I want to start querying by the end of the summer, and in order to do that, I need to start picking some agents to send that query to. Enter March, where I'm going to research a different agent every day*.
Here are ten sites I'll be using to gather my info:
- Literary Rambles. Casey McCormick hosts this site, and it's an amazing resource for all things agent. Agent Spotlights are updated on Thursdays.
- Querytracker.net. The site has over 1,200 agents listed, so you're sure to find a few that fit.
- Guide to Literary Agents. This blog has agent interviews, profiles, and tons of other useful market related information.
- Publishers Marketplace. This site is helpful, but the full version costs $20. You can sign up for the free newsletter, though. It includes deals that have recently sold and the agents who sold them.
- AgentQuery. Click the link for an agent search that you can control by genre.
- Absolute Write. These forums have info on agents as well as a host of other writing related items.
- Writeoncon. In addition to an online summer conference, this site also holds live chats throughout the year with agents, editors and publishers.
- Twitter. Find the agents you're thinking about querying on twitter. Sometimes they post useful tips about things they're currently reading or genres they're interested in.
- Writer Beware. This site has information about some scams that target writers and other information on the industry.
- Google. This one is sort of a throwaway, but google can be your friend! Start by looking up similar books in your genre, then figuring out who represents those authors.
Any sites I missed that you couldn't live without during your agent search?
*I'll share my process a little later this month once I've ironed out all the kinks, but I won't be naming agents specifically on the blog.
Those are a lot of really good resources! I would add agents' personal blogs, as well. I know I've learned a lot from them!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you to be at this stage!
ReplyDeleteYou've got them all! I'm in the query trenches right now, and I can tell you that EVERY SINGLE request I've gottten came from agents that I researched enough to establish some sort of connection. I kept it brief, but I always mentioned interviews or a list I found of what they're looking for and a half sentence on why my book was a good fit.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you! It's nerve-wracking :)
OMG, between you and other Melissa I am feeling like such a slacker. I need to catch up!
ReplyDeleteI am about to give my first pitch to an agent (hopefully) in a few weeks. But first, I'm just trying to finish my manuscript in time. My day job is keeping me very busy, also, so I sympathize.
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