How to become a Literary Agent

From 3arf

Many persons would like to get their respective books published and many routes may be taken in order to accomplish the objective.  However, there is a broad difference between someone who prefers self-publishing and the individual who is looking for the expertise of an agent with industry contacts already installed.  Both plans are acceptable in order to achieve the objective however.  As literary agent you help the writer who wants his or her manuscript published as provided in the latter description above; where he or she requires an outside party with many industry contacts to help him or her do it.  This article focuses in on how to become a literary agent in the easiest manner possible.

Let us first get old-fashioned about manners:  shall we?  The suggestion here is to become well-versed in grammar and the English language.  This may come through formal education; the school of hard knocks or a little of both.  Whatever the case, make certain, too, you are well-aware of all academic styles of manuscripts—since you may be tested at some point as far as your knowledge; as well as overall grammar.  You can pick up a grammar book and style book, easy enough, online or at many second-hand book shops-if money is an issue.

Once comfortable with your grammatical knowledge contact freelance sites and bid for a job as a freelance writer.  Write as a freelance writer for awhile and enhance your experience and skills in the industry.  Also publish your articles on several freelance sites on the Internet, or possibly even publish lengthier manuscripts formally by way of self-publishing or contacting various sources seeking book length manuscripts.  The latter is a great way to expand your acquaintances within the industry.

Present your published works to publishing houses and ask if they have work available for freelance readers.  If they are impressed with your writing, they may keep you on file for a reader position.  You also might take the step to try your hand at editing.  Writing on your own, reading all types of interesting manuscripts and editing other persons’ creative works will serve you well and will allow you to become further accustomed with the industry.

Try sending out your resume with all of the experience you have accumulated to the various publishing houses.  It is to your benefit:  if you wish to become formal about matters to get involved in the publishing industry in this manner.  The publishing houses, suffice it to say are well aware of their competition.  Work in the house who eventually hires you and gain even further experience.

However, in the interim, let us face it:  if you are able to get your manuscript published formally by a house, outside of using a vanity press; you already have a great deal of experience in “putting yourself out there” within the industry.  You are the type of writer who possesses a great deal of spunk—and are perfect for the position of literary agent.

Read everything you can about the industry through trade journals and publications whether or not you have had a manuscript published by way of the traditional format.  Getting use to names and faces is a great way to become familiar with the industry in general.

The more educated in English you are; the more experience you have benefits you.  Once you believe you have enough knowledge under your belt in order to efficiently help beginning, aspiring authors:   start advertising your services to writers through writer magazines; and over the Internet at various writing sites.  You might also create your own online magazine and send it by way of email to aspiring authors.  Once you have an author who requires your help, your experience and skills will speak volumes as far as assisting that writer in getting published.  You first sell your experience to the writer, and then start contacting everyone you know; or industry professionals and start promoting that writer’s creative works.  Once you have established yourself too as a literary agent, make certain to attend plenty of publishing trade shows; and get yourself further acquainted with the major decision-makers inside the industry.

Your job is two-fold then:  You must advertise your experience to aspiring authors; and once attaining a gold-star future author, start promoting his or her work to contacts you know who are looking for this author’s style.  The best place to begin is attaining a good knowledge of English; working within the industry in as many positions as possible and then putting yourself out there as someone who can help aspiring authors get published.  Again:  the best requirement for this position is a great deal of “spunk.”

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