Sharing ideas at the agent - author panel
I just returned from the UW-Madison's Writer's Institute conference. What a wonderful venue to meet agents and fellow writers and seek inspiration together.
Many folks asked to see the criteria I used to find my agent. So here it is!
Criteria for Agent Search
Draft an ‘A’ list of agents you are interested in
- Agent must be PASSIONATE about your work
- (Has to love your book as much as you do)
- (Be able to fight for it)
- Represents your type of book
- Excellent network
- Track record in sales
- Solid client list
- Good reputation among writers
- Experience in publishing (former editor)
- Someone you feel comfortable representing you
- Someone who will care about your next book, too
- Professional and reputable – AAR (Association of Authors’ Representatives)
Other Considerations
- Location New York vs/ elsewhere
- New and hungry vs/ old and experienced
- Hold-your-hand type vs/ no babysitting
- Small agency vs/ large one
- Client list – size and possible contacts
- How much time he/she has for you
Best of luck with finding a good agent match! Let me know if you find this list helpful. What criteria are YOU looking for?
Heather - The literary agent any writer works with must have the ability to sell their work at the best publishing house for the project. As Brendan Sullivan said yesterday, “There’s more than one right answer, but there’s only one best answer. To find it you have to look at them all.” That was in a different context, but it still holds true for literary agents and publishing houses.
I invite you to stop by Speaking from the Heart tomorrow as I post "Write to the Top!" a look back at the 2012 Writers' Institute http://HolEssence.WordPress.com
Hi Laurie! Thanks for visiting the brand-new "Starlighting" blog! And thanks for spreading the word about the wisdom from the Writers' Institute in Madison - good nuggets. I agree an author should look for a dream agent who's the right match, but finding people who meet the right criteria can do that. The process of finding an agent can be overwhelming as it is, without chasing an elusive "best." Great to hear from you, and stop by again.