Literary Agents: Don't Be Conned by a Pro

Getting published can be exhilarating. But what if you're ready but don't know any literary agents?

Well, not all authors use a literary agent - nor do they all publish through the more traditional publishers. But if you want to go that route, trying
to slog through alone can be a headache at the least, a nightmare at
the worst.

So if you think your novel's ready to market, it's time to research agents and find just the right one.


Agencies

The first thing you should do before contacting any literary agents is to get a copy of Guide to Literary Agents, which is put out by Writer's Digest Books and available in most bookstores (and often in libraries). They also have a related website about finding literary agents that has other writer's resources as well.

Once you have the book or go to the website, look for an agent or agency that represents the type of novel you've written. Blindly sending out your manuscript to every agency listed will only waste your time, your money and make those agents think you're an amateur.

Do your homework. Match your novel to an agent or agency that has sold your genre regularly and is seeking similar titles to market. Even then, if you go with an agency, you should call to find out which agents represent your specific genre.

Many agencies specialize in only a few genres, but plenty have a wider variety they market. So match your novel first with an agency that deals with that type of novel, and secondly with a specific agent who specializes in your genre.

Call to be sure you have current information. Agents change jobs all the time. Don't rely on a printed book for current information. Then, get the agent's name spelled correctly, and address him or her by name in your cover letter.

Then all you have to do is wow the agent with your novel's premise and you're on your way to getting published.


Freelancers

There are plenty of freelance literary agents out there, too, who belong to no agency or are "one-man-show" agencies. Look into these, too.

Again, you want to match the agent's preferred genres with your novel, so don't mass mail your manuscript without doing your research first. Then, once you've found one who's interested, try to meet face to face to get a feel for how you'll work together. You do not want to sign a contract with someone you can't work with comfortably.

If you can't meet face to face (and you often can't), spend some time on the phone with your prospective agent to get to know him or her - and for the agent to do the same with you. Exchange a couple of e-mails, if need be. Just try to be sure you'll be a good match.

Once you've chosen, carefully read the contract and keep it open-ended enough that either of you can cancel it with written notice. Don't get yourself stuck with one agent for your "next five books" or anything of the sort. Keep your options open.


Scammers

You've found someone who sounds perfect.

Stop! Do a little checking into the agency or agent (especially if you found them first online!). For every legitimate literary agent, there may be five thieves waiting to steal your money. One of my readers kindly sent me a blog post recently outlining just that, which is why I've added this to
my page.

The "company" in question (which I won't name, to keep me out of lawsuits), had a multitude of businesses and websites offering no-up-front cost representation to get published. The writer would be asked to get a critique by one of the "company's" trusted affiliates - just another branch of their own scam - then alleged attempts to publish the book would fail.

At this point, the prospective author would be offered the option to participate in an "aggressive agent" program... for more money.

Needless to say, the person was lining "company" pockets and doing nothing promised by the businesses or websites. This particular "company" is currently facing a lawsuit.

So, before you sign on the dotted line, and before you ever send anyone money to represent you check with the Better Business Bureau and any writer's groups you may belong to. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America have a section on their website called "Writer Beware" that lists some of the current scams and scammers out there.

NaNoWriMo (the website for National Novel Writing Month) also has a couple of links to try to avoid being scammed. A website called Preditors and Editors , and a blog with warnings and discussions: Absolute Write Bewares

Don't get taken. Take the time to make sure the agent you've chosen
is honest.


Going It Alone

So, that last bit might have scared you off. Maybe, you think, I don't need a literary agent after all. I can sell my own book, can't I? I wrote it.

Well, you may be able to. Plenty of authors have. What you'll find, however, if you're going through traditional publishers, is that many of them will not look at un-agented manuscripts.

Tough world out there, and getting tougher.

The other thing to consider (and I'm definitely not an expert in this area, yet), is whether or not you know enough about the major publishers and the whole business end of publishing to handle your own representation. It does raise your profits, because you aren't paying a percentage to an agent to sell your book.

At the same time, you likely know a lot less about marketing and publishing your book, and maybe an agent is a good idea.

Take your time, do some research, then make your decision. In the end, it's your choice.