Looking for Good (and Free?) Lists of Literary Agents

February 23, 2015 1:49 PM

I've finished a self-help book and want to try to get an agent. I'm looking for recommendations for websites that have the most accurate, up-to-date information about agents that solicit self-help books. I've done a lot of research and found sites, but I don't know how to determine which lists are accurate, up-to-date, don't contain entries of agents who scam you by charging you after the fact, etc. Any recommendations for finding an agent will be very much appreciated. Thanks!
posted by DMelanogaster to Work & Money (4 answers total)

I've found QueryTracker very helpful in both keeping track of which agents you've reached out to, and aggregating information on preferences and requirements. It's not 100% accurate all the time, but it is still a great resource.
posted by Andrhia at 1:55 PM on February 23, 2015

If you haven't already, see if your local library has a copy of the 2015 Guide to Literary Agents.
posted by rabbitrabbit at 2:16 PM on February 23, 2015 [1 favorite]

it's been a while but I used AgentQuery. many writers I know cross-referenced that + QueryTracker + the Bewares/Recs forums at AbsoluteWrite. good luck! it's a crazy journey.
posted by changeling at 2:43 PM on February 23, 2015 [1 favorite]

When I worked as a book editor, and fielded many questions about how to get published, I always recommended that in addition to lists, authors should look at recently published good books with an audience similar to the one they were hoping to reach, find the acknowledgments section, and see who the agent was. It's a supplement to the other kinds of resources, not a replacement, but it can help you target agents who are seeking what you're pitching.
posted by ocherdraco at 5:01 PM on February 23, 2015 [2 favorites]