Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Anastasia Ashman on October 31, 2009 at 11:32am

Write the book proposal including a full outline and the first chapter before approaching agents.

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Permalink Reply by Gabrielle Studenmund on October 31, 2009 at 1:06pm

Thank you for your kind, knowledgeable advice. I appreciate it. Thanks, Gabby

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Permalink Reply by Grace A. Hoskin on October 31, 2009 at 3:12pm

Got to www.querytracker.net. It's a free source where you can find agents in your specific genre, build you own list of agents after you've been able to research their wants from this source and track which agents you've sent queries to. It has a ton of great things there. They constantly update agents info, new agents etc. It's free because they use the information that members gather about agents. It is a reputable source for any writer. You can become a premium member for a small yearly fee, but try it out first for free and see what you think. They also have groups you can join there as this site does or you can start your own blog. One is a query site where you can post your query for critiqueing before you send it out. Check it out, try it out and being an unagented as yet writer I feel your angst. The query gets your foot in the door so this site helps you hone it, find the ones who are looking and a place to track it all in one. Good luck

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Permalink Reply by Sarah Saffian on November 2, 2009 at 5:42pm

Might you still have contacts at Self who could help connect you? Additionally, you're in luck, as our next webinar, this Thurs, 11/5, is right up your alley: Literary Agents 101, with agents extraordinaire Erin Hosier and Betsy Lerner. Join us!
With every good wish, Sarah

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sarah saffian
editorial director, she writes

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Permalink Reply by Pauline Frederica Kiernan on February 6, 2010 at 11:13pm

Hi Gabby,
Just come across your query. I'm not an expert like many of the members here, but the advice I've seen being given all over the shop recently is for writers to start building a following. In the UK, at least, they call it building 'a list'. Things like Twitter, a blog, a website where you can create interest in the subject of your book before it gets published. I'm told agents and publishers these days are more likely to be interested in a writer who has already done some promotion.

I would seek advice from people who are far more expert in these kinds of things than I am. Maybe it would be a good idea to take a look at some of the groups on She Writes like 'Innovative Publicity' to get some insights. Also, perhaps you might want to consider self-publishing and there's a She Writes group for that too.

Wishing you lots of look with the book, Pauline.

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