Agents

Searching for a Literary Agent can be a daunting task. But it is an essential one. It's true that the easiest way to find representation is through someone you know who already has industry contacts. But let's pretend you are a screenwriter who does not have any connections in Hollywood. Then where do you begin?

Well first, after you have spent hours upon hours pouring your heart and soul into creating your inspired masterpiece a finished screenplay or novel manuscript emerges. The first question you should ponder is whether or not your screenplay or manuscript is ready. Sure you think it is. But there are questions that need to be answered first before it is ready for the masses.

Have someone else read your screenplay. Having a fresh pair of eyes read your screenplay or manuscript can give you a new perspective. Identify any weaknesses in your story. They will need to be addressed and resolved prior to submitting your screenplay or novel manuscript to a literary agent.

You want to write a screenplay that is strong and meaningful a story that speaks to its audience. So you need to know what audience you are writing for. Literary agents specialize in certain genres. Knowing the market for your screenplay or manuscript will help you to know which agent you should be approaching.

A literary agent won't look at you once let alone twice if your screenplay or manuscript is not marketable. Literary agents want clients who write in a profitable field. You want to get your foot in the door. It is always a good idea to have a couple more ideas brewing around in your head.

Let's face it, in the business world people always want more out of you. And if you present them with one good idea, they will want more which is kind of a good thing. Be prepared just in case.

Once your screenplay or novel manuscript has been polished you are ready to begin your research for that long awaited representation. When researching a literary agent try to find out how much experience they have. Who are their other clients? More importantly, do they accept first time screenwriters? You want an agent who will believe in you and will want to market your screenplay or manuscript for the best possible deal in town. Before sending your screenplay to a literary agent, find out what their requirements are for submissions.

You can introduce yourself to a literary agent and their agency by way of a query letter. List any credentials you may have. If you have previously published in trade magazines or won any writing contests these should be noted. Remember this is still part of the writing process.

This is after all, the business side of your creative endeavor where you are in search of a negotiator, a literary agent who will pitch your screenplay and your work of art to producers and studio executives. Who better to help you through this painful and enlightening stage of selling your screenplay or novel manuscript than a professional who knows the ropes and the main characters in the industry? Having a literary agent to guide you through the process and find you the best market available for your screenplay or novel manuscript will be a challenge well rewarded.

If you want to sell your screenplay, you have to get your script into the hands of legitimate Hollywood producers and literary agents. To get a Free Report on "The Top 20 Literary Agents In Hollywood" and a subscription to Dr. Melody Jackson's monthly ezine "Plugged In Hollywood For Screenwriters," visit http://smartg.com/screenwriters/query-mailings.html. Melody Jackson and her company Smart Girls Productions have helped hundreds of screenwriters get their scripts into the hands of movie executives at such companies as Twentieth Century Fox, Disney, Paramount, and many of the top agencies in Hollywood.

If you're ready to move your writing career forward, discover what other marketing services may be right for you at http://www.smartg.com/writers, offering marketing and consulting for all aspects of a screenwriting career.

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Finding A Literary Agent You Can Work With
By Kenneth Snodin

So finally you have finished writing the book for which you toiled hard and just like your newborn, is very close to your heart? And you thought that you have crossed the biggest hurdle? Well now comes the tougher part, which is to get your book printed and making it see the light of the day. For this, you would need the services of a book agent. Not only any book agent, but also someone who is good at his work. There are many kinds of literary agents and hence you have to be careful with who you choose to represent you.

To start with, do a background search on the area of specialization of the book agents. This is important since some agents work with fiction, some specialize in poetry whereas other love technical titles. Once you identify a list of agents who deal in your area of work, you would need to zero down on someone who can ensure that your interests are protected. This is difficult since finding agents who know their jobs is very difficult. It’s almost like searching for a needle in a haystack. Don’t be surprised if you keep bumping into scammers disguised as book agents. Though people like these are available in plenty, they are in it only for themselves and can be really terrible at their job.

A good book agent knows his job well, probably would have learnt it by working for some other reputed agent. That would have helped him learn the tricks of the trade by talking independently to the publishers as well as the authors. He would have the gone ahead and set up his own business. These agents toil hard and will be on your side without ever asking you for any monetary benefits. They will also do things like editing your books free of cost.

However, if you land up with a scammer, you will find that he will send you a bill even before the book hit the shelves. This is something that a genuine agent will not do. Once your book starts selling, he gets his money as a share of the amount you get from the proceeds. This can be a real-time filter of isolating a scammer from a genuine agent. Also, a scammer will make you get your revisions and editing done by a third party though it is supposed to be done by him for free. They are book agents after all and it is imperative that they should have editing skills.

In a nutshell, ensure that you do a thorough research on book agents. You should feel comfortable with them right through. However, if you feel that something is not right, switch to another one at the first opportunity. Don’t panic if you find yourself doing this often since it is important that you are working with the right person. After all it is a question of making your dream come true!

Discover more articles and resources offering tips and advice about the arts and literature by visiting http://www.arts-secrets.com

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Be Your Own Literary Agent and Get Published
By Robin Van Auken

So you're one of 20 million Americans who want to write a book. If you've already written a manuscript, chances are you're looking for agent representation. In the past few years, as an editor and literary consultant for www.TheOmnibus.org, I've had the opportunity to read more than 1,000 book proposals. Most, I'm sad to report, were inadequate because the author did not follow a few, very simple guidelines.

Before you complete your manuscript and send it on its way to prospective literary agents or publishers, take the time to make sure you have a professional query letter and (short) synopsis, and that you have edited your manuscript. If you can not do these chores, then find someone who can.

Also, make sure you're able to distinguish your manuscript from other books on the same subject, that you can identify the audience for which you are writing, and determine the marketability of your finished book. These are the most important questions agents and publishers will ask, and it will impress them that you've done your homework.

You should already have researched the market to determine how many books on the same subject are currently available. A handy tool is to use the Internet and search the large booksellers online. These services not only provide a list of books on the same topic, but often a synopsis and the book's audience as well. Your book needs to stand out, not duplicate what's already available.

Agents and publishers also want to know your ideas for publicity and promotion of your book, including how you intend to reach your target market, and any helpful contacts you may have.

Another common mistake is to assume agents and publishers will respond at their own expense. You need to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so companies can acknowledge receipt of your proposal. If you would like to have your material returned, be sure to send an envelope that is large enough and has enough postage for them to mail your proposal back to you. Proposals that do not include an envelope and postage generally will not be acknowledged or returned.

Some companies will accept e-mail submissions. Because of the threat of viruses, they usually won't open e-mails with documents attached. Many will read e-mail queries that include a short resume, a synopsis and sample chapters that have been copied and pasted into the body of the e-mail.

As mentioned, for security reasons companies do not like to open attachments without prior contact with the writer, and prefer you follow regular submission procedure. If prior contact has been made by e-mail, response and acknowledgments often will be made by e-mail.

If you are submitting book proposals by e-mail, it is wise to advise the companies in your cover letter the type of word processing program and version of that program that you used. Text is best transmitted through e-mail by converting it to Plain Text Format, ASCII (with no hard returns).

Take the opportunity to edit the work, correct misspellings, improper word usage, etc., before submitting it. It's not a good idea to send complete manuscripts by e-mail unless they are requested.

Let's break it down:

How Your Book Differs from Others
* What is your book is about?
* What is the reason that prompted you to write your book?
* Why is your book needed by others?
* What are its unique features?

Identify Your Audience
* Describe the audience you are targeting with your book.
* What is your level of expertise (no experience, beginner, intermediate, advanced)?
* What are some specific applications or uses for your book (e.g., sports, education)?
* Who would be the most likely candidates for purchasing your book?
* Why should they buy it and share it with their friends?

Beat Your Competition to Market
* List three to four books that compete with the project you are proposing.
* How do they compare to your book in length, spectrum, format, and visual appeal?
* Are there any that seem remotely comparable?
* What are the differences among your approaches?

Publicity
* Gather a local, regional, state and national media contact list.
* Consider contracting a company to make a website for your book.
* Do you have access to any authors who may provide a "blurb" for your book?

Don't Forget the Postage
* Include a SASE with all queries.
* If you want your manuscript back, include enough postage for its safe return.

Electronic Submissions
* Check if the company accepts electronic (e-mail) queries and proposals.
* Make sure you're not spamming hundreds of agents/publishers at a time.
* Only include a short query, a bio, a synopsis, and the first three chapters in your e-mail.
* Don't send attachments.
* If you are asked to submit an attachment, let them know the software program.
* Consider sending the file as Text only.

Robin Van Auken is the owner of www.TheOmnibus.org and is an author with four published books, two eBooks, and several books in the planning stages. She acts as her own literary agent and works directly with all of her publishers.

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