A common question I hear from aspiring authors -
❓Do I need a literary agent ❓
- You don't have to have a literary agent. However, it is ideal since the majority of publishers don't take unagented writers, unless the editor has met that pre-published author at a conference. Sadly, editors are overworked, and so it is tough for them to find time to read ALL the submissions they'd like to consider.
Since editors know that agents vet their clients work, this serves as a good filtering system. An agent will only present polished manuscripts to editors, and the agent will tailor presenting manuscripts that match an editors preferences (yes, agents are matchmakers - clients to editors' tastes). Agents get to know the type of work a particular editor is looking for. This helps narrow down the quantity of work in their inbox, so the editor can be the most productive.
BACK TO YOU! With agents, you will want to vet and make sure you are the right fit for an agent, and the agent is the right fit for you. This will be a long-term partnership and business relationship. It is worth investigating.
You can begin your research by finding agent names. Then you'll deepen the research by finding articles. But where to even begin? Check out any of these valuable resources:
Publishers Market Place This is a fee-based site. However, you can sign up for their free editions of Publisher's Lunch email newsletter
The Guide to Literary Agents (GLA) (book to buy)
Query Tracker (free!)
CWIM which stands for Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market (book to buy)
Writers Digest (website or subscribe to magazine)
Literary Rambles Agent Spotlight Interviews (Blog)
Nathan Bransford "how to find an agent" Blog
SCBWI click on EVENTS: The faculty list at past and current SCBWI conferences (there you'll see the bio of presenting agents and editors. Research them! See if you can find interviews with them and consider how they might be a good fit for you!)
12x12 website featured AGENTS
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