I recently self-published my first book through an American company. I am happy with their editorial support and in general the final product, both in content as in hard product. Marketing the book and distribution has been the bane of this process though.
I now have a series of short stories I would like to publish, however I would like to take this down the traditional path. I understand literary agents are not usually interested in short stories from unknown writers. Is that really the case? How can I go about finding one who would take an interest?
Hello, Ant I think you should also participate in short story writing competitions and if win or even recognize, it will be easy for you to make your mark.
All the best.
Thanks Jeff,
Appreciate your time and feedback. That's very helpful to know.
That's a difficult one. Two points I'd make: having a novel already published (even if it's self-published) will help. A bit. Unless there are impressive sales, in which case it'll help a lot. The second point is that if you can show pedigree in short story writing, by showing you've had your stories (other stories, if you want to keep the current collection together) published in magazines, anthologies, online, etc, the agent can see you're marketable, and will more likely be interested in your work. But don't be surprised if they say: 'oh, nice short stories, have you got any novels?'
As to which agent, I'm afraid you're going to have to spend a great deal of time searching Agents' websites, to find those they might take a hit on a newbie with short stories. Going to bookshops and finding short story collections and googling the author, to find out who their agent is, may be a great first step. BUT if you can get to conventions/online meetings with agents, you'll find they are very honest, willing to help with advice, and you may save a lot of time, rather than submitting blind and waiting ages for a response. Keep watching the feeds to the right of this screen, there's a wealth of information passing by.
Good luck!