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Publishing and Promoting > Looking for an agent

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message 1: by B.J. (new)

B.J. Sadiq | 1 comments About to finish my book of verse. My first book, a biography of Pakistan's present Prime Minister sold well. Any good agents who could advise? Looking for a good agent for my book of verse.


message 2: by Robert (new)

Robert Beers | 10 comments Good luck. It has been my experience that 99% of those calling themselves agents really do not qualify. They are opportunists looking for the next Harry Potter and as such, reject good-seeling material out of hand.

In your search try to become acquainted with someone in your field who is already published. Do the work of becoming a friend and share back and forth until the published friend is willing to introduce you to their publisher or agent. It takes time, of course, but you will take more time trying to find a real agent. They exist but are rarer than they should be.


message 3: by Anna (new)

Anna Faversham (annafaversham) | 299 comments This respected book helps with finding agents and other essentials for success.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Writers-Arti...

I bought one once and then found I was too busy to write a book.

I ought to buy it again but I'm happy being an Indie.


message 4: by Jim (last edited Apr 17, 2020 07:53AM) (new)

Jim Vuksic B.J. wrote: "About to finish my book of verse. My first book, a biography of Pakistan's present Prime Minister sold well. Any good agents who could advise? Looking for a good agent for my book of verse."

B.J.

A number of books and articles in literary periodicals may be accessed on the the shelves of most public libraries specifically dedicated to listing experienced, qualified literary agents, copy editors, conceptual editors, graphic design artists, and legitimate publishers that have established performance reputations in their respected fields. Most include contact information.

You should avoid those individuals claiming such titles and skills who actively offer their services within discussion groups of literary websites such as this one. Qualified professionals do not actively seek clients, potential clients seek them.

Very few novice authors ever achieve commercial success within this extremely competitive field. That said; some have. There is no reason why you might not eventually become one of them. I wish you success.


message 5: by J. (new)

J. Rubino (jrubino) | 2 comments If you want to find an agent, you may want to start with the sites AgentQuery or QueryTracker. They attempt to steer you toward agents who might be interested in your submission.
It is important to remember that agents often specialize. There would be no point in sending your YA fantasy novel to a publisher of adult historical fiction. Should you find an agent through a query search, you will still want to check their website for submission guidelines, because "guidelines" usually means "requirements" so you will want to follow them to the letter.
As to your specific material, the fact is the market for poetry is so small and unprofitable that many agents, and, in fact, many publishers will not handle it, because it's just not lucrative enough to be worth their while.


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