2015 Guide to Literary Agents

by Chuck Sambuchino (Editor)

The best resource available for finding a literary agent!

No matter what you're writing--fiction or nonfiction, books for adults or children--you need a literary agent if you want to get the best traditional publishing book deal possible. The "2015 Guide to Literary Agents" is your essential resource for finding that literary agent and getting your book bought by a top publisher. Along with listing information for more than 1,000 literary agents who represent writers and their books, this new, updated edition of "GLA" includes: "10 Reasons Agents Reject Your Manuscript"--helping you learn what not to do during the submission process"New Agent Spotlights"--profiles of literary reps actively building their client lists right now13 debut author success stories: Writers explain their paths to publication, so you can learn from their successes and see what they did rightInformative how-to articles on query letters, synopsis writing, voice and craft, platform and blogging, nonfiction book proposals, and more*Includes access to the webinar "Everything You Need to Know About Getting an Agent" from Chuck Sambuchino, editor of "Guide to Literary Agents"* In this 90-minute webinar, you'll learn how to compose a query letter, what makes up a compelling pitch, synopsis writing tips, how to research/find agents, and much more.

Genres: Reference, Writing

363 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2014

Reviews

[A.E.M. A.E.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book for all its tips and helpful information. It’s also easy to find info. I’ll have to check out the newest version when I’m ready.

[Giuliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I opened to a random page and instantly knew that this was going to be incredibly practical. As I began to read, two things happened simultaneously: #1 I couldn't pull away from it. I was soaking in the information like a sponge. #2 I immediately whipped out a pad of paper to take notes. I was able to apply a lot of the information immediately to my own work, which brought me further clarity and out of a specific rut that I had been in for quite a few weeks regarding my piece. It inspired me to get moving-- not only in regard to my book, but also in terms of blogging, creating a platform and being consistent.

As a creative, I sometimes get lost in the world of publishing and marketing. I want to share, but I'm really new and it can be overwhelming. I'm just this young, aspiring author, clicking away at a laptop in the confines of my room-- what do I know about the industry? This guide put it all in perspective. I now have action steps. I have a plan. It's accessible and doesn't feel overwhelming-- which is HUGE, in my opinion.

It also offers a "no nonsense" attitude. Although each section has a different voice/style depending on the author, I'd say that, overall, they get to the point. It's clear and concise. To be honest, this guide offers a lot more than the title suggests. Take a look inside at the Table of Contents and you'll see that it's about a lot more than finding & landing an agent. It honors the craft and the aspiring author enough to give to us really solid advice-- straight. Oh and another thing, I sat down long enough to write a thoughtful review. Enough said.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very useful guide if you're looking to publish a book. I recommend it for all serious writers. For me, at least, the most useful section was the index at the back of the book, which listed literary agencies based on what genres they represent. In addition, there were more detailed listings elsewhere in the book, including up-to-date submission guidelines.

There are also a number of tips about how to write a query letter and a synopsis. While this information wasn't as useful to me because I've already moved beyond that stage in the process, the information was solid and broken down into easy-to-digest steps. Some of the information, such as an agent's recommendations of what not to do, can be found on the Writer's Digest website, but there's a lot of stuff in here that isn't listed on the website. Even for the stuff that is, it's nice to have everything in one place.

And as an added bonus, the Guide comes with a one-year subscription to Writer's Market, an online database of literary agents.

[Anita Kaltenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

People ask, how do you get a book published? Well, if you are a writer looking to get the next great novel published, start here and buy this book. As training wheels are to a toddler, this book is for all those who are looking to get published, find a literary agent to represent them and need a guiding hand. Writers do not have to recreate the wheel but can get the wheel turning by following the Guide to Literary Agents. It is worth buying the 2015 version as it is up to date on trends and internet querying. Well worth the money, and you receive one year of writers market.com.

[Jared Pangier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great place to be whether you are an aspiring writer with thin-air aspirations or a completed manuscript. Guide to Literary Agents provides invaluable perspectives from authors who have made it.

If this is you...
Buy it; read it; do it.
Make it happen for you.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although much of this information is on the internet, nowhere online is the information about agents and publishers and how to get your foot in the door so organized and comprehensive. I'd be lost without this book.

[L.A. Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll give it 5 stars if I get an agent.

[Ashley Strosnider · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is basically the same thing as the Internet, which is basically free.