Hi Everyone: Thanks for coming back here to Coffee Time Romance, where I’ve been talking about my newest release, Jeanne of Clairmonde, and blogging about subjects I hope have been of interest. Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win some exquisite jewelry. Winner will be announced next Tuesday on my personal blog, 
www.joycemoore.blogspot.com so remember to check it.
My previous blogs were geared to both writers and readers, but this one is for writers who are looking for an agent. It’s becoming more common for publishers to work through agents, making it difficult to submit your work to an appropriate publisher. Aside from that, having someone to negotiate a contract and read the fine print allows us to spend our time doing what we do best””writing. That said, getting the attention of an agent can be as elusive as finding the right publisher.
There are several ways an author might find an agent who is the perfect fit. I’ve blogged earlier today about conferences. Sure, you can pitch to an agent at a conference, but just as important is networking with other writers. Who knows, you might find a writer who writes in your genre and is kind enough to recommend her agent. I met a writer at the Denver conference whom I’d met earlier at another conference. We renewed our friendship, and found time to talk. I learned she writes in the same period I do. She was a finalist in the conference contest, so I knew her writing was about ready to catch an agent’s eye. I gave her my agent’s name, and when I returned home, I emailed my agent and she said she would be on the lookout for my friend’s manuscript.
As for how I got my agent, I sought out a few who I knew handled my genre. I sent them a query (yes, at the same time). One wrote me back saying she thought she loved my book and thought she could sell it. The rest, as they say, is history. I really lucked out. This gal is enthusiastic and persistent. She keeps in touch and we work together very well.
The way to get an agent is to keep sending out queries (and send them exactly what they ask for””no more, no less).Network. Go to conferences. Attend writer events and book signings and make friends. You never know who may be interested in helping you find a home for your book.
0 COMMENTS
Lynn Romaine
15 years agoHi Joyce – thanks for sharing your encouraging thoughts. I’m in the first stages of agent hunting with my 4th book, having gotten the first three published with small presses. I’ve sent out 20 queries in the past two weeks and one nibble so far. I’m happy to hear it’s a bit of a fluke as well and depends on relationships. I have friends who have agents, although have not gotten any agent-based contracts yet. I look forward to finding the perfect agent as you seem to have – who loves your writing
Lynn romaine – Long Run Home is out today! http://www.thewildrosepress.com
Doralynn
15 years agoHi Joyce. I live in Colorado Springs… wish I’d known about the Denver conference. I’ll have to Google that and see what comes up. Maybe next time. Hopefully I’ll have an agent by then. I’m also a Wild Rose author. I hope being published will help me find an agent. Thanks for posting on this subject. I’m working feverishly at your topic. Doralynn
Lynne Roberts
15 years agoHi Joyce,
Thanks for the blog. This go around, I’ve been looking for an agent for about 7 months. I still have a partial and a full under consideration.
It takes a good story, a good query, and lots of research, patience and perseverance… and let’s face it, a little luck.
Congratulations on finding yours.
I also have to say, I love this site. Two of my favorite things together. : )
Monique DeVere
15 years agoHello, Joyce,
Thanks for the advice, you are obviously the type of author who likes to help other authors. I’ve come across a few writers who guard their agents, and would only give the minimum information about them.
It’s wonderful to come across someone who’s so helpful. Good luck with the new book.
Hugs,
Monique
Amber Polo
15 years agoThanks Joyce for the post.
And for being a generous agented author.
When people find out I working an interesting new book and ask to read it, I’m thinking of saying only if they have a close friend or relative who is a literary agent.
You never know.
Amber
Joyce
15 years agoHi Lynn: Yes, your small press publications will definitely help–it show you’re a serious writer. Just keep writing and networking and sending out queries, and Good Luck!
Joyce
15 years agoDoraLynn: Gee, you were close! You’re lucky to have such an active writers group in your back yard. By all means, join. It’s a great bunch of supportive people and for them it’s all about the writing. I intend to go next year again so maybe3 we can hook up and talk. Good luck!
Joyce
15 years agoLynne Roberts:I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you on the Full. This is the world’s slowest industry and I think writers have to have more perseverance than anyone–and patience. Keep submitting and querying. Sounds like you’re on the right track, and good luck.
Joyce
15 years agoHi Monique: I’ve had lots of help along the way so I’m glad to share. What goes around comes around. That said, I wouldn’t recommend to someone to query an agent who I knew wasn’t interested in their genre. It’s a waste of time and money for the writer who could be writing. That’s why it’s good to talk to other writers and get to know them and build up friendships. Writers for the most part are very willing to share. Good luck in your writing and all things!
Joyce
15 years agoHi Amber: Thanks for your comment. Actually, I think any time you make friends with other authors it’s a good thing. As for readers, I only have my critique group or writers I know read my work because it’s not ready for the world to see 😆 Good luck in your writing endeavors.
Mary Ricksen
15 years agoGreat advice. Do the work to find one! 😉
Joyce
15 years agoHi Mary: My, you do get around. Now, I must scold you. You didn’t check back on my website. Click Journal and read the 3rd blog down. You won a digital copy of Jeanne and never claimed it! 😆
Thanks for stopping by here.
Laura H
15 years agoHello, and thanks for the advice. I’ve heard that it’s important to find a really good fit when it comes to agents. It’s better to have no agent than a bad one. The search goes on.