Robert Lee Brewer (Editor) - Guide to Literary Agents 2020: The Most Trusted Guide to Getting an Agent: Information on More Than 1,000 Agents Who Represent Writers and Their Books

Searching for a literary agent can be overwhelming, whether youve just finished your first book or you have several publishing credits on your rsum. More than likely, youre eager to start pursuing agents and anxious to see your name on the spine of a book. But before you go directly to the listings in this book, take time to familiarize yourself with the way agents work and how you should approach them. By doing so, you will be more prepared for your search and ultimately save yourself effort and unnecessary angst.

This book begins with feature articles organized into three sections: Getting Started, Contacting Agents, and The Writers Toolbox. These articles explain how to prepare for representation, offer strategies for contacting agents, and arm you with vital tools in your journey. You may want to start by reading through each one and then refer back to relevant articles during each stage of your search.

Because there are many ways to make that initial contact with an agent, weve also provided an article called Debut Authors Tell All. These personal accounts from just-published authors offer information and inspiration for any writer hoping to find representation.

A literary agent will present your work directly to editors or producers. Its the agents job to get her clients work published or sold, and to negotiate a fair contract. In the Literary Agents listings section, we list each agents contact information and explain both what type of work the agency represents and how to submit your work for consideration.

For face-to-face contact, many writers prefer to meet agents at conferences. By doing so, writers can assess an agents personality, attend workshops, and have the chance to get more feedback on their work than they get by mailing or e-mailing submissions and waiting for a response. The Conferences section lists conferences agents and/or editors attend. In many cases, private consultations are available, and agents attend with the hope of finding new clients to represent.

Aside from the articles and listings, this book offers a section of Resources. If you come across a term with which you arent familiar, check out the Resources section for a quick explanation. Also, note the gray tabs along the edge of each page. The tabs identify each section so they are easier to flip to as you conduct your search.

Finallyand perhaps most importantlythere are the Indexes in the back of the book. These can serve as an incredibly helpful way to start your search because they categorize the listings according to different criteria. For example, you can look for literary agents according to their specialties (fiction/nonfiction genres).

Listings in Guide to Literary Agents were originally compiled from detailed questionnaires and information provided by agents. However, the publishing industry is constantly in flux, and agencies change frequently.

Listings are published free of charge and are not advertisements. Although the information is as accurate as possible, the listings are not endorsements or guarantees by the editor or publisher of Guide to Literary Agents. If you feel you have not been treated fairly by an agent or representative listed in Guide to Literary Agents, we advise you to try to contact the agency. Sometimes one letter or e-mail can clear up the matter. Politely relate your concern.

NOTE: Guide to Literary Agents reserves the right to exclude any agency for any reason.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Why do you include agents who are not seeking new clients? Some agents ask that their listings indicate they are currently closed to new clients. We include them so writers know the agents exist and know not to contact them at this time.

2. Why are some agents not listed? Some agents may not have responded to our requests for information.

3. Do I need more than one agent if I write in different genres? It depends. If you have written in one genre and want to switch to a new style of writing, ask your agent if she is willing to represent you in your new endeavor. Occasionally an agent may feel she has no knowledge of a certain genre and will recommend an appropriate agent to her client. Regardless, you should always talk to your agent about any potential career move.