The same can be said about looking for an agent. Start from the moment you begin writing the book and continue it until you find an agent. It’s not like you have to spend hours every day searching the Internet either.
Do something like this:
Create a folder on your computer called Agents.
Then every time you come across an agent that interests you, create a document with that agent’s name. Add to the document with each new piece of information you find about the agent.
You’ll find agents of interest by reading the acknowledgments in books of your genre or in books you feel are similar to yours. You’ll find agents guest posting on blogs. Or being mentioned on listservs you belong to. Or you’ll find their bios on conference pages. Or on their own blogs. Or on their websites. You’ll see agents listed in Publishers Weekly as having made a sale on a book in your genre or for your favorite author.
There are a lot of different ways to find agents. There’s also a lot of information to find. Don’t wait until you’re ready to begin querying. Work on it as you write. Be ready to start sending those queries once you’re through with the editing.
I find searching for an agent such a crap shoot. Maybe because I'm here in Botswana trying to find an agent in USA or UK and because I write across genres.
ReplyDeleteHelen- do you think it's better to sell yourself as a writer to an agent, or sell each individual project? I've had advice each way.
This is some very good advice, Helen. I took notes.
ReplyDeleteHi Lauri and Marvin!
ReplyDeleteLauri, I think you have to do both. You're definitely promoting the book you want the agent to take on, but you're also selling yourself as the only author who could write and sell this book. Agents are not just taking on a one-book writer. They, just like you, are looking long-term. But your first book has to be one that will entice the agent and one that will sell.
Very good advice. I've been collecting agent names for a while, but not in an organized way. I also have mixed feelings about agents. I've had several, but so far, every bit of progress I've made has been on my own. So right now, I'm vacillating, but starting to think I need someone to represent the entire body of my work. I have three Detective Jackson novels, which finally feels like a series. So maybe it's time to try again.
ReplyDeleteThat is good advice about reading acknowledgments, but also check agents' websites. Often they list the authors they represent. Looking for agents of books similar to yours can be a lot of work. My critique group pooled our efforts and put together our own list of agents and their authors. It made the search a lot easier.
ReplyDeleteAll good advice!!!
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ReplyDeleteYes, plan everything in advance and work on it as you go - then there's not a mad panic at the end!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'd even add to check out agents you find on Preditors & Editors, too.
L. Diane Wolfe
www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com
www.spunkonastick.net
www.thecircleoffriends.net
I started collecting agents, as I like to say, about a year ago. First I bookmarked their sites because that was the fastest way to keep track of them. As I grew closer to the query process, I went back to see who was still relevant to my project, because it had changed a bit. I then used old-fashioned 3x5 cards and the querytracker website to organize the agents, my info and thoughts. Every time I run across the name of an agent, I give a quick look on PM and/or Agentquery, make a few notes and move along. I should be querying in May, and feel confident I have a solid list to start with of about 40 agents. I found them everywhere - books, magazines, websites, blogs, talking to other writers.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to mention agentquery.com For more info, visit my blog. I wrote a post all about that wonderful site.
ReplyDeleteLynnette Labelle
http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.com
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ReplyDeleteThank you everyone. There are some who say writers compete with each other. I say and have always said that writers are giving and willing to share what they've learned along the way. Thank you for sharing your techniques and links to great sites.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, there's a certain amount of randomness involved to getting an agent. It really is right book, right agent, right time, and that can be like trying to hit a moving target.
ReplyDeleteThat said, this is all very good advice!
That's true, Lisa. Another good reason to have lots of possibilities.
ReplyDeleteI do the agent search thing about once a year and then forget about it for a while. Recently I've been querying a few about my latest fantasy novel with little luck. I would like to do some conferences and meet some in person. Signing that contract with an agent is such a big leap of faith and trust, I'd really prefer to meet him or her in person.
ReplyDeleteHelen - thanks for the advice on finding an agent. I wondered when it would be a good time to start looking, but it does make sense to get it going as soon as possible. I'm going to start right away.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to talk a bit more about finding an agent tomorrow. Especially you, Susan, since it has to do with conferences.
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I have the "Possible Agent" file started about six months ago. Yay...I did something right! :)
ReplyDeleteI started such a file two years ago. It helps keep you focused and organized. I also keep a file for those I've queried and when. It's business.
ReplyDeleteI do pay attention to what agents are on line or comment on blogs. I also listen to friends that are published and what suggestions they have.
good advice Helen. :-)