Selling Manuscripts
By Dawn WhitmireLesson 4: AGENTS, PUBLISHERS AND CRITIQUE GROUPS
How do you know if you need an agent? How do you know where to submit your manuscript if you don't have an agent and what if you've submitted and submitted and you've decided and because of rejections, you’ve decided your book needs a little work? This lesson will show you where to go now that your masterpiece is finished. In this lesson, we’ll cover.....
- Where do we go from here?
- Finding the right agent for your work
- Facing your fear of rejection
- Looking for publishers
- The wonderful world of critique groups-are they a help or a hindrance?
The Search for an Agent
Obtaining an agent can be a mark of success. Finally, someone else besides your Aunt Bertha loves your epic novel. Suddenly, you have stars in your eyes and you see dollar signs in the most inconceivable places. I don't feel I would be a good teacher if I didn't make this one comment. Tread very carefully in your search for an agent. Unfortunately, there are individuals out there who prey on the hopes and dreams of new writers. Here, I'll give you some resources and tips when looking for an agent to market your novel. Tip #1. Buy the most recent edition of Novel & Story Writer's Market. This book is a Bible for authors and has an entire section devoted to Literary Agents. The listings include information on the agent's recent sales, current memberships, the genres he/she represents as well as submitting information. I don't think I need to tell you this information gives you a definite leg up in the industry. Tip #2. Take your time. Don't sign with the first agent who expresses interest in your book unless and until you've done the appropriate amount of research. By research I mean investigating. You want to know as much about the agent as possible, including whether or not he/she charges any up front fees. The Association of Authors' Representatives is a great jumping-off point. You can access this organization online and they have all members listed alphabetically. Please take a few moments to read the Rules of Conduct for every agent who is a member of AAR. This is the type of agent you are looking for. Tip #3. Researching agents online is one of the quickest and most effective methods for gaining the information you need to make an informed decision. PassionatePen.com has a plethora of agents listed and most of those agents are reputable. Again, tread carefully. Tip #4. If possible, have a lawyer read over any agency agreement or contract before you sign it. It doesn't matter if you think you have enough information to make an informed decision. I'm a paralegal by trade with over 14 years experience and I have been the victim of a scam. You're never too smart to be a victim. And speaking of scams, you should pop on over to You Too Can Sniff Out Scams listed on my resources page for more information. This way, even if you don't have an attorney to look over an agency representation agreement, you'll have considerably more knowledge than you did before you visited this web site. Tip #5. Ask plenty of questions before you sign the representation agreement. A reputable agent should be more than willing to disclose his/her latest sales as well as provide any other information you request within reason. Don't expect him/her to be enthusiastic about responding to personal questions such as how much money did your agency gross last year. That would fall under the heading of None of Your Business. Tip #6. Last, and this one is my favorite, when you've done your research, submitted your work and the agent expresses interest, but not an immediate acceptance, rejoice. You have an agent who's willing to work with you to make your novel the best it can be to sell in today's market. That's a point in your favor and a definite feather in your cap.
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