Finding An Agent

Since acquiring my first contract for my urban fantasy series, the Dark Days Series, some of the most popular questions I’ve received have been about getting published.  Now that I am between series and I’m re-tuning the great promotion machine for the Tattoo Artist series, I thought I would take the time to try to tackle some of these questions.  The topics won’t be in any specific order so stay tuned as I may soon tackle the question burning most in your mind.

In my email, I most recently received a question was how to acquire an agent.  Let’s tackle that one today.

DISCLAIMER: I’m not an expert.  I don’t claim to be an expert nor do I guarantee that my advice will get you an agent.  This is simply a story of how I got my agent.

 

First, some questions:

1.       Is the book you are trying to get represented finished?

A.      No – If it’s a fiction book, return to your computer and finish your book first and then come back to this blog post.  You’re not ready.

B.      Yes  -- Continue to question 2.

2.        Is it the best the book the best that it can be?  So perfectly polished you can eat dinner of it?

A.       No, the idea is solid, but it still needs grammar tweaks, it’s written in a passive voice, and/or it needs a more defined subplot, but the editor can help with that; it’s their job.  -- Ummm … Go back to the computer and get to work.  You’re not ready for an agent.  The book has to be as perfect as possible before contacting ANYONE.

B.      Yes, the book has been thoroughly edited by myself and critiqued by several readers.  The grammar is clean, the story is tight, and the characters are interesting and entertaining.  – Continue to question 3.

3.       Has the book been read by anyone other than your mother/best friend?

A.       No, but my mother loves it – That’s great, but it’s time to look into a critique group or some other outside source who might be a little more critical of your work.  Again, we’re looking for perfection since you usually get only one shot at a first impression.

B.      Yes, the book has been reviewed by a critique group and/or several highly critical readers who have given me valuable feedback on how to improve my book. – Congratulations!  You’re ready to start looking for an agent.

The first three questions may seem a little rough, but there’s something to keep in mind: You get only one chance to make a good impression.  Once an agent says “no,” it’s unlikely that you’ll get a chance to pitch to that agent again.  Also, remember that some agents can get several hundred queries a week requesting representation.  To stand out, you need to put your best foot forward and that means having the best product to present to them.

The first steps in acquiring an agent are actually a lot of prep work.

1.       The synopsis.

The synopsis is a summary of your book.  You need several of these of varying lengths for a variety of situations.  

A.      The elevator pitch:  this is called such for the simple reason of you may find yourself in an elevator with the agent of your dreams and you have approximately 2 minutes to pitch your book.  Can you summarize your book in two sentences?  Sure, it’s not going to have in it all the things that make your book great, but it can include something that might hook the agent’s attention and get them to ask for more information.  Can you give a compelling 2-minute presentation on your book?  You may never have to use this, but it’s great to have in your back pocket and it’s easy to try out on friends to get their feedback.  Practice makes perfect.

B.      The book blurb:  can you summarize your book in roughly 250 words, or the length of the book description found on the back of your favorite paperback book?  This is another chance to break down your book to its most compelling points.  If you can’t give an exciting brief description of your book, how are you going to convince anyone to buy it in a bookstore? 

C.      The proposal synopsis:  This synopsis is a bit longer, ranging from one to two single-spaced pages.  In the synopsis, you’re allowed to go into more detail.  The main thrust of the synopsis is to cover the main plot and give small details on the subplots and the development of the main character(s).  Also, tell the ending.  Don’t try to save it as a surprise.

Once again, make sure that these are as polished as your book.  Let other people read your pitches.  Prepare to make changes again and again to get it right.  You have to entice your reader, leaving them practically panting to get their hands on your manuscript.

2.        Query letter

The query letter is the first time that you contact an agent in an effort to win their attention.  Below is a copy of the query letter I was using to sell Nightwalker.  It changed slightly for each agent, but the bulk of it remained the same.

LETTER:

Dear Mr/s. XXXXXX,

Throw out the old myths that elves are peace-loving tree-huggers.  The Fey are coming and they mean to destroy mankind.  And man’s only hope is an alliance between a vampire and a vampire hunter. 

That vampire is Mira, an outcast among her own people because of her unusual ability to manipulate fire.  Unfortunately, one night’s amusement with a vampire hunter sours when he reveals that he must turn his skills at killing vampires to those of keeping her “alive” in order to stop the Fey from wiping mankind off the Earth.

My novel, DANAUS, is a dark fantasy/contemporary paranormal piece with an approximate word count of 88,000 words.  DANAUS is the first in series of paranormal novels I hope to have published, and is written from Mira’s point of view in a voice that a sharp and sarcastic James Bond might use if he worked for the undead and not the Queen.  I have already begun to work on the second book in the series.

At the moment, DANAUS is being read by XXXX of XXXXX.

In 1999, I acquired my bachelor’s degree from Northern Kentucky University in creative writing and journalism, and have spent five years working as a financial writer and editor at Schaeffer’s Investment Research.  I have had a short story and poems published by a literary magazine called The Licking River Review.

Enclosed are the synopsis, the first three chapters, and a SASE for your convenience.

May I send you the completed manuscript?

Sincerely,

Let’s attack this one point at a time.

1.       Notice how short it is!  Remember, agents are reading stacks and stacks of letters.  You’re not going to hold their attention for a long time.  Be like a ninja.  Sneak in, attack, and get out.  If your query letter does its job, they will be coming to you for more info.  Rule of thumb: query letter shouldn’t be over 1 page.

2.       Check and double check who you are sending the letter to!  Get the name and the gender right!  You don’t want to insult the agent before they even get to the meat of the letter.

3.       The first 1-2 paragraphs should focus on the book.  This is where your 250-word synopsis will come in handy.  The opening line should be a hook – something to interest the agent and get them to keep reading.  A question is a great and easy hook.  The opening should not only inform them on what the book is about, but should give an idea of how this book is different from all the other books that have already been written.  I know, a tall order, but it can be done.

4.       The next paragraph is general information on the book.  Basic information such as length and genre are greatly appreciated.  They like to know which audience you’re targeting with this book.  Not necessary, but always nice if you can include it: comparisons to known stories is appreciated because it can sometimes make it easy for the agent to market to publishers. (Though, try not to claim to be the next JK Rowling who wrote the next Twilight  - humility is always appreciated)  Nightwalker was pitched as Alias meets Underworld.  The book is not claiming to be either, but by comparing the book to two known entities, the agent/ publisher can get an interesting image in their head.

5.       If the entire book has been requested and sent to another agent, this is where you tell the reader of the letter.  Many agents allow simultaneous submissions, but they like to know if someone else is interested in the book as well.

6.       A BRIEF paragraph about yourself.  In the big picture, you are the least important thing here.  You’re trying to sell your book, not yourself.  If you have published before, list it briefly.  Keep this paragraph short and if you haven’t been published before, don’t worry. The agent will be drawn in on the first paragraphs, not your bio.

7.       Tell what has been enclosed/attached.  Send only what has been requested!

8.       Ask to send the entire manuscript.

9.       End politely.

Not too hard, right?  When you’re done with the query letter, give it to people to read.  Let them find grammar errors and typos.  Are they pulled in by the opening?  Are they asking about the book?  Attack the letter with the idea that you have to fight to get the agent to read the next line of the letter.  They are short on time and will stop reading the moment they are not interested. 

3.       Research

Probably one of the least stressful parts of finding an agent.  Research.  But it can be the most time consuming.  Before sending anything anywhere, you have to thoroughly research the agents.  Most places have websites and I suggest checking them out before shipping off that query letter.  There are places all over the internet that provide lists of agents.  I actually started with a Writer’s DigestGuide to Literary Agents.  It’s not a bad investment and a lot of libraries carry them if you don’t want to shell out the money.

Before prepping that query letter, ask these questions:

A.    Does this agent represent the genre I’m writing?

B.     Is this agent accepting new submissions?

C.     Who does this agent represent?  Is it someone I’ve heard of?  (which often translates into: has this agent sold work to a publishing house I have heard of?)

If the answer is yes to all these questions, then you should proceed.  In your research, make note of what the agent wants to see.  Everyone is different.  Some want a query letter.  Some want a query letter and synopsis.  Some what a query letter and the first three chapters of the finished book.  Be prepared to meet their requests.  However, you should NEVER pay to have your submission read by an agent.  That’s usually the first sign of a scam.

So, you’ve written your synopsis, query letter, and researched your agents list.  Start sending out those letters.  If they allow simultaneous submissions, take advantage of it.  Send out multiple letters and start a spreadsheet of when letters were sent out, who they were sent to, and what they were sent.  It will make your life easier.  After that’s complete, all you have to do is wait.

And there’s a lot of waiting to do.  Some agents can take between 4-8 weeks to reply to just a query letter, while a whole manuscript decision can take 6 months or longer.  Of course, I’ve received a rejection within an hour of sending a letter.

Don’t get frustrated or discouraged.  I sat through 2 years of rejections (getting a large stack of “no”) before I finally landed my agent.  Some people take longer and others take shorter.  I had a dear friend that landed an agent in less than six months. 

Keep at it!  While you’re waiting for that agent to contact you, you have two jobs:

1.       Edit the book that you’ve got on submission

2.       Write your next book.

In the end, always keep writing.

(Do you have any publishing/writing related questions you would like to have answered?  Please leave questions in the comments and I will try to address them!)

A Look Back at the Beginning: Part 2

I recently received a reader question about how many manuscripts I wrote before I sold and how I got my agent. Last night, I discussed how many books I wrote and when I got started writing. Tonight, I am going to talk about finding my agent.

There are stories of writers who managed to snag an agent within a few weeks of sending out their first query letters. I’m not one of those writers. Actually, it took me roughly two years and a stack of rejection letters to win over my agent.

I tried the usual route of the Writer’s Digest Guide to Literary Agents. I searched the Internet and I had a few connections that were kind enough to recommend me to their agents. No luck. Of all my rejection letters, I will say that I had a very strong response overall. About 30% were just plain old rejection letters. No name, no signature. Another 10% were rejection letters with a handwritten note. Another 30% asked for the first 3 chapters. And another 30% not only asked for the first 3 chapters, but they went on to ask for the whole book.

The rejection letters were mounting and I will admit that I got discouraged. It’s hard not to. I was getting a lot of positive responses; the most popular being that I had a great voice. But for some reason no one could quite pin down, no one wanted me.

A good friend once told me that I wanted to find an agent who loved my book as much as I did. I understood what she was saying, but I can’t say that I necessarily believed her.

It had been 2 years of rejections. I was getting worried. Was urban fantasy getting too saturated?

I had just received an issue of the RWA magazine, which listed several agents that were looking to take on new clients. I copied down 5 names, all that I could contact via email. I drew a line in the sand. I needed a serious bite from someone in this group of 5 or I was going to pack away the manuscript and start on something new. If I was lucky, I thought I would be able to sell the new project and maybe be able to sell my urban fantasy at a later date when I was an established author.

From the group of 5, I got some very serious bites. Out of the 5, only 1 rejected me outright and 3 immediately asked for samples. One I don’t think I ever heard from. From the 3 that asked for samples, 2 asked to see the whole book.

However, one asked faster than the other. I couldn’t give her an exclusive look, because the book was actually with another agent and an editor who had yet to give me a final decision. I did promise not to send the book to anyone else. She asked to me hold off for only a week. I was willing to give her more time. That weekend was Mother’s Day. I didn’t expect her to read my book over Mother’s Day.

The following Monday, I was prepared to email her and tell her that I was willing to give her more time to review the book. Instead, she called me. She wanted to represent me. What really awed me was when she started talking about my characters. I could hear it in her voice. It was the same tone of love and excitement I used when I talked about them. And the clincher: she hadn’t finished reading the book yet. She still had about 100 pages left. She saw something in that book she couldn’t pass up. She saw something in my ability that she didn’t want to pass up. I was honored, flattered, and humbled in that moment.

My friend was right. I had found someone who loved my book as much as I did.

A couple days later I signed some paperwork making it all official. After a week of quick revisions, my agent had my book in the hands of several editors in all the big publishing houses. We got several serious nibbles.

My same friend warned me that it might take a while to land an offer.

We had an offer before Father’s Day.

So my advice… it’s not anything new. Stick with it. You’re going to get lots of rejections letters. Lots of rejections letters. No matter what I say, you’re going to take it personally. Just don’t let it stop you. If your writing is important to you, if you feel like this book MUST be shared with the world, then don’t let a few “no”s stop you. In the meantime, this process involves a lot of waiting. While you’re waiting, be working on that next project. You might not sell your first book first. Your third book might sell first and then you get back to your first one.

Jennifer Schober of Spencerhill Associates is my agent. She’s amazing. She believes in me. I’d be completely lost without her.

The Agent with Answers: Part 2

More thoughts from my agent, Jennifer Schober.

"Thanks for waiting for my replies to your fantastic questions...I hope that they provide some clues to queries!

On Queries...

The best query is a fantastic pitch-- I want to really get a sense of what is special about your work. Ask Jocelynn about a good query...I read hers and it was like an immediate YES ask for more flashed across my mind. You need to know that I receive about 50 queries a week, sometimes more, so your pitch does need to catch my eye in some way.

Make it short, sweet and to the point. I want to know the following: who you are, a bit about the work, have you published, won awards? ( Don't get nervous if you are a new author) Genre, word count, how to contact you and, of course, the SASE, unless you are sending through email. I like to see the first three chapters of the work. I also like to see the synopsis.

Although a query is an important entree into the agent's radar screen, I make my decision solely on the writing, not a query letter! A query gets my attention and the actual writing takes my attention to the next level."

~Jennifer Schober

The Agent with Answers: Part 1

My wonderful agent Jennifer Schober of Spencerhill Associates is finally here to answer a few questions and provide her insight into the publishing world. (Everyone play nice...)

Jennifer Schober:

"I am so happy to be an official visitor to Jocelynn's blog! To be with all of you in Jocelynn's virtual reality is also quite a thrill. I hope that through the following entries I can answer some of your questions about the oh so elusive quest to find an agent. (and not just any agent, the right agent!) Happy to be here, and I am Jocelynn's third best fan (behind the family of course!)

1. I am definitely looking for new talent to represent. I represent all manner of women's fiction, from category to single title. Breaking it down to specifics: Romance and all the sub-genres which romance encapsulates...category, contemporary, erotic, paranormal, suspense, historical. I also am looking for literary fiction, Gothics, and urban fantasy and straight fantasy. I probably forgot something but generally I am looking for an amazing book with an irresistible voice, compelling hook--something that just grabs me and says "I'm exceptional!"

Please, I do not rep children's!

Essentially, I really want to see that book that reaches out to me, that I can't stop reading and don't want it to end. I recently read a book called THE HUMMINGBIRD'S DAUGHTER by Louis Alberto Urrea that I was so emotionally connected to that I simply could not finish. It was like I had some sort of block. I was reading it on vacation and I loved it so thoroughly that it was three times the size from ocean water and full of sand and suntan lotion when I gave it to the next person to read. I think it is a good sign when you are so connected to the characters in the story that you take on their pain, their triumphs...that's why I love books, and I have a feeling others would agree...being transported in that profound way really hits you in all the right places.

2. One question was do I have pet peeves? No. No wait, please don't send me a query without an SASE. That's it.

3. Another question was does the publishing world shut down in December and after the RWA conference? Well, literally offices close their doors for the holiday from the 24Th (and some on the 21st this year that's a Friday) until the day after New Year's. That is pretty standard in business. Everyone needs a break. People generally tend to get very busy through the Thanksgiving-Christmas time so naturally it may take more time for editors to review work due to offices being closed; more work piles up. In all honesty, I cant really comment on editors and their personal workload. I'm not one! After RWA? I don't know. Nationals can be very intensive for industry professionals-- they are working the entire day and much of the night. Even though it is wonderful to see clients and meet authors and colleagues, I could see how people would need a day or two to recoup."~Jennifer Schober

That's it for tonight. I have another set of answers ready for tomorrow. Jenn was also nice enough to send a picture over of us. I had forgotten that it had even been taken. We attend one of the workshops at RWA. If you can't guess, I'm dorky redhead on the right ~ Jocelynn

Let's Play Ask An Agent

I'm nervously outlining the plot for my second book while trying to keep my doubts at bay. I think every author runs into the fear, particularly those writing a series, of whether or not you can duplicate the success of your first book. Of course, my first book hasn't been published yet, but my editor likes it. And my agent likes it. And some author friends like it. But can I do it again? Sigh. The better question is: do I have a choice?

But no more rambling from me.

My task is to help you tonight. Have you written a book? Or do you just hope to be published one day? Are you currently searching for an agent to represent you and your finished book? Are you getting ready to start your agent search or are you already drowning in rejection letters? If you are any where in the process, you are likely to have some questions. So send them to me.

My lovely and talented agent Jennifer Schober of Spencerhill Associates has agreed to appear as a guest on my blog next week. She represents all manner of fiction, women’s fiction, romance: erotica, fantasy, paranormal, category, historical, and contemporary. She does not represent children's fiction.

If you have any questions, please post them in the comment section, or you can send me an email at: jocelynnDOTdrakeATgmailDOTcom . I will collect questions until 8 p.m. Eastern Time Monday, December 10.

My Big Break

Yesterday, Melissa Marr raised the question for all the various writers of how we each got our big break? Did we know someone in the business? Did we have killer query letters? What advice do you have for those seeking an agent?

I posted a somewhat brief answer over on Fangs, Fur & Fey, but I wanted to say a little more on this topic. If you read my post on FFF, this is a bit of a repeat. If you haven't, please jump over to FFF and catch how some of the other writers did it. It's great reading, we all seemed to do it a little differently.

But back to me.... mwahahahahaha!

Did I know someone?

Actually, I was lucky enough to know a couple of people in the business. They were nice enough to provide me with invaluable information on query letters, agents, editors, and just general information about the business. These writers were also wonderful enough to get me in front of their respective agents.

However, those agents didn't offer for me in the end. They provided me with great advice and information, but I wasn't a good fit, unfortunately.

In the end, I am a slush pile survivor. After lots of rejections for my manuscript, I was nearing the end of my rope. On sort of a whim one Saturday, I sent out a batch of 5 email queries, just becasue I thought I had slacked in some of my efforts to get an agent. I figured if the batch came back with no nibbles, it was time to switch projects.

Within a couple days, I had 1 request for a full manuscript and 2 requests for partials. Almost immediately, one of the partial requests came back wanting the full manuscript. That was my lovely agent Jenn. She asked for the full manuscript on a Wednesday, and I got the call from her the following Monday offering to represent me. There is no greater feeling. After so many rejections, to have a professional in the industry excited about your work and believe in you is an amazing feeling. I remember shaking and getting teary, and calling everyone programmed in my cell phone. Lesson: STICK WITH IT! You never known when it will finally happen.

After some quick revisions, Jenn had the book in the hands of some great editors and within a few weeks, I had a book deal with Eos and an amazing editor.

Overall, networking is great. It's a great way to get in front of editors and agents. It's also a great source of valuable information For many people, it is how they were able to find their agent, but it's not the only way. There are lots of us who have survived the slush piles.

I think I had a great query letter that succeeded in catching Jenn's attention and some really strong writing won her over.

So, my advice... stick with it. Rejection letters are a rough part of the business, but we have all waded through them.

For more on agents, check out my 3-part series on luring an agent.

Finding an Agent: Part 3

I must keep today's post short since I still have to pack for the RWA conference and I have a very early flight tomorrow -- I'm still wondering what I was thinking when I booked such an early flight.

For today, I have just a few words of warning to keep in mind when it comes to agents and even editors.

1. It's business.
You are an artist, a creative spirit, and your book is your baby, your pride and joy. However, the second the query letter leaves your computer or is dropped in the mail, your baby has become a product and this is now business. You will receive rejection letters and most of these will likely be cold, impersonal form letters that don't even have your name on them. The agent/editor isn't rejecting you, they are saying "no" to the product. It will hurt, but don't let your anger get the better of you. Don't fire off an angry letter or make phone calls in which you question the intelligence and/or sanity of the agent/editor. It is unprofessional and this is business.

2. It's a small world.
Despite the fact there are hundreds of agents and editors out there, it is a surprisingly small world. Agents and editors are constantly talking to each other; phone calls, conferences, and emails. If you break rule #1, there is a chance your name could come up in a negative way within this group. It's hard enough to get published, you definitely don't want to shoot yourself in the foot with some unprofessional behavior.

3. Preditors
Not everyone out there is legitimate. If an agent does show some interest in your work, don't hesitate to do some digging. I have listed some writer resource sites on my blog that should help you on that front. Also, don't hesitate to ask questions such as who are some of his/her clients, how many books sold in the past year, etc. Don't ever pay a reading fee.

I hope you find this information helpful!

Also, I want to thanks everyone who has come over from Rachel's blog and given me such a warm welcome. For me, writing is a very lonely business and you've helped to fill the dark void with your kindness.

Finding An Agent: Part 2

As I prepare to head out to the RWA conference in Dallas, I thought I would touch on the dreaded "fast pitch". At many writer conferences, editors and agents will block out slots of time to meet with aspiring writers. In general, the writer is given about 10 minutes to pitch his/her book to the agent or editor.

I've done this and I will admit that, for me, it was one of the scariest things I had ever done. I was sitting across a tiny table from an editor, trying to seem relaxed while convincing her that she just had to have my book. At the end of the interview, she asked me to send the whole manuscript to her. (But she didn't sign me -- the book deal came much later for another publisher)

Below I have listed a few items to keep in mind:

1. Practice your pitch
There are at least a couple different kinds of pitches. There's the 30-second elevator pitch. It's just what it sounds like. You happen to run across an agent or editor in the hall, on the elevator, at the bar (QUICK TIP: Don't try to pitch them while in the restroom. It's rude. Give the person a little time the handle the basics of life) and you give a brief synopsis of your book. It's just a basic couple of sentences the summarizes the plot of your book. A tagline is also helpful in giving them a way of grounding your idea in something he/she already knows. I've seen Kim Harrison's books sometimes described as "Buffy meets Columbo."

Another kind of pitch runs closer to 10 minutes and walks the editor through the book. The goal is to be informative, energetic, and engaging. If you can get the person asking question about the book, it is a good sign of interest. The agent/editor not only needs to know how the book fits among those that are already out there, but also how your book is different. What is your edge?

Once your work out your pitch, practice it. Pitch your friends, family, talk to yourself in the mirror. Have it down. When at a conference, you never know when an opportunity will present itself. Be ready!

A few other things to keep in mind:

2. Believe it or not, agents and editors are people, too.
They understand that you're nervous. All the agents and editors that I have met so far are nice people, who generally enjoy their jobs. They are patient and understanding. At one workshop, one editor said that it was their job to say "no." That's fine. It's your job to convince them to say "yes" and you do that by being great.

3. Be considerate.
Try not to stalk and as I mentioned before, don't try to pitch someone while in the bathroom. If you happen to run across someone in the hotel bar or in the hall, you can approach them then. Just remember #2, give them a little space.

4. Be aware of odors.
Try not to each onions with lunch just before your meeting and I have also been warned to not wear strong perfume ahead of the meeting. Little things like that can distract the agent/editor from why you are both there: your book.

5. Business cards
Finally, don't expect to hand over your manuscript or even a synopsis while at the conference. Most editors don't bring an extra suitcase to lug home 50 pounds of manuscripts after a conference. However, have your business card with all your contact information ready. If he/she wants to see your book, you will usually exchange business cards and the agent/editor will give you instructions for sending your book.

I hope you find this information helpful. If you've got any questions, feel free to post them in the comments section. I will try to answer them during the next couple of days.

Finding An Agent

So, you've revised, re-written, polished and perfected that novel. You feel that you're ready to send it out into the world. And the first step is finding an agent. This person will help act as your guide, a type of Virgil to your Dante as you weave your way through the publishing maze that lies before you. In the next few posts, I will offer up some key bits of information that I have learned along the way.

Warning: Finding an agent can be a very long, painful process involving numerous rejections. Please prepare by thickening your skin and developing an amazing amount of patience.

1. Research, research, research
One of the keys to finding the right agent is doing your homework. This means many hours of researching lists of agents. While this seems like a very obvious step, you'd be surprised at the number of times agents complain about receiving queries for genres they don't represent. There are hundreds of agents out there, all representing a wide variety of genres. Before sending out that first query, do some digging on the agent that caught your eye. Does he or she even represent fantasy or romance novels?

One great resource for agent information is the Writer's Market Guide to Literary Agents. This book provide a lot of basic information on the agent, including contact info, genres he/she represents, and sometimes even a brief list of some of their clients. Also check out the dedication page of some of your favorite authors. They will frequently mentioned their awesome agents. Another source is the various writer's groups. I am a member of the Romance Writers Association (RWA) and I receive their magazine, which lists agents who are looking for new clients. This is where I ran across my wonderful agent, Jennifer Schober of Spenserhill Associates.

Once you've compiled a list of agents, be sure to also check out their websites and blogs when they are available. In many cases, these agents will specifically list what they are looking for, whether they are even accepting new clients, and tips on querying them. Information is power in this game. The more you know about that agent, the better you tailor your query.

2. The Query
Perfect that letter. You have exactly one page to be amazing. Actually, you have about one paragraph to catch an agent's attention and hold it. These people receive hundreds of queries on a regular basis. They have to quickly sift through the pile and find something that sparkles. I won't go into writing a query letter (that would be several posts in itself and I may try to revisit the topic at another time), but keep in mind that the letter should be one page, summarizing the book, how it fits the market, how it is different from what it out there, and who you are. Plan on spending a lot of time working on this. Have friends read it. If you're part writers group, have them look at it.

Also avoid things like strange fonts, colored paper, or other gimmicks. What is going to catch an agent's attention is your great writing, not the fancy pink paper that your letter arrived on.

Alright, I've rambled enough for one night. Looking ahead, I'll touch on the horrors of the face-to-face book pitch and provide a few other tips on querying agents.