Mslexia

Mslexia, the magazine for women who write | www.mslexia.co.uk

Nuts & bolts

Q: How do I find an agent?

A:

◊ Agents are specialists in the area of publishing, as accountants are in finance. While they are not quite St Peter at the gate of the book world – your only route to a deal – a number of the larger publishers no longer accept unsolicited submissions from unrepresented authors. As a general rule, if you want to be published in the mainstream you must find an agent.

◊ Begin with the listings in the 2005 editions of The Writers’ And Artists’ Yearbook (A&C Black) or The Writer’s Handbook (Macmillan). Alternatively, read the ‘Acknowledgments’ page at the front of a book that resembles your own, where authors often thank their agents, or call the publicity department of the publisher for a contact.

◊ Shortlist agents whose interests match your work. Consider also the size of the company – ‘big’ ones may have a hefty reputation, but as a new author you’ll be at the bottom of their pile. You may be better off approaching a new or a junior agent, who has fewer clients.

◊ Visit agents’ websites to see their track record and check credentials. If taken on, you usually shouldn’t have to pay for editorial advice. Don’t use a submission as a way of getting feedback: only send finished work that you are happy with.

◊ Find out whether the agent is taking on new clients, and find out exactly who to send your work to. Send a cover letter, synopsis and three sample chapters (see below, on how to approach an agent). If they like what they see, they’ll ask for the full manuscript.

◊ You may have to try at least 10 agents before you find one prepared to represent you. But don’t necessarily opt for the first one that shows enthusiasm: this is the start of a long-term relationship.

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