WHY HAVE AN AGENT?

 

 

During writers’ conferences and elsewhere, I have listened, time and time again, to novice writers who feel they can be published without the assistance of an agent. I can guarantee you that they are dead wrong.

 

Even professional writers who have best sellers will tell you that they won’t go near a publisher without an agent. It is true that they often refer to their editors at particular publishing houses that continue to publish their works. That is because they are getting the best deal with a particular publisher and are satisfied with the results of their published books.

 

A novice, however, needs guidance. A good agent will not only present your book to a publisher for consideration. He or she will also help edit your material, make positive suggestions about improving your work and more or less become a second parent to your "baby."

 

Selecting an agent is a very personal decision and you should check out agents to find the one who best satisfies your needs. The Writers Market or Literary Marketplace are the two best references you can go to. They list dozens of agents, their requirements, the kinds of manuscripts they handle and their fees. IT IS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE TO GO OVER THE LIST THOROUGHLY, and then select three or four to make your pitch to. Repeating the process until you find the right agent for you. Good luck.