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Are you or someone you know looking for an agent? Let me share with you what I've learned in the process. I'm
aiming at fiction novelists. If you write short stories, or non-fiction or
anything other than novel length fiction this isn't really for you.
There are a few things you will
need to start the process--a manuscript, a query letter, a synopsis, and a list
of agents.
First and foremost you need a
finished manuscript. You can prep the other stuff, but before you send the
first thing to a potential agent you need to have your MS completed, reviewed
by alphas and betas, and edited as well as possible. It should be polished to a
fine sheen, because this is the thing that will cement the deal. Even if you
write a great query and a great synopsis, if your manuscript is subpar the
agent is going to pass. Make all the arguments you want about story trumping
writing or vice versa, but it will still come down to making that agent fall in
love with your novel. Work hard on getting the first part of your story to
really grab attention and showcase your voice, because it is the first thing
the agent will read. Well, duh, but really, it needs to shine, because they
always want the first pages--anywhere from ten to thirty or maybe the first
three chapters. I'm just going to assume you did this part and move on. Don't
make me regret it.
