How does a writer find an agent? Give us your thoughts.
Brenda here.
I believe that I am entirely the wrong writer to answer this question, because while I've dabbled in seeking out an agent, I've only ever landed one, and she retired a year after signing me.
My books have mainly been published by small- to mid-size Canadian publishers. I discussed acquiring an agent with my first publisher, who became a mentor and friends. She suggested that I didn't need an agent since this would take up a percentage of my royalties and they were already publishing my work. I realize this also helped the publisher since nobody was negotiating contracts on my behalf, a significant reason to have an agent in one's corner.
I kept writing without an agent, but every so often, I'd write a query letter, research agents, and send out some feelers. Once in a while, I'd get a nibble, but nothing that ever turned into an offer to represent. I'd turn my attention to something else and stop my search, such as it was. While not having an agent didn't prevent me from being published, I often wish I had an agent/author relationship such as I hear about from other writers. It would be lovely to have someone in my court, pitching my work, and yes, negotiating those contracts. Some authors even thank their agents for reworking their manuscripts into bestsellers -- who wouldn't want that?
So, how does one go about finding an agent? I'm going to be very interested in what my fellow bloggers have to say about this as the week progresses. From my research, a lot appears to rest with having a dynamite query letter and a polished manuscript before querying. One's track record also comes into play. Perhaps you had a book published that didn't sell all that well. An agent will check out your past books and sales, and this could become a deciding factor.
Sometimes finding an agent appears to be a matter of luck. The agent doesn't have someone like you on their roster, or a spot just came free, or a strong wind blew away all the submissions except yours ... who honestly can say? Stories abound with authors who query 97 agents and get picked up by the 98th. And then, the agent has to try to place the author's manuscript, which can take a few more years to publication ... but I digress.
I've sat in on webinars (via Zoom) with agent panels, and have found myself impressed by more than one agent, but haven't ever approached any. This might be a place to start though. Another option would be to ask author friends to introduce you to their agent if you feel comfortable asking. Research is key though. Just as all people in (insert any profession) are not created equal, neither are all agents.
So, wrapping up my ambiguous answer to this agent question, keep checking back to the blog this week to see what words of wisdom and advice my fellow authors have to impart. I know I'll be reading each day with interest!
Website: www.brendachapman.ca
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