How To Find An Agent

Welcome to Agent Week here at Writer Off the Leash. We’ll discuss everything you’ve ever wanted to know and then some as it pertains to those cuddly little mammals every writer aspires to acquire. And what better way to kick off the topic than by answering the most essential question every new writer wants to know…

How do I find an agent?

Write a stellar story.

Before you even think about querying an agent, polish your work to a fine sheen. I belong to a critique group called the Silver Arrows. The name reminds us that we’ve only got one chance to snag an agent’s or editor’s attention. Since you’ve only got one shot, send out your finest possible writing, your ‘silver arrow’.

Research the field.

Every agent is different. Some want historicals. Others love thrillers. Most agents represent a variety of genres, but each has their own parameters they like to stick to. Find out what they are. Don’t bother sending your paranormal to an agent who prefers women’s fiction and vice versa. A great resource is Sally Stuart’s Christian Writer's Market Guide.

Ask around.

This is where some sweet networking skills come in handy. Ask your writing buddies who they’ve worked with or who they know. Begin to get a feel for the various personalities of the agents out there. Some are all three-piece-suits. Others are kilts. While you’re asking, it wouldn’t hurt to find out if your writer buddy would recommend you to their agent. Just don’t get all devastated if they say no. Usually it’s nothing personal, just a writerly policy many writers have.

Contact the agent.

Once you’ve narrowed down the field to your top three picks, it’s time to get personal. The best way to connect with an agent is by attending a conference where they’ll be guest-starring. Set up an appointment with said agent and see how you click with them.

Or send out a query.

If your budget is as depressing as mine, you can simply query those agents you think might work. A query is simply your story idea cut to the bone and stated in a few snappy, succinct paragraphs.

Then you wait. 

Wait to hear if they’d like to see a full proposal. Wait to see if they reject you. Wait to see if you get any response at all. Surely you know by now that writing is all about waiting, right silly rabbit?