Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com
Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life
AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader
Dear Reader,
This week I'm answering questions about writing in my column. The most frequently asked question has been, "How do I find an agent?"
I wish I could share a "Five Ways to Secure an Agent" list, but I can't. There isn't such a beast. But I do have some suggestions.
Getting a referral from another author is at the top of my list. But it's also the most difficult thing to do. You can't simply email writers at random, asking for an out-of-the-blue referral. But you can try networking. For instance, you might join writing communities in your area to get to know published authors, and they may know someone, who knows someone. You get the idea.
Attend writing conferences and presentations by agents. At a smaller event, you might even get the opportunity to meet an agent.
Read the Acknowledgement page in a book. Most authors thank their agents.
Research agents on the Internet. Look for agents that represent your genre. Read their submission guidelines, and do exactly what they ask.
After you submit something to an agent, then comes the really hard part--waiting. You wait and wait and wait. It's painful. Excruciatingly painful. Most respectable agents will reply. If you're turned down. Keep trying. If an agent makes suggestions to you, pay attention and try again. Criticism is a gift.
You should never have to pay an agent to read your submission.
I hope these suggestions are helpful.
Book club reader, Diane Skelton suggested a great idea to me.
"Suzanne, I'm especially enjoying this week's column about writing and hope you'll consider extending it to more than one week, or dedicating one day a week to writing questions."
Thanks, Diane. I like your idea. So let's keep this going for a while. One day a week, I'll continue to answer questions, in my column, about writing. Email your question to: Suzanne@Emailbookclub.com
I'd love to hear from you.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com
* This month's Penguin Classics book is CELESTINA by Fernando De Rojas. Start reading now and enter to win a Penguin totebag. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/July11Classics
AUTHORBUZZ: Rebecca Tinsley, today's featured author, writes...
Zara is 14 years old and running for her life. Her home has been destroyed and she doesn't know if she will ever seen her family again. Her perilous journey takes her to England and then the USA where she finds a new purpose.
To read more about WHEN THE STARS FALL TO EARTH goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader
Comments