h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I'm currently thinking about trying to get an agent for my writing work.

I was wondering if anyone could advise me on how to approach an agent or even recommend any agents to me

Thankyou


The Elevator

I have no idea but I thought I'd help you to the top of the list

Elevator,

I don't have any lists of agents I can recommend, but I had a friend who was trying to get an agent for her work.

She submitted to agents all over the place for 6 months, before one even talked to her (almost as bad as getting an editor to talk to you) and even then, it took another 3 months before she was taken on.

One of the things that she did was sit in the Library and check out books such as An Authors guide to publishing. (Leggat).


I would suggest that you make sure any agents you send stuff to actually specialise in the area you are writing about, it's pointless sending an agent who specialises in Romance a story about swords and sorcery. Research your agent, (much as you'd research a publisher).

But I think most of all you will have to have persistence, otherwise it just won't happen.

KJ

Good Luck

Thanks.

I've been avoiding doing this for almost a year now

http://www.peacecorpswriters.org/pages/depts/100daybook/bk100da.html is short and to the point, see days 80 - 100 for advice about agents. Very useful resource.

No problem. Are you trying to get a book published or something?

I'm guessing you're UK.
The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook has a sizeable list of agents (and publishers).
Could be worth checking out their websites, also doing a google for each one - never know what that will come up with.
Check out your local library for local writers' clubs and groups. Might be able to find out the 'vibes' on various agents from members.

That's good advice captain haddock

I meant to mention the W&A Yearbook but couldn't remember the title.

Also about the groups etc.

Thanks guys