Rule number one on how to choose a literary agent…
If you are serious in respect to having your book published you will want to enlist the services of a respected literary agent. A literary agent will approach potential publishers on your behalf. Larger publishers will most likely only deal with your literary agent. While it is true that you would not necessarily need an agent to approach smaller publishers. If you decide to use a literary agent it is a good idea to have your manuscript completed or near completion and decide which medium you are interested in publishing your book through. Your polished manuscript will be very helpful in acquiring a literary agent and qualified literary agents will appreciate not having the added delay of waiting for you to complete your work.
Rule number two on how to choose a literary agent…
You will no doubt have to put some amount of thought into the marketing of your book even before contacting a literary agent. A respected literary agent would most likely be impressed if you took the time to research your topic as well as your perspective buyers giving a lot of thought to gender and the age of your perspective audience. Your literary agent will also want to take a close look at the cover of your book since this is the first impression a potential buyer will take in and should be eye catching and stimulate the imagination.
Rule number three on on how to choose a literary agent…
Getting in contact with the literary agent who will meet your personal needs is a large part of the battle. There are resources available to you including literary agent books, websites, and publications. You will want to get a literary agent that is qualified to market in your particular genre.
Rule number four on how to choose a literary agent…
The internet can be a powerful tool in finding a literary agent. While it might be preferable to meet with potential agents in person, the internet gives you the power to reach thousands of potential literary agents with the click of a mouse and from the comfort of your home. When it comes to getting a literary agent that will meet your unique needs as an artist and a writer, the internet can be extremely valuable.
Rule number five on how to choose a literary agent…
Connections can sometimes be a crucial element in getting the right literary agent and getting your work marketed correctly. Making those connections by attending, conferences, conventions, seminars, and sometimes luncheons where literary agents and writers congregate will be extremely beneficial. Doing this can give you the opening you sometimes need to make these important connections that could lead you to the perfect literary agent.
Rule number six on how to choose a literary agent…
Once you have found the literary agent that you feel will best suite your needs you will want to put together a pitch letter that will capture the literary agent’s interest in your work. This letter is extremely important and should be professional with no spelling or grammatical errors. It should be roughly two pages long and while compiling the letter you should keep the literary agent that you are going to contact in mind. A general guideline in putting together this letter is to begin with a one paragraph hook and then to outline your reasons for contacting that particular literary agent. You will also need to illustrate your perspective audience to the literary agent. When you come face to face with the literary agent you should have a prepared pitch formulated in advance that is quick and concise, one that would sell your book in about 30 seconds or less. In the end you will want to outline your credential to the literary agent including a bit of your background, if pertinent, so that the children’s book literary agent will understand your reasons for writing this book.
Rule number seven on how to choose a literary agent…
A book proposal will most likely be your next step in acquiring your literary agent. The book proposal will take the literary agent deeper into your thoughts and ideas and give him a better understanding of your book including how to market to potential buyers. It would be a good idea for you to do some research before writing and sending your proposal to potential literary agents. As with the pitch letter make sure that the proposal is professional and free of spelling and grammatical errors before you send it to the literary agent.
Rule number eight on how to choose a literary agent…
Now that you understand the need for a literary agent in having your book published and you have thought about marketing and hopefully made lasting connections in the business that have brought you together with several potential children’s book literary agents. As well as put together a pitch sheet and book proposal which have both been sent to potential children’s book literary agents. Now you probably want to think about your first meetings with the literary agent or agents. You will certainly want to make sure that you are professional, and capture their immediate interest while being brief. Also, there is no reason to divulge personal information or discuss the marketing technique until you have been offered a contract.
Rule number nine on how to choose a literary agent…
Once the literary agent has offered to represent you it would be appropriate for you to ask any questions. For example, you may want to know how long they have been in the business. It would not be unusual to ask for names of authors they represent and if you may contact them. This is also a good time to ask about your commission and any expenses you will be required to pay. And of course, the burning question, when do I get my money?!
Rule number ten on how to choose a literary agent…
When you have finally found the literary agent you feel is suited to your needs you will be ready to sign the agency contract and are another step closer to having your work published and realizing your dreams as an author. Keep in mind that even at this point there is probably still work to be done and your agent will want to have your work critiqued and you will most likely have some editing to do before you see your work in book stores everywhere.