Susan Harrison
asked
Joseph Finder:
So, an aspiring writer writes a manuscript. What comes next? How does one find an agent, or do you just send the manuscript to a publishing house?
Joseph Finder
Thanks for the question, Susan � and I'm guessing you've written a book, or are thinking about writing one? Publishers still pluck the rare book from their slush files, but having a literary agent is a good idea for anyone who wants to pursue writing as a career. Finding an agent can take a while, but that’s not a bad thing � it’s one of the most intimate relationships you can have, somewhere between a job and a marriage.
Start by identifying agents who represent the authors you admire. Every legitimate agent has a website, so look them up to get their submission guidelines and contact information. Online directories such as WritersMarket.com and PublishersMarketplace.com are valuable sources of information about agents, what they’re looking for, and how to approach them.
Once you’ve identified agents to approach, write a query letter. There’s an art to writing a query letter, and you’ll find a lot of advice about that online. Janet Reid’s Query Shark blog is a great resource; start at and spend some time exploring the site.
Writing conferences can be a good way to meet agents, if you have the time and money. Thrillerfest, the annual meeting of the International Thriller Writers, includes a Pitchfest that’s like speed dating for authors and agents. The New England Crime Bake includes something similar.
Be wary of scams and impostors. No reputable agent will charge you an upfront fee. The Science Fiction Writers Association maintains a website called Writer Beware () that is an invaluable resource for all authors, about fake contests, bad agents, and other perils facing aspiring authors.
Good luck!
Start by identifying agents who represent the authors you admire. Every legitimate agent has a website, so look them up to get their submission guidelines and contact information. Online directories such as WritersMarket.com and PublishersMarketplace.com are valuable sources of information about agents, what they’re looking for, and how to approach them.
Once you’ve identified agents to approach, write a query letter. There’s an art to writing a query letter, and you’ll find a lot of advice about that online. Janet Reid’s Query Shark blog is a great resource; start at and spend some time exploring the site.
Writing conferences can be a good way to meet agents, if you have the time and money. Thrillerfest, the annual meeting of the International Thriller Writers, includes a Pitchfest that’s like speed dating for authors and agents. The New England Crime Bake includes something similar.
Be wary of scams and impostors. No reputable agent will charge you an upfront fee. The Science Fiction Writers Association maintains a website called Writer Beware () that is an invaluable resource for all authors, about fake contests, bad agents, and other perils facing aspiring authors.
Good luck!
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