So I did the thing that normally causes me a huge amount of anxiety: I picked up a copy of the Writer's Market guide and searched for an agent. I'm not ready for an agent yet. I still have some polishing to do on two novels before they're ready to send out. But I'm close. My goal is to query for these two and hopefully my current WIP by the end of the year.
Looking through this guide is an annoying task. I used the index to pick out agents by genre. If any of you have any easier methods for searching for an agent or publisher, please let me know.
Normally, thirty minutes looking through the entries in this book makes me want to throw it in the garbage. Luckily for me, the agitation caused by other parts of my life was stronger than my desire to destroy the book.
I found a lot of agents that looked like they had potential. I searched for their websites on the internet. Shockingly, a third or more didn't have a website or their website looked like something my grandma would try to throw together. I don't know if that makes sense - ruling an agent out because of an unprofessional website or the lack of one. I'm not looking for a web developer, I'm looking for an agent, right?
But the ones with snazzy sites looked more legitimate. They also looked like they could communicate better than the ones without one and gave me the impression they had it together.
I came up with fifteen possibilities to look at more closely the next time I'm incredibly stressed out.
I hope I'm not passing on someone wonderful based on their lack of a decent website. (Note my Jedi attitude about this - as if it's my choice and not entirely theirs.)
Any of you have experience with agents, with or without decent websites? What's your thought?
Never went after any agents and I started querying publishers after doing a Google search for science fiction publishers. I I also roamed around Preditors and Editors looking for publishers as well. Think that's where I found my current publisher.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'll try that too.
DeleteIf you want to query agents, go to QueryTracker.net (http://www.querytracker.net/) They have a good directory of lit agents, as well as stats and so forth. Some of it you need a membership for which is $25-$30.
ReplyDeleteLike Alex though I found my publisher through P&E and queried directly.
Thanks. I'll take a look at that.
DeleteI'm going it alone for now. Couldn't give you any good advice but I wish you much luck.
ReplyDeleteThanks - I'm sure I'll need lots of luck. :)
DeleteI've been querying publishers directly. No success for me. But I've started with the biggest and have been slowly been working my way down the ladder towards the smaller ones.
ReplyDeleteLots say no unagented submissions - but word on the street is that they'll read them anyway, it'll just take longer.
That's kind of the path I'm planning to take, except I'm going to try agents first to attempt to get in at a larger publisher, then smaller publishers directly, then I'll do it myself. Whatever happens happens. I kind of like the idea of doing it myself, but I'd rather be writing than worrying about book covers.
DeleteA jedi attitude is the best kind to have ;)
ReplyDeleteI found it very useful when I was working. It's more effective to say, "I will be taking off Monday," than to ask for it off.
DeleteDo you know about query tracker? It's a webservice with much more up-to-date info than Writers Market. It'll help you be organized when you do start querying.
ReplyDeleteThe best access I've had was going to a writers conference in Portland where we could meet up to four agents face-to-face and pitch. Usually then you at least get to submit and they see what you send.
I'd suggest reading books from who they represent, too. Then you can see how you do or don't fit into what they like to sell.
I did look at it after reading Grumpy Bulldog's comment. The UI is really bad, but if the info is useful, it sounds like the place to go. I'm at the point where I can walk much better now, so I think I'm going to try a conference. Thanks for the advice.
DeleteI'd recommend query tracker as well. It takes a lot of the guess work out.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'll definitely use it.
DeleteYep, query tracker is great because you can filter for different criteria, find interviews with the agents, get links to websites, and also see who else is querying and getting requests by agents you like. They also give a list of clients so you can get a feel for an agent's taste and interests.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely recommend paying the $25. It gives you access to reports you can use to keep track of your favorite agents and your submissions. Good Luck!!
The free version definitely looks limited. I think I'll pay the fee if you all feel it's useful. Thanks. :)
DeleteI've been doing the exact same thing. It is frustrating. I see query tracker has been recommended. Maybe I'll look into that. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAt least we aren't alone. I'm not quite ready to submit yet, but I'm close....
DeleteOh god, searching for agents to query is a long, arduous task. It takes me HOURS to come up with a list of five or six agents and then more time to draft the queries that follow their agency guidelines. *sigh* Querytracker has been a lifesaver though so be sure to check that one out:) Good luck!
ReplyDelete