book star

September 13, 2007 8:24 AM

How do you acquire a good literary agent?

Should I have a short story collection already published in multiple literary journals or magazines, and a novel written, or is a written novel enough?

posted by plexi to Work & Money (5 answers total)

I worked at a small literary agency in New York City for two years. I would say that the more credentials you have, the better - you're more likely to stand out in the slush pile if you've published.

Try to find out who the agents of writers similar to yourself are, and send your stuff to them first.

Technically, if you've written a manuscript that the agent likes, the agent could take you on simply on the strength of that. But, it's unlikely. Agents are deluged with manuscripts. They have a hard time even getting through the piles of mail, and usually pass that task on to some college student intern. You want to stand out as much as you possibly can in that pile. If you have any connections, no matter how remote, use them.

If you add to your question with more specifics, it might be helpful.
posted by fugitivefromchaingang at 8:43 AM on September 13, 2007

Publishing credits help, but aren't necessary. The work you are submitting for representation is the only thing of any real importance. So, write well, get your manuscript in the best shape possible, and submit professionally. For novels, this means sending a query with a few sample pages before submitting a partial or full manuscript at the agents' request. Making your story sound irresistible in your query helps, too.

There are some really great agent blogs that mainly cater to the questions of aspiring authors. You can browse the archives of the now-defunct Miss Snark, who has answered almost every agent question imaginable. Kristin Nelson also has a very nice blog. Their blogrolls will lead you to many more.

And beware scam "agents." Real agents don't ask you for money.
posted by lampoil at 9:07 AM on September 13, 2007

I interned for a time at a small literary agency - my boss only looked at manuscripts/samples from referrals, so it might help if you know someone who knows someone, etc.
posted by estherbester at 3:03 PM on September 13, 2007

It's worth checking out some of the resources in these:
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related
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questions
posted by LobsterMitten at 3:27 PM on September 13, 2007

I made a list of agents who repped and had sold books similar in tone to what I was pitching, and then I sent about ten of them emails. Half of them ignored me or said no, the other half wanted to talk more, three of them wanted to rep me.

Frankly, I found the process much easier than I had been led to believe it was.

Also, when I was first talking to my agent, I said "Oh, and I'm working on a short story collection" and she said that there was essentially almost no market for short story collections from unknown writers, so I don't know that your short stories are necessarily an added bonus-- although I'm sure it doesn't hurt to mention them.

Really, though, if you're sending queries, I think it depends just on your idea, and how you're explaining your idea.
posted by thehmsbeagle at 4:07 PM on September 13, 2007