Shelby asked Melanie Dickerson:

Hi Melanie, I started and finished "The Golden Braid" today and loved it! Anytime I read a book in a day, I know it is a good one. I am in the editing process of my debut YA novel. It is time to start querying soon! I was wondering who your agent is? I checked your acknowledgments and perhaps I missed it? I apologize if this is a frequent question. I scrolled the list to check but could not find it. Thank you!

Melanie Dickerson Hi, Shelby! Finding the right agent can be really difficult, and you must beware of disreputable agents. You may already know this, but you should never sign with an agent who asks for money from you. A reputable agent never asks for money from potential clients. They only get paid when their client gets paid, and the good ones offer at least some revision advice. You also should not sign a contract that sounds like the agent considers all your works and ideas their personal property. And don't sign a contract that will be difficult to sever should you decide the agent is no longer right for you and your career. (I know you weren't asking for advice, but I've been down more than one road with agents!) My current agent is, in my opinion, the best in the business, Natasha Kern. But I don't think she is taking any new clients currently. Her client list is pretty full. But there are other good agents out there. Check the major writers conferences and their websites to see which agents attend. Those are usually the best agents.
I wish you well in your search! And thanks for the kind words about The Golden Braid! :-) God bless.

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