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Looking for an agent
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B.J.
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Apr 11, 2020 06:15AM

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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.

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.

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.

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.