (even if you`re not one, just yet!) and speak to them with much confidence about yourself and your books. When agents meet someone who is confident about their work, they are even more interested. Oh, and don`t forget about…the information. You want to know as much as you can about the business. When an agent comes knocking, you want to appear savvy, well-informed and smart.
4. No referrals? Open the Word file and start writing a query letter.
A query letter is a short letter that describes your work. You should adapt and personalize your basic letter depending on which agent you’re submitting to in order to demonstrate your aforementioned professionalism and knowledge.
5. Hey, don`t panic…
If this does not work, don’t take it personally. Just move on. Once you reach the summit (here comes the laborious alpine metaphor again), it won’t matter how many falls you had along the way. The important (if not, vital!) thing is to never give up. I know you`ve heard it before, but it is Really important. I mean it. If you still haven`t found the right agent for you, keep writing and keep sending queries to the agents. Eventually, the agent (for you!) will show up. We wouldn`t have had any Harry Potter if J.K. Rowling would have given up on query the agents, right?:) So, take it easy and keep doing your work…:) It`s inspiring..!:)
See you next time..!:)
Write with love, write with joy…:)
Cristina I.
