Choosing a literary agent is like choosing a babysitter for your baby. You\u2019ll be entrusting your precious work, perhaps even your future as an author, to the hands of a stranger. Whom do you trust? Where do you look?<\/p>\n
Here are some tips that will set you on the right path.<\/p>\n
Whatever you do, do not type \u201cliterary agent\u201d in a search engine and follow whatever links appear.<\/p>\n
The best way to find an agent is to use a dedicated resource. There are several good websites, such as\u00a0Publisher\u2019s Marketplace<\/a>,\u00a0Agent Query<\/a>,\u00a0Query Tracker<\/a>, and\u00a0Agent Hunter<\/a>.\u00a0Writer\u2019s Market<\/a>\u00a0has a subscription-only website as well as an annual publication.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also want to check out\u00a0Predators and Editors<\/a>,\u00a0Absolute Write<\/a>, and\u00a0Writers\u2019 Beware<\/a>. These websites are dedicated to helping you avoid the bad agents (P&E also lists some agents who have received positive feedback).<\/p>\n Resource in hand, spend a few days making a list of all the agents you might want to work with. Don\u2019t focus on your current manuscript alone. Think long term. Do you write science fiction\u00a0and\u00a0<\/em>fantasy? Make sure the agent you\u2019re considering represents both genres. You can expand the list by looking at who represented your favorite books (check the acknowledgment section).<\/p>\n Once you’ve completed your list, it\u2019s time to scrutinize. For every agent, consider the following questions:<\/p>\n Are They Open to Unsolicited Queries From First-Time Writers?<\/strong><\/p>\n This might seem like a no-brainer, but it\u2019s an important question. If the agent does not say they are actively looking for new clients, move on. However, they might work for a large firm with more than one agent. You can use this as a springboard for further research.<\/p>\n Are They Legitimate?<\/strong><\/p>\n Even if they have a nice website, double-check with\u00a0P&E<\/a>,\u00a0AW<\/a>, and\u00a0WB<\/a>\u00a0to see if anyone has filed a complaint against them (bad contract, charges fees, fraud, etc.).<\/p>\n If, by chance, the agent\u2019s name isn\u2019t listed but you still have doubts,\u00a0Victoria Strauss<\/a>\u00a0at WB is someone you should contact. She\u2019ll provide a little in-depth research into a questionable name. Scammers abound. You can\u2019t be too careful.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also wise to see which potential agent belongs to a professional organization, such as the\u00a0Association of Author Representatives<\/a>\u00a0(USA),\u00a0Association of Authors\u2019 Agents<\/a>\u00a0(UK), and\u00a0Australian Literary Agents\u2019 Association<\/a>\u00a0(AUS). It\u2019s not mandatory to be affiliated with such a group, but these organizations are known for having high-quality agents in their ranks who are dedicated to helping authors.<\/p>\n What Kind of Books Do They Like?<\/strong><\/p>\n Just because you write in the agent\u2019s genre, that doesn\u2019t mean they will like your work. This is where reading the books they\u2019ve represented comes in handy. It\u2019ll clue you in on what kind of prose, characters, setting, pace, etc. they like the most.<\/p>\nDigging Deeper<\/h2>\n