Have you written a book? Do you wonder what's next? The biggest challenge should be writing but getting it published may be the hardest. Today, finding an agent is competitive while finding the perfect one can be daunting. An obvious question surfaces, do I need an agent?
Do I need an agent?
In some cases, you don't. We know that the computer has revolutionized book publishing and produced many more options for the writer. Two stand out: self-publishing and print-on-demand.
There are many reasons to consider self-publishing whether the book is in the form of an e-book or hardcopy. Here are some reasons:
- The writer retains all the profits.
- It's difficult for writers to publish that first book.
- Control over the cover and content.
- The book may be too small for a standard publisher.
- No time to take the normal publishing time.
- Reasons not to self-publish:
- The writer needs editing assistance.
- Marketing is the full responsibility of the writer.
- Producing a self-published book can get costly.
Print-on-demand, POD, allows the writer to print one copy at a time with technology that produces a high quality book. This seems to good to be true and may be. There are reasons why the writer may not want to do POD and some are:
- Initial cost for a single copy is higher than mass produced books.
- Top reviewing companies typically don't review POD books.
Some small and academic publishing houses don't require an agent. For them, the writer would follow the guidelines and submit directly.
Major publishing houses could not operate on a walk-in basis so need an agent. Today, the agent represents the writer by submitting to many publishing houses while the publishers get reviewed, represented manuscripts. Most view the arrangement as a win-win.
Where do I get an Agent?
The question should be; where do I get the right agent? Start by identifying authors that write in the same genre producing similar themes. Read the acknowledgements and look for a thank you to a specific publishing house and agent. Search for the publishing house and agent online. Determine what they represent. If all fits, follow the guidelines and submit.
Join literary and creative writing groups in your area to meet like people that can recommend a good agent. It is easier to get accepted through a reference. Take a class or join an association to make connections. Some well know websites that can aid the search are:
"Agent Query offers a free, current, searchable database of established literary agents on the web. Searching for the right agent can be time consuming. This database helps the writer find the right agent faster."
Writers Net
"WritersNet (sm) helps build relationships between writers, publishers, editors, and literary agents. It provides an opportunity for writers to be represented by literary agents looking for new talent to represent. The service is free."
Association of Authors' Representatives
This list shows AAR members representing literary properties in the U.S., including adult, young adult and children's books in any genre. Use the Search box to find an agent by name, agency, authors represented or all the agents who represent, for example, mystery.
This is a website dedicated to report agents whose practices may be unethical.
After working hard to write your book, use the above resources to decide on a few perfect agents to represent it. Follow the guidelines stipulated by the agencies and submit exactly what's requested. Hope to see you in print soon.
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