Hopefully you are still writing your chapters. Now lets take the next step in getting your book published.
Did you buy the Writers Market manual?
By now you should have your outline completed, three chapters written and an idea of what type of publishing resource you feel will be a good fit with your book, such as a magazine, small press, trade journals, consumer magazines, play writing or a book publisher. It’s time for you to do some heavy reading. Grab a cup of green tea, a highlighter, sticky post-its and your Writers Market manual. Get comfortable because this homework assignment will take some time.Step 1. Do you want to work with a Literary Agent? Homework time. This is not something I can answer for you, you must decide if this is the right approach for you. I have fellow authors who can’t imagine they would be were they are today if it wasn’t for their agent and yet others who don’t want to give up a percent of their commission. Read the chapter in Writer’s Market Manual on Literary Agents. The agents you will find in the Writer’s Market are legitimate agencies. Read each agency check out their website and get a good understanding on what type of books and author they are willing to represent. You can find more agents by:
Getting involved in a local writer’s group. You can find them online or call your local Continuing Education Office.
Subscribe to a Writer’s Magazine, you will find more contacts throughout the magazine.
Search for Writers/ Agents conferences, I think it’s a good idea to meet an agent face to face. But remember don’t give too much away when you meet them at a conference, just enough to wet their appetite. RWA National Conference and ASJA Writers Conference are just a few you will find the conferences specific agencies go to to look for authors by reading the Writers Market Manual or you can research conference on the internet.
Ask friend, families and anyone you know, you may be surprised at your list of connections.
Check LinkedIn and other social media sites for agents. But avoid agents who are advertising on the Internet! If an agent is good there is no need to advertise on the internet, these are agents who charge fees to their clients and try to get you to “self-publish” your own book. I have my opinion on self publishing that will be saved for another blog. Watch out in particular for several agencies that are part of a Literary Agency Group. You must do your due diligence by researching the authenticity of each agency. There are agents who claim they represent you but the are really earning their money from fees of various kinds. YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY ANYBODY TO PUBLISH YOUR BOOK! If you have any questions about agents, please email me and I will answer you. To be continued….
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