Any thoughts on literary agents?

[Devin]

Hi all,

I have been putting together a book proposal that I feel good about. Sadly, the prospect of now sending it off into the slush pile is not something to feel good about.

Does anyone have any suggestions about approaching agents, or whether it is better to go directly to a small press without an agent?

Thanks in advance for any elp.
devin

[Matthew Barker]

Hi Delvin, just wondered if you'd made any progress with this question? I'm in a similar position and am looking for advice on how to take my ideas forward.
If you picked any info or tips up during your experience, would you mind dropping me a line? matt.j.barker (at) gmail (dot) com. Many thanks in advance.
Matt.

[Mike Gerrard]

You should definitely try to get an agent if you can find one prepared to take you on. That can be as hard as finding a publisher. There are two really good guides to literary agents, one by Jeff Herman, the other by Chuck Sambuchino. Either will tell you which agents handle travel stories (if that's what your book is) and how to approach them. And good luck!

[Devin]

HI Matthew,

I did get some info from a couple of agents -- this from just emailing and asking questions. Several want very specific formats for how and when they receive proposals. I am working on this as I write this. It is a little bit of a pain, but I am hopeful with the process.

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the help. I did end up using the Jeff Herman guide, which appears fairly complete. In the end, it is only a first step as most of the work still comes in delivering what agents and publishers want to see.
devin

[Mike Gerrard]

How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen is also a very useful read:
http://www.amazon.com/Write-Book-Proposal-Michael-Larsen/dp/0898797713

[Devin]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the suggestion Mike.

I will look into this one as well. I ave started submitting. It is a fairly lonely process, but I will just keep plugging away.

Best,
devin