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Publishing your work without an agent can be difficult. Most publishers these days will not accept unsolicited proposals from writers without an agent.

So, what is a publishing agent? Publishing agents also known as literary agents, are the writer’s representitive. The job of an agent is to market your work to a publisher. They negotiate the best book contract for you.

There are considerable benefits to using a literary agent. They have industry contacts and inside knowledge of the publishing world. Agents understand an editor’s tastes and needs. They have insight into new imprints as well as which publishing houses may be downsizing. Material submitted by an agent usually finds its way to the top of the pile on an Editor’s desk. A publishing agent takes care of business while the writer writes.

So how do you find a good agent? It is not as difficult as you think. You have to know what you are looking for. Before you chose your literary agent, consider asking a few questions.

-How long have you been in business as an agent?

-Do you represent other authors in my area of interest?

-What will your commision be? Agents work on commision. The usual rate is somewhere between 10-20 percent.

-What kinds of books have you published recently?

What should you look for?

-A Publishing agent with an established reputation.

-A reputation for selling books in your field of interest.

-A manner that makes you comfortable enough to deal with them.

-A passion about their work.

-A passion about your work.

How do you know when you are ready to find an agent? You need to have some essential elements in place before you search for a literary agent. A well-written query letter is a must. You will need to have a polished proposal for nonfiction,or a very well written manuscript for fiction. When you submit your work, make sure to send a self-addressed stamped envelope. This will not only make you look professional, it will save the busy agent time. This can only work in your favor. Never query by phone. This looks unprofessional and it annoys agents.

Where can you find a good agent? You will need to do some research.

-Check out the Association of Authors Representitives. (AAR) You can find them online by going to -

www.aar-online.org.

-Writers’ Digest Guide to Literary Agents.

-Writer’s Market 2010.

All of these sources offer current information about literary agents.

Writing is hard work. Finding a reputable publishing agent to represent you, is a result of that work.

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11y ago

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