Most of the big publishing house will not accept any MS unless it is through an agent. Agents also act as an advocate for the author, protecting them from shady publishing deals. If you can land a good agent, it is well worth the trouble.
Finding the right agent is difficult--it can even be down right disheartening. When looking for an agent, it is good to switch between mailing in and sending query letters by email. Sometimes writers only prefer to send letters by email--since it is quicker and costs nothing—but because it is an easier medium, it is usually used more. Several struggling writers will basically send out their query letters like spam until they find an agent. Consequently, agents are inundated with query and MS submissions that they can't possible ever get around to. So, it can sometimes be your advantage to print out the query and mail it.
The best thing to do is decrease the quantity of letters being sent, and increase the quality. Many agents prefer exclusive submission anyway. It is a good idea to really research the agent and find out if their goals are in line with yours. Find out what other books that have dealt with and why? Find out publishing house the agent usually pitches to. Look into the publishing house; find out if that publishing house matches your goals or your genre.
This might seem like more work, it might even seem like a waste of time, but it will make the difference in getting an agent or not. Take for example, if a door to door salesperson came to your door, asking you to listen to a long presentation about how their product could benefit your life. Unless you are extremely interested in exactly what they have, you'll probably just shut the door. But, wonder if a well acquainted neighbor came over and said I noticed you’re missing "this" from your life. The effect is almost the opposite: Even if you really don't need what they are offering, you will at least listen to what they have to share.
If you can just get a Literary agent to seriously consider your work, and if your story fills a niche in the market and is well written, you just might have a chance.
Once you find an agent that is interested in your work, don't rush into anything. Again, do your homework. There are such things as bad agents who won't help you further your goals of being an author—they might even prevent them. Ask for some references. Talk to people. Look at the success of the books the agent represents. Remember, this agent will become your business partner—so be sure they are a good one.
About Me
- S.B. NIXON
- S.B. Nixon has a Bachelor’s of Arts in English, and is an avid student of ancient cultures and regions. Traveling is one of his main hobbies and, consequently, he has spent much time outside of United States. He is fluent in the Spanish language, and conversant in several more. He has moved more times then is old, and has lived on the East coast almost as much as the West Coast. Above everything, he is most passionate about the art of writing.
