How to Land a Literary Agent
It's the Catch 22 of the writing world. You decide you will offer your first novel to a certain publishing company, and discover that they will only consider work submitted through an agent. So, you choose an agent - and find that they are not interested in taking on an unpublished writer. How do you get published, in order to get an agent, in order to get published? It seems impossible, but it can be done. Here are a few tips.
1) Learn how the publishing business works from the publisher's / editor's / agent's point of view. These people are not your enemies. They don't take pleasure in rejecting your work. But in order to work with them for your mutual benefit you need to understand their roles; the reasons why they do things in certain ways.
2) Try to get published without the help of an agent. It's mostly the big companies that have the agents only' rule. There are plenty of smaller, independent companies dreaming of discovering exciting new talent. Do your market research using the standard writers' directories (e.g. Writers' & Artists' Yearbook UK, Writer's Market - USA), publishers' websites and literary magazines to find out who's publishing what.
3) Your ultimate ambition may be to have a full-length book published but shorter pieces often have a greater chance of success. If you are a non-fiction writer try offering articles on your subject to specialist magazines. Novelists can practice their skills with short stories.
4) Consider entering writing competitions. Monetary prizes are attractive, but perhaps of greater value are competitions that offer publication in a prestigious magazine or the promise that your work will be read by a professional agent or editor. But read all the small print very carefully. You'll greatly improve your chances of winning if you stick exactly to the rules of the competition, but also watch out for possible scams for example, anyone expecting you to sign over all your copyright.
5) If you want to approach an agent when you have a few published examples of your work to show them, again do your research. Good, reputable agents rarely need to advertise their services. You will find lists of agents in directories, on writing websites etc. and there are also national organizations such as the Association of Authors' Agents (Britain) and Association of Authors' Representatives (USA). Check which agents handle your kind of writing. No matter how good it is, it is pointless sending your fantasy novel to someone who only deals with non-fiction books!
6) Be businesslike. Remind yourself that you are a professional dealing with other professionals. When you have found out everything you can about your chosen agent give them what they want. Do they ask for a preliminary letter only? A synopsis and one chapter? Three chapters? If in doubt ask.
7) A writer and agent need to be able to work well together if they are both going to benefit from the arrangement. If an agent is interested in representing you, but you take an instant dislike to him or her when you meet in person, politely decline the offer. There are plenty of other agents out there and, as with all successful relationships, it's best to wait until you meet someone you know will be right for you.
8) And last, but definitely not least, never, ever be tempted to give money to someone who says they can get you a publishing deal.
