I Think I Need An Agent
Author: Scott Lindsay
Author: Scott Lindsay
Your initial manuscript is complete. Maybe it's even been
shelved for a period of time. You may have sent the manuscript
to a publisher, but it never really went anywhere. You really
believe in the book, but are tired of hitting the roadblock
that reads, "No unsolicited manuscripts".
Maybe what you need is a literary agent; one who believes in
you and your work and will represent that belief to appropriate
publishers. You conduct an online search and find several agents
and agencies available, but you have no idea what to do next.
It is true that many authors who utilize the services of a
literary agent may still have little publishing success, but by
utilizing an agent you may be able to find a few more doors
open.
There is a cautionary tale in all of this. You see, there are
many 'agents' who will ask for a fee (sometimes called a
readers fee) to review your manuscript. If an agent asks for
any fees up front they are not likely to be members of the
Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR). This
organization provides rules of conduct and ethics for literary
agents.
One of the prime motivators for a literary agent is that they
do not receive payment until/unless they actually sell your
manuscript to a publisher. In this way they are as interested
in seeing you succeed as you are. If they are paid up front
they may be less inclined to market your work effectively.
If you are looking for an agent, check to see if they are a
member of AAR. There are plenty of individuals who are making a
significant living by receiving fees from clients they do not
represent well.
There are several locations on the web that provide information
on agents to avoid. One of the most comprehensive can be found
at http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/peala.htm Another
source for agent information is a writer's market guidebook
(there are multiple directories available).
You should know that it is entirely possible to get your
manuscript published without the use of an agent, but it will
take more research from you.
You will also most likely need to sell yourself as well as your
work to a qualified agent. Many agents are already working with
established authors so they often find it difficult to bring
new authors on board. It can be done - remain persistent.
About The Author: Scott Lindsay is a web developer and
entrepreneur. He is the founder of FaithWriters
(http://www.faithwriters.com) and many other web projects.
FaithWriters has grown to become one of the largest online
destinations for Christian writers. Please visit the website
at: http://www.faithwriters.com
shelved for a period of time. You may have sent the manuscript
to a publisher, but it never really went anywhere. You really
believe in the book, but are tired of hitting the roadblock
that reads, "No unsolicited manuscripts".
Maybe what you need is a literary agent; one who believes in
you and your work and will represent that belief to appropriate
publishers. You conduct an online search and find several agents
and agencies available, but you have no idea what to do next.
It is true that many authors who utilize the services of a
literary agent may still have little publishing success, but by
utilizing an agent you may be able to find a few more doors
open.
There is a cautionary tale in all of this. You see, there are
many 'agents' who will ask for a fee (sometimes called a
readers fee) to review your manuscript. If an agent asks for
any fees up front they are not likely to be members of the
Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR). This
organization provides rules of conduct and ethics for literary
agents.
One of the prime motivators for a literary agent is that they
do not receive payment until/unless they actually sell your
manuscript to a publisher. In this way they are as interested
in seeing you succeed as you are. If they are paid up front
they may be less inclined to market your work effectively.
If you are looking for an agent, check to see if they are a
member of AAR. There are plenty of individuals who are making a
significant living by receiving fees from clients they do not
represent well.
There are several locations on the web that provide information
on agents to avoid. One of the most comprehensive can be found
at http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/peala.htm Another
source for agent information is a writer's market guidebook
(there are multiple directories available).
You should know that it is entirely possible to get your
manuscript published without the use of an agent, but it will
take more research from you.
You will also most likely need to sell yourself as well as your
work to a qualified agent. Many agents are already working with
established authors so they often find it difficult to bring
new authors on board. It can be done - remain persistent.
About The Author: Scott Lindsay is a web developer and
entrepreneur. He is the founder of FaithWriters
(http://www.faithwriters.com) and many other web projects.
FaithWriters has grown to become one of the largest online
destinations for Christian writers. Please visit the website
at: http://www.faithwriters.com
