How to Make a Book Series - Deciding Upon Agents

So you've proofed your project and you are now pursuing agent representation. At this point, your 64 million dollar question is probably "How do I find an Agent and get published?" Before you blindly walk into an agent's office let us look at a few of the finer things you should know to avoid hearing "You've got something here, I'm just not quite sure what it is." In other words, "No."

There are many things you should consider before calling up an agent and conducting an interview. In fact, if you cold call an agent you've already taken a step back and could very well be running in reverse. Many agents don't accept phone calls, let alone emails. Rise above the rest and educate yourself about various agents to make your very best first impression.

Know your genre.
If you've done your homework by reading targeting your audience, you have already identified your customers and genre. This is an important key to finding an agent with integrity and qualified connections. For example, the world between nonfiction agents and fiction agents is vast and chances are your children's book agent is not going to have much to offer in finding you a publisher in the nonfiction market. If you have identified your genre then you have already saved yourself countless hours in prospecting the wrong market and have a much better chance in making the right contacts.

Evaluate your options.
I intentionally say "evaluate" as there are many agents who make a profitable living off your ignorance. This is bad business conduct and you do not want to be associated with these type of agents and their moral and ethical pitfalls. To avoid being scammed, simply type in the phrase "writers beware" into your search engine and educate yourself on what to avoid. This will help you survey the land so you can navigate and direct yourself to agents and firms of quality and integrity.

Researching 'Legit' Agents.
After you have educated yourself on what type of agents to avoid, you are now ready begin your agent search. There are a number of resources on the web that can help you find a reputable agent and/or firm. Try typing in "agent query" in your search engine or "[your genre] agents" and make a list of names to further research. Also, "The Association of Authors' Representatives" (aka AAR) offers resources on how to find legit agents as well as gives helpful suggestions for submitting your material.

All of these resources can help bring your project to the marketplace, but first make sure you have something to manage. If you don't have a winning script, an "offer" or any credentials, the ability of your manuscript finding itself in major retail chains are slim. If your name or product does not have demand, publishers will most likely go on to something that does. Be in the know and learn how to market yourself to have a solid platform to speak from.

Also, it is my belief that there is no substitute for networking yourself and having conversations IN person. Meeting literary agents, going to publishing conferences and getting referrals are for more valuable then writing any query letter or email. Above all, exude confidence in your work and your great idea and passion will help sell itself.

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Feel free to contact me with any questions about this process. Additionally, I am in the process of sorting through some of the most common questions and will post these on the FAQ section of my website and I will answer them appropriately. I look forward to hearing from you!