More and more publishers are now declaring this! So what are we to do?
Get an agent? wahay! (she says sarcastically)
Ironically i've read that some agents don't want you if you're not published.
But then publishers don't want you unless you have an agent.
Has anyone had any experiences with an agent?
If so, would you like to shed some light on their performance.
Agent or no agent? Technical advise would be very much appreciated.
yes . It really is not easy. I once met a published author who was doing a book signing tour and he said he had tried 75 different agencies before getting accepted by one. So it is a question of just keep trying , I've only been turned down by about half a dozen so far. You just need to keep plugging away, frustrating though it is.
Trying to find an agent is like playing Russian Roulette. Yet nobody wants your work unless you have one. I have checked and sent out so many queries to date. they show initial interest and then I hear no more. The only ones who are really eager are those who want you to pay for the privilege. I guess one just has to persevere until you hit the right one. Look at J.K Rowling, and a few other famous names and how many times they were rejected. Grow a thick skin first though..
.
It's not been my experience that agents only want published writers. Yes, most of them ask that your query letter outlines any "writing experience", whether that's a creative writing course of some description, a self-published novel or competition results. However, all any of that goes to show is that you're serious about writing. It won't incentivise an agent to take you on; they form their own judgments based on the submission you give them.
At any rate, you have more chance of seeing a prolonged heat wave over the coming weekend than of a decent publisher - i.e. one that doesn't want money from you - taking an interest in an unsolicited submission. You need an agent first. Really. Truly. The only credible exception I can think of is Macmillan new writing, which I believe is currently closed to submissions anyway.....