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Subscribe to NewsletterHow to find a literary agent
You've finished your manuscript, and you've edited it as much as you can: what's next? Well, if you're looking to get published, the next step for you is to find a literary agent. In this section, you'll find a selection of tips and hints to use on your quest for representation.
Advice for first-time writers
For
the first-time writer, getting published can feel rather like Alice in
wonderland after she’s been knocking back the re-sizing potion. You stand in
front of a door marked ‘Success and Validation’ and feel too insignificant to
reach for the handle. Either that or perhaps you feel that …
Beware vanity publishing
Have you seen an
advert for a publishing company that is looking for authors? Probably in
the newspaper. And have you sent your work off, only to get a glowing
letter in response, with an offer of publication?
The only slight hiccup is that they are asking for money to help fund …
Choose your agent wisely
If
you are lucky enough to get attention from several agents, and are required to
make a choice, the time-honoured way of getting to know each other sufficiently
well to take the relationship further is for them to take you out for a drink,
or even a meal.
At this stage the power rests with …
Do you have any useful connections?
If
your next-door neighbour is Editorial Director of Random House, then arguably
you have a head start (although you might decide it is too embarrassing to ask them
for help!). But consider carefully whether you know someone who works within
the industry, and if you could approach them.
…
Five ways to find a literary agent
You’ve
written your manuscript. It’s as good as it’s going to be. It’s time to get it
out into the real world – and you need an agent.
Many mainstream publishers no longer read work that isn’t represented, which is where the literary agent comes in. Find yourself a good agent and …