One of the biggest troubles for writers after finishing a book is finding a literary agent interested in their work.
This might be hard, especially because there are thousands of writers out there trying to get an agent, just as you are. However, there are some interesting and useful things that you need to keep in mind if you want to succeed in this competitive world.
Work cleverly to be found by an agent:
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Write as much as you can. Focus on it and try to get an excellent and polished work.
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Send your pieces of work to literary magazines and journals, many of them, as many as you find. The more you send the more chances you have to be noticed out there. Don’t pay attention to warnings prohibiting simultaneous submissions. You are allowed to break the rules.
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Make a good use of internet opportunities. There are many forums and specialized websites out there and you can get in contact with many people. You never know who you are chatting with. You may be so lucky to find an interested agent where and when you least expect it.
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Allow people to review your work online and make your contact information noticeable so they can get in touch with you.
Work hard to find a literary agent:
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Look for writer’s events in your community: libraries, colleges etc. and make connections.
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Get lists of agents on different literary websites. Many of these websites offer lists of agents and some of them even include important information about them: agents’ bios, particular interests, their clients, deals, if they are open to inquiries and how they prefer to be contacted. There are many agents who are only interested in a few genres or areas of specialization. Having access to agents’ information allows you to narrow your list in order to have more chances to success when contacting an agent.
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Knowing somebody or being recommended is a great resource. Do you know someone who knows an agent? Agents usually respond to people they know or those with references. So, try to ask for a referral and remind that agent of a connection or a name at the top of the query letter you send.
Never forget this: There are many writers out there looking for agents, but there are also many agents looking for writers. Remember agents need writers because it is how they make their living. So, don’t be terrified, nothing is impossible. Just work hard in a two-way effort. Do your best to be found by interested agents and get out and find them on your own!