| mary rosenblum | Hello, all!
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| mary rosenblum | This is our After Hours Forum, with me, Mary Rosenblum, your web editor. I've published seven novels and more than 60 short stories and will do my best to answer any questions you have. Tonight, we're talking about agents. f you're new here, remember that you need to click on the 'Ask a Question' button or the 'word bubble' next to the red question mark at the top of the screen in order to ask a question. Your regular 'send' bar won't reach me! Or you can use /ask and type your question into the regular send bar if that works better for you..
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| mary rosenblum | I hope you all got to visit with Jeff Herman last night. A literary agent handling nonfiction...
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| mary rosenblum | he was very generous with his time, answering a lot of questions. If you didn't get to the interview...
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| mary rosenblum | you can read the transcript at Surviving and Thriving: Interview Transcripts.
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| mary rosenblum | 'Alas, he was a slow typist and we really didn't get to cover a lot of issues...
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| mary rosenblum | plus, he operates strictly in the nonfiction arena.
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| mary rosenblum | So I thought I'd open up our Friday After Hours to any questions you didn't have a chance to ask or have thought of since.
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| mary rosenblum | While I"m not an agent, I have worked closely with my agent for ...let's see...
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| mary rosenblum | fourteen years or so.
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| tiger lil | What does an agent look for?
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| mary rosenblum | An agent looks for a book that will sell and make you and the agent money.
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| mary rosenblum | That's it...in a nutshell.
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| mary rosenblum | It can seem just as hard to get an agent as to sell your book...precisely because acquiring an agent...
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| mary rosenblum | means that agent is pretty sure he CAN sell your book.
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| mary rosenblum | And Jeff's statistic last night, that 98% of the books he sees he'll turn down...is pretty accurate.
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| t green | how does an agent KNOW a book will sell and make money?
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| mary rosenblum | Because the agent's life IS the book market.
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| mary rosenblum | Agents read all the 'trade journals'. They not only know what has sold and for how much...
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| mary rosenblum | but they then read the sales reports and know how well that book sold...
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| mary rosenblum | so if say, a hardboiled mystery sold 100,000 copies for Harper Collins...
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| mary rosenblum | and your hardboiled is similar, he'll take to to Harper Collins and tell them it's a lot like that big seller.
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| mary rosenblum | Agents do a LOT of keeping up with what is going on in the business.
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| wolf122 | How big of a 'cut' is typical for the agents?
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| mary rosenblum | fifteen percent of everything you get, wolf.
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| mary rosenblum | That's been the standard since I first signed with my agent...which is pretty remarkable considering how long ago that was!
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| tory | So an agent's rejecting your book may not mean he thinks it's bad, but possibly this isn't the right time or his contacts won't be interested?
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| mary rosenblum | Exactly, Tory. Every agent works closely with a handful of editors in different genres.
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| mary rosenblum | The agent knows what these editors are looking for right now.
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| mary rosenblum | Your book might appeal to an editor that this agent does NOT work with.
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| mary rosenblum | This is why you want to query lots of agents, not just one or two.
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| tiger lil | Can you submit a chapter or do they require more?
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| mary rosenblum | Every agent wants to see a specific form, tiger, and they have guidelines.
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| mary rosenblum | Jeff, for example, ONLY wants a query.
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| mary rosenblum | My agent, Martha, usually wants a synopsis and chapters.
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| mary rosenblum | You'll find out from their contact info or guidelines or website.
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| info | can you work with two agents on the same ms?
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| mary rosenblum | No, info. What if they both sell it to different editors? Who gets paid and who gets mad? Usually, you sign or have a verbal agreement...
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| mary rosenblum | with your agent that she/he will either represent ALL your book length work for the duration of the relationship (that's my agreement wiht my agent, for example), OR you are working on a 'this book only' basis...
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| mary rosenblum | and will renegotiate the relationship for the next book. (Jeff does this).
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| mary rosenblum | But you ARE working with this agent only.
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| tory | Mary, re: a novel synopsis to send out. I mentioned something a secondary character kept secret from the MC, but that set up the main conflict for the MC. A person in my critique group said that violated MC's POV and I should delete it. I didn't think we HAD POV in the synopsis since we are telling...not showing. Your thoughts?
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| mary rosenblum | Tory, this is one of those' never listen to everything your crit group says' moments.
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| mary rosenblum | A synopsis is not a story...it is a synopsis meant to show the editor that you can tell a complete and engaging story. That's all. And yes, it is generally 'told' in compelling present tense.
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| tory | I think Jeff said an agent works on a project basis. Yet you've been with yours for years. How common is that?
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| mary rosenblum | In my experience with FICTION agents, my agent's method is the norm...but that may not be true for nonfiction agents.
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| mary rosenblum | This is our After Hours Forum, with me, Mary Rosenblum, your web editor. I've published seven novels and more than 60 short stories and will do my best to answer any questions you have. Tonight, we're talking about agents. f you're new here, remember that you need to click on the 'Ask a Question' button or the 'word bubble' next to the red question mark at the top of the screen in order to ask a question. Your regular 'send' bar won't reach me! Or you can use /ask and type your question into the regular send bar if that works better for you..
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| geezer | /ask How do you find an agent?
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| mary rosenblum | Geezer, you go to the Association of Authors Representatives homepage and read the entire FAQ page...which is 'agents 101'. They have a list of members who will accept new clients posted there with contact info.
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| mary rosenblum | AAR Homepage
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| mary rosenblum | An even better way is to go to a writers conference and talk to published writers...ask about their agents. Or look in the aknowlegement page in books like the one you have written...
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| mary rosenblum | because authors often thank their agent there.
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| info | I guess I'm still a little confused. I was under the impression that most agents usually won't take on an author willingly unless they had a contract to look at. Am I under a false understanding?
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| mary rosenblum | They will sure take you on if they think they can sell your book, info!
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| mary rosenblum | BUT...as an unpublished writer, you will have a greater selection of agents if you have a contract in hand. It is NOT necessary. Selling is the agent's job, not yours, and most publishers won't look at unagented ms anyway.
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| info | It is alright then, if one agent rejects it to find another that may be able to sell it, right?
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| mary rosenblum | YOu can send out ten query letters to agents, and if three offer to take you on as a client, you can choose the one you like best. :-) Here, simultaneous submissions are FINE.
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| tiger lil | Years ago I knew an agent, lost touch, how can I find them?
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| mary rosenblum | Try the AAR homepage, tiger. You may find him/her listed there.
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| zubbycat | How important is it that an agent be a member of the AAR?
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| mary rosenblum | It's a very good idea, zubby. They have a code of ethics. If the agent does NOT belong and agree to that code of ethics...why not?
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| mary rosenblum | I tend to be very suspicious of non members. Doesn't mean there aren't agents who don't need to belong and are still good agents...
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| mary rosenblum | but if you're not sure, I'd be cautious. Get references ...client names...
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| zubbycat | Should you identify that it is a simultaneous submission in the query letter to agents or is this not neccessary?
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| mary rosenblum | Not necessary at the hunting stage. You will have to choose one eventually, but hopefully two or three will ask to see your ms.
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| speckledorf | I'm in the search for an agent now and every letter I have gotten back, even the form rejctions say not to consider thier rejection an indication of the quality of my work. Most have also said that my project just wasn't right for them at this time.
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| mary rosenblum | I would listen, speck.
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| mary rosenblum | First novelists don't make the agent much money and they take up a lot of time...
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| mary rosenblum | There is no reason to be sure this person will ever write another book, so agents are not thrilled with first timers...
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| mary rosenblum | and many will handle only one or two at a time. My agent handles only one at a time.
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| mary rosenblum | So if they can't instantly place your book with one of 'their' editors...
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| mary rosenblum | they'll send you on. But believe me, agents have a whole different 'form letter' for people they never want to hear from again. Don't worry. They meant what they said.
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| mary rosenblum | This is our After Hours Forum, with me, Mary Rosenblum, your web editor. I've published seven novels and more than 60 short stories and will do my best to answer any questions you have. Tonight, we're talking about agents. f you're new here, remember that you need to click on the 'Ask a Question' button or the 'word bubble' next to the red question mark at the top of the screen in order to ask a question. Your regular 'send' bar won't reach me! Or you can use /ask and type your question into the regular send bar if that works better for you..
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| zubbycat | If you write both adult and children's fiction, would you potentially have a separate agent for each?
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| mary rosenblum | It would be best, unless you find an agent who works with both. However, you may have trouble doing that.
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| mary rosenblum | I have a friend who has been selling SF for some time and now has a mainstream novel.
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| mary rosenblum | Her agent is primarily a SF/fantasy/horror agent. But that agent is not willing to have her market the mainstream book through another agent...
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| mary rosenblum | so she has to choose...get rid of the good SF agent and get a new mainstream agent....or stick with the SF agent and have more trouble selling the mainstream.
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| mary rosenblum | It's a tough choice!
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| mary rosenblum | He decision will probably depend on what she figures she'll write most in the future.
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| tory | Does that friend you mentioned have a contract that prohibits her working with another agent on one project?
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| mary rosenblum | Oh yes. Most agents in my experience have an agreement that ALL your book length work must go through the agent while the agreement lasts.
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| mary rosenblum | That's known as exclusivity.
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| mary rosenblum | I have that agreement with Martha. She markets whatever I write, book length, be it SF, nonfiction, romance, mystery or what have you.
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| wolf122 | Is there a good/efficient way to search through multiple agents for a specific agent that caters to sci-fi/fantasy novels?
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| mary rosenblum | Several methods, wolf. If you know a member of SFWA, the agents are listed in the SFWA membership directory. Or look in the aknowlegement pages of SF novels and search for agent names.
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| mary rosenblum | Go to a SF conference and ask authors for recommendations.
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| mary rosenblum | (They'll warn you off a couple of people, too, most likely...)
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| tory | Is there any general length of time thats most common?
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| mary rosenblum | Do you mean for an agent/author contract? Until one or the other opts out, usually.
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| mary rosenblum | Either Martha or I can call it quits with a letter to that effect sent to the other. That's pretty common.
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| ducky | Is it pretty common for agents to show up at writers conferences? I was at a conference a couple years ago and there were several agents there who were really great about sharing.
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| mary rosenblum | Yes, it is, ducky. Donald Maas used to be at all the SF cons, but he's too busy promoting his own book now. LOL Many agents will be at the big national conferences...
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| mary rosenblum | and a few at most local conferences.
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| wolf122 | Would it be better for first timers to wait and come at the agent with two books, to sell the first one (and show that there is a second, and possibly third on the way)?
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| mary rosenblum | No. Not necessarily. If you have two or three books, great, but your agent will want to sell the best one first and then think about the others...
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| mary rosenblum | after that first one has a home. Don't wait until you write three to start looking for an agent.
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| mary rosenblum | This is our After Hours Forum, with me, Mary Rosenblum, your web editor. I've published seven novels and more than 60 short stories and will do my best to answer any questions you have. Tonight, we're talking about agents. f you're new here, remember that you need to click on the 'Ask a Question' button or the 'word bubble' next to the red question mark at the top of the screen in order to ask a question. Your regular 'send' bar won't reach me! Or you can use /ask and type your question into the regular send bar if that works better for you..
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| luv2write | Are there every any conferences in or near Kansas?
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| mary rosenblum | The Nebulas...a BIG SF conference..has been in KC twice in the last few years, luv. As to other genres, check shawguide.com...or is there an s on guide?
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| mary rosenblum | That website lists writers conferences.
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| mary rosenblum | I will say to all of you that you REALLY REALLY should join the pro organization for your genre.
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| mary rosenblum | Even if you have no sales, you can join as an associate even if you don't qualify for active membership.
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| mary rosenblum | The newsletter/magazine for the organization will list upcoming events.
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| mary rosenblum | AND markets that won't show up in the market lists.
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| luv2write | How much of a fee is there for most organizations?
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| mary rosenblum | A hundred bucks and up for active members...a lot less for associates. There you are basically paying for the newsletter.
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| zubbycat | If an agent has chosen to represent your book, how often can an author expect to get reports on progress?
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| mary rosenblum | Depends on your agent, zubby.
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| mary rosenblum | I hear from mine when she wants me to turn something in or has a lead on a good market...
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| mary rosenblum | but not otherwise.
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| mary rosenblum | While she's marketing my stuff, I don't hear a peep from her. She calls me when she has the contract in hand and knows how much money I'll get. Not before.
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| mary rosenblum | She'll send me any no thanks letters she gets from editors.
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| eddie | do you try to maintain a pace, write-complete-que?
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| mary rosenblum | Everybody is different, eddie. You have to do what works for you. Me, I work on multiple projects at once, but put projects with a hungry editor on the front burner.
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| mary rosenblum | In other words, if an editor has asked to see a particular book, I work on it first. And of course, if I'm working on contract, with a deadline, that comes first!
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| mary rosenblum | Do realize that while I can sell on a proposal, YOU cannot as unpublished writers.
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| mary rosenblum | I have proven mutliple times that I can turn in a book on deadline. The editor has no idea if YOU can yet.
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| mary rosenblum | So you need to write the book first. I can give my agent a proposal and write the book after an editor says he/she is interested.
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| luv2write | Will Long Ridge ever offer a novel course? Including how to get an agent?
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| mary rosenblum | Next summer if all goes well, luv. I'm writing the course and the final assignment is all about getting your novel to an agent. :-)
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| mary rosenblum | That IS the final assignment! :-)
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| wolf122 | Once an agent has a book, and tries selling it, how long before a publisher bites? And how long before you look for another agent if it's not selling?
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| mary rosenblum | Well, the editor will usually make up his/her mind fairly quickly since editors and agents have good personal working relationships...
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| mary rosenblum | but then again...the senior editor at Viking has the YA she ASKED for, and has had it since April which is driving my agent nuts. In this case, she went over there to deliver an ultmatum...decide NOW...
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| mary rosenblum | because she has some other markets lined up. But that is VERY rare. Usually you hear back in six weeks or so.
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| mary rosenblum | And another exception...a friend of mine has a VERY long book with Tor, but she knows it's a hard book to sell and that editor is waiting to see if a market niche opens up for it...so she doesn't mind.
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| mary rosenblum | He's had it for over two years now.
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| mary rosenblum | AGain..for an agented book, that is highly rare, but it's a special case here.
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| mary rosenblum | And she has talked to the editor about it.
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| mary rosenblum | AS to changing agents...well, that's a hard call.
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| mary rosenblum | If your agent is working hard and your book is tough to sell...maybe you don't want to ditch this person because some agents would have ditched you by now!
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| mary rosenblum | BUT...if your agent is inexperienced, doesn't really know people, isn't doing a good job...you might want to pull out.
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| mary rosenblum | This is when you need to network...talk to other writers and listen to the gossip about this agent.
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| ducky | In other words, just like any business, how long it takes to get a sale depends on individual situations, timing, the market, and some luck, right?
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| mary rosenblum | That''s it.
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| mary rosenblum | Your book might take five years to sell or ten...and be a million dollar best seller when it DOES come out.
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| mary rosenblum | Would it have been one ten years ago? Maybe not.
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| zubbycat | Do agents prefer you to have a series idea or are they just as keen for stand-alones?
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| mary rosenblum | Depends on the genre, zubby. For fantasy and mystery, series are good stuff.
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| mary rosenblum | For other genres...they'll be glad you ahve more books and will mention them if your editor is thrilled with the first one.
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| mary rosenblum | If you don't have a series and the editor wants one, they'll tell you to send 'em synopses for the rest of the series. Tomorrow.
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| mary rosenblum | That's what my agent did to me when she asked for a mystery proposal for Putnam. She wanted three books proposed instantly. :-)
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| eddie | before you got published, did someone critique your work
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| mary rosenblum | Eddie, no piece of written work EVER hits the mail to the editor until at least three people have read it and commented on it! NEVER>
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| mary rosenblum | I really value my critquers believe me!
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| aspen | How do rights on coauthoring work?
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| mary rosenblum | However your lawyer draws up the agreement, aspen, and you'd better do that.
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| mary rosenblum | You may end up hating each other one day!
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| mary rosenblum | YOu and your co author need to have a legal agreement about rights, profits, liability and the like. Before you sign any contracts.
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| zubbycat | Do agents do any editing or make suggestions or do they only pick works they like "as is" and sell those?
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| mary rosenblum | Again, depends on the agent, zubby.
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| mary rosenblum | My agent rarely has any comments on my work. Once in awhile. Some agents will work extensively with an author if that agent feels the book will sell but the craft is weak....
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| mary rosenblum | BUT...remember. The EDITOR pays you for the book, not the agent!
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| mary rosenblum | I would not be thrilled with an agent who wanted to micromanage my prose, but good comments I'll listen to gladly.
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| mary rosenblum | This is our After Hours Forum, with me, Mary Rosenblum, your web editor. I've published seven novels and more than 60 short stories and will do my best to answer any questions you have. Tonight, we're talking about agents. f you're new here, remember that you need to click on the 'Ask a Question' button or the 'word bubble' next to the red question mark at the top of the screen in order to ask a question. Your regular 'send' bar won't reach me! Or you can use /ask and type your question into the regular send bar if that works better for you..
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| mary rosenblum | aspen, to get back to your coauthor question...
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| mary rosenblum | this is a REALLY big issue. I've co authored a few short pieces, never a novel...
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| mary rosenblum | but there ARE some things you need to put down in writing and sign, preferably in front of a notary public.
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| mary rosenblum | Who owns the characters? Who gets to use the world, the characters, in other stories? BOth of you?
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| mary rosenblum | If there is a lawsuit, do you split the liability?
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| mary rosenblum | How do you split copy/mailing expenses?
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| mary rosenblum | These aren't an issue when you are friends, but what if something happens and you suddenly hate each other?
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| mary rosenblum | Then you WANT to know who can use what character.
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| tory | What types of lawsuits, Mary, about a work of fiction? Or is that mostly non-fiction?
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| mary rosenblum | lawsuits are probably nothing you all need to worry about. They happen, mostly to big name authors...
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| mary rosenblum | and nearly all are frivolous, settled out of court or the person is simply threatned by scary letters from the publisher's lawyers.
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| mary rosenblum | People like Stephen King get 'em all the time... 'you stole my story'...'that's me in your book and you libeled me...'
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| mary rosenblum | Thats' why all books have that 'work of fiction' disclaimer in the front.
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| luv2write | Sorry computer went down! When you offer the novel course. Will students be set up with instructors from their genre?
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| mary rosenblum | It's a two part course, luv.
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| mary rosenblum | Ooh. I'd love to talk about it. I'm really pleased with how it's coming together!
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| mary rosenblum | THe first part of the course...eight or nine assignments, I'm not quite sure which number yet...
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| mary rosenblum | will start out with your idea, develop your characters, outline your plot and take you through the first three chapters, plus revision techniques. You'll end by developing a marketing strategy and choosing agents...
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| mary rosenblum | and finish the course with a synopsis, three chapters, and a query letter to an agent/editor.
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| mary rosenblum | THEN...you can choose to continue to work with an instructor in your genre on a chapter by chapter basis...
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| mary rosenblum | and you'll get supplimentary materials pertaining to your genre. Or you can end the course with your synopsis and chapters.
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| mary rosenblum | If you go on, you'll then be paired with an instructor in your genre.
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| luv2write | How are applications applied and accepted? Test?
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| mary rosenblum | I don't know exactly what the process will be. Don't worry. I'm sure LR will really promote it when it's finally up and running.
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| mary rosenblum | It's not going to be an advanced course, though.
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| mary rosenblum | you don't have to take one of the other courses first.
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| luv2write | Any idea on cost?
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| mary rosenblum | I have no idea. :-) Me, I'm just writing it. Probably similar to other courses.
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| mary rosenblum | Back to the subject of agents... there is one thing I wanted to make clear because it frequently shocks new writers when they find out.
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| mary rosenblum | This is how your agent gets paid.
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| mary rosenblum | You never write your agent a check for that 15% don't worry. :-)
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| mary rosenblum | The publisher writes the check to your AGENT, not you.
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| mary rosenblum | Your agent deducts his/her commission and any agreed upon expenses (that's soemthing you need to be clear about. My agent charges no expenses, but some do) and then writes YOU a check for the balance.
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| mary rosenblum | At tax time, you get a...oh, I forget the number...an IRS form like you'd get from your employer...
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| mary rosenblum | listing your earnings for the year so that you know exactly what your income from your book sale is.
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| ducky | A 1099 form.
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| mary rosenblum | That's it. I knew it started with 10 and I could hear my accountant chuckling.... heheh.
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| mary rosenblum | That's what you report to the IRS.
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| mary rosenblum | And this is why you want to stay with your agent if possible.
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| mary rosenblum | As long as that book is in print, THAT agent gets the check. If you change agents it doesn't matter.
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| mary rosenblum | The agent who negotiated the contract gets paid and then pays you.
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| ducky | Aren't you glad you have a "Bean Duck" in the room? :-)
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| mary rosenblum | No kidding. There's a reason I pay John, my accountant, good money!
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| lil-duv | Do agents ever withhold taxes for you?
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| mary rosenblum | No.
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| mary rosenblum | If your income is from writing, you pay estmated taxes quarterly.
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| mary rosenblum | And self employment tax.
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| mary rosenblum | And figure out the difference come April 15.
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| mary rosenblum | I'll tell you something...a good friend of mine.. really proud of his tax saavy...
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| mary rosenblum | just caved and asked my accountant to take him on.
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| mary rosenblum | there are a LOT of ins and outs if you file as an artist or writer and you are better off to drop a couple of hundred on an accountant who has artists and writers...
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| mary rosenblum | as clients. They can save you a lot of money and headaches when the IRS audits you.
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| ducky | And last time I checked self-employment tax was at a whopping 15% - being in your own business is not cheap.
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| mary rosenblum | Oh don't get me STARTED!
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| lordjaw | plan to find an agent
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| mary rosenblum | Don't wait until you are finished with your book to find your agent.
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| mary rosenblum | If you have a sound and engaging synopsis and three chapters, start querying now.
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| mary rosenblum | It can take you quite a long time to get an agent, and you can be finishing the book while you wait for responses.
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| mary rosenblum | Remember...while an acceptance is not a sale, it means this agent thinks he can sell your book.
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| lordjaw | if someone lives next to NYC/what is plan to find an agent?
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| mary rosenblum | Oh there are a couple of really nice publishers events in NYC...
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| mary rosenblum | keep your ear out for those and wangle your way in.
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| lil-duv | How do Canadians fair in that quest?
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| mary rosenblum | It's pretty much the same biz, lil...if you think a US publisher is your market, go with a US agent.
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| mary rosenblum | And remember...your agent needs to live in or near NYC or, like Jeff, have lived there in the past long enough to have formed good solid relationships.
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| mary rosenblum | the NY publishing world works like Hollywood...doing lunch.
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| mary rosenblum | If your agent lives in Montana, he's not going to help you much.
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| lordjaw | what is an example of one of those events?
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| mary rosenblum | Oh there are many lord. I can't remember the names offhand...there are the Edgars for mystery and a big publishers and authors event...
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| mary rosenblum | watch the literary section in the Times. I bet they're reported there.
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| writermom | Mary I was just at an agent luncheon with an agent from the Donald Maass agency and she said to have your book finished before querying her
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| mary rosenblum | Then do what she wants. Even if an agent likes your synopsis and chapters, he/she isn't going to agree to take you on until that agent sees the entire book.
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| mary rosenblum | Lots of people START books.
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| mary rosenblum | Far fewer FINISH books.
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| mary rosenblum | Which agent, writermom?
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| writermom | Rachel Vater and she said to send her a query when my book was finished
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| mary rosenblum | Oh, I know her name. I've probably met her, but she's not one I know well...not my friend's agent.
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| mary rosenblum | Maas has twenty some agents working for him.
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| mary rosenblum | He's one of the biggest agencies out there, now.
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| mary rosenblum | Another big one ...strong on fantasy...is Russ Galen: Scovil Chichak Galen Lit Agency.
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| mary rosenblum | Richard Curtis is one of the oldest and biggest
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| mary rosenblum | William Morris covers all genres.
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| mary rosenblum | Writers House is a big SF agency.,
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| mary rosenblum | Ralph Vicinanza is another big SF house.
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| mary rosenblum | But do beware of scame
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| mary rosenblum | scams!
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| mary rosenblum | There are a lot out there and they are VERY good at preying on novice writers.
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| mary rosenblum | Many will send letters to people who submitted to say, a Writers Digest contest or sign up for newsletters...
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| mary rosenblum | You get this really personal letter saying 'A friend in the business told me you might have a novel soon...'
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| mary rosenblum | And you end up PAYING a lot of money to someone who is known as a scam artist in NYC.
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| mary rosenblum | An agent who comes to YOU when you are unpublished...an agent who wants money up front as a 'reading fee'...an agent who instantly recommends a 'book doctor' to put those...
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| mary rosenblum | last selling touches on your work...for a price...
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| mary rosenblum | these all scream SCAM.
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| mary rosenblum | For heavens sake call up google and type the 'agent's' name into the bar.
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| mary rosenblum | If he's a scam, you'll find him!
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| mary rosenblum | Preditors and Editors is a great website.
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| mary rosenblum | Type in the name of any agent or publisher and see what shows up.
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| mary rosenblum | go to www.sfwa.org and do the 'writers beware' page for a list of current scam artists.
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| mary rosenblum | An agent should read your work for free and only take a percentage of the money you make.
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| mary rosenblum | A publisher pays YOU money. You NEVER pay a legitimate publisher ...unless you are self publishing.
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| mary rosenblum | Anything else...go find a REAL publisher or agent.
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| mary rosenblum | Most of us are so hungry to be published that we're easy targets.
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| mary rosenblum | Don't be.
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| writermom | How many agents do we send queries to at once
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| mary rosenblum | As many as you can write letters to. :-) When your hand cramps, quit. LOL
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| luv2write | Is "Novel & Short Story Writer's Market" a good place to look?
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| mary rosenblum | I think they have an agent list. There is a reference book your library may have...
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| mary rosenblum | Guide to Literary Agents...something like that.
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| mary rosenblum | 2005 Guide to Literary Agents
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| mary rosenblum | This is the amazon.com link to that guide.
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| mary rosenblum | OIt
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| mary rosenblum | It's 16.49
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| tory | WOW, thanks for the specifics, Mary.
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| mary rosenblum | You're welcome. Most of us learned by doing. I lucked out with a good agent. Some friends of mine didn't do so well.
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| mary rosenblum | A little knowlege ahead of time will help you a lot.
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| mary rosenblum | DO go read that FAQ page on the AAR webpage.
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| mary rosenblum | It tells you everything you need to know about picking a good agent and not getting scammed.
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| mary rosenblum | AAr homepage
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| eddie | sounds like, put your talent down, not the money!
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| mary rosenblum | exactly, eddie. You pay for work done, not dreams offered!
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| luv2write | Thanks for the Oregon hour, Mary. Lots of info.Still have a lesson to work on.Gotta go.
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| mary rosenblum | I've got several to do! LOL...thanks for coming all.
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| mary rosenblum | I'll post this in the usual place: Writing Craft: Forum Transcrips.
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| mary rosenblum | Do come to our Sunday get together, right here, same time as the After Hours...
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| mary rosenblum | we talk about everything and if you're stuck in a story, it's a great brainstorming place.
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| mary rosenblum | Have a great weekend, all!
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| mary rosenblum | Write well!
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