Getting Ready To Search For An Agent

by Christophoros Demetriou
22nd February 2012

I have seen similar questions in previous posts, but I wanted to create a new one and ask if anyone has any ideas.

I have been working on my MS for some time now, and I feel that I am ready to approach agents. There used to be a list here on the website, which as I have seen it has been removed when the site changed looks.

The new tab for listings on the website says coming soon. Does anyone know when that will be? Is there any estimation on when it will be up and running?

If not, then perhaps you might know if there is a book I can buy that has all the listings of agents? Or a reliable website I can visit in order to get the information I am looking for?

Mind you I have a copy of the list that used to be here on the website. I copied it about a year ago (probably more) when I thought I was ready to look for an agent but then decided against it and took some more time to complete my MS. Do you think I can use that list and just go through all the listings again? Or do you believe it will be outdated and perhaps I should try and look for a new one?

Thanks in advance for any replies :)

Replies

Your local library should have a recent edition of the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook. They might even have a recent copy of the Writers' Market which I like for the very useful articles on getting published in the front. I bought both of these in 2009 because I had some book tokens and would still use those editions, but if you are using an older edition you should always check the publisher/agent's website for changes to submission guidelines or contact details. Either way, always send your submission to a person who actually exists, not just an agency or publishing house because, as one wise agent put it, how can you expect anyone to believe you have bothered to research your work if you can't even be bothered to find out the name of the person you could end up working quite closely with?

Profile picture for user dividedheart
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Victoria Whithear
29/02/2012

Your local library should have a recent edition of the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook. They might even have a recent copy of the Writers' Market which I like for the very useful articles on getting published in the front. I bought both of these in 2009 because I had some book tokens and would still use those editions, but if you are using an older edition you should always check the publisher/agent's website for changes to submission guidelines or contact details. Either way, always send your submission to a person who actually exists, not just an agency or publishing house because, as one wise agent put it, how can you expect anyone to believe you have bothered to research your work if you can't even be bothered to find out the name of the person you could end up working quite closely with?

Profile picture for user dividedheart
Victoria
Whithear
5200 points
Ready to publish
Fiction
Comic
Contemporary
Romance
Young Adult (YA)
Speculative Fiction
Short stories
Writing and Editing
Victoria Whithear
29/02/2012

I found three agents in whom I was particularly interested in the Writers and Artists Yearbook. The fact that none of them are accepting submissions being incidental, that's where I'd recommend you start. I wish you luck!

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Mark Rudd
22/02/2012