In an effort to find an agent, most authors follow the same process: they fire up a search engine and type in something like "literary agents" or "literary agencies". This is going to return millions of results - including, unfortunately, websites pages that conceal agent scams. Writers need to be careful not to pounce on the first agent that seems promising.
Sometimes the author will add a specific country or city, such as "New York book agent", or they'll include a genre, like romance writing or fantasy.
Does this method of searching for literary agents pay off? Occasionally, yes - but more often it doesn't. The author's hopes of publishing a book begin to fade.
Use a Multi-Faceted Approach to Finding an Agent
Authors who want to find a reputable agent are better advised to come at it from several different directions. After all, an author-agent relationship can span many years (and cover many book contracts!) It's worth treating the search for an agent as an important project, rather than something that can be taken care of in a few hours at the computer.
Search for Literary Agents Through Blogs, Forums, Discussion Lists and Informal Networks
By typing a question like "How can I find a good literary agent?" into a search engine, a writer will often end up on a forum where someone else has asked that exact question. The same applies to finding relevant blog posts. Writers searching for help getting a book published should also talk about what they're doing in informal networks (such as critique groups, writers attending a workshop or seminar).
Read the "Acknowledgements" Section in Published Novels
Authors commonly thank their agents in the acknowledgements section of their books. Get into the habit of reading this section of books purchased or borrowed from the library. Some writers have found an agent by writing to the author of the book and starting up ongoing correspondence. (However, it's important not to be too blatant about this - writers are sure to be ignored if they write something like "Hey, I loved your book - and by the way, can you put me in touch with your agent?")
Attend Writers' Conferences and Seminars That Have Literary Agents in Attendance
Conferences are usually excellent places to find an agent. Often they're totally upfront about being on the hunt for promising new authors, and even take part in 'pitch fests', during which authors are invited to pitch their story ideas. If this opportunity is made available, writers should make sure that they are well-prepared.
In an article on how to pitch to an agent (written after doing exactly that at a Romance Writers' Conference) writer Wendy Nichols says: "How do you increase your chances of getting a request for your manuscript and relieving some of the stress that's threatening to overwhelm your conference experience? First, agents receive lots of pitches so you have to make yours stand out. Work out what makes yours different from every other crime/romance/thriller/historical novel the agent will hear about that day. Second, remember that the agent will be looking for evidence that she can work with you. Are you serious about writing as a career? Have you got more books in you? And basically, that's it; the two most vital points."
Writers who attend conferences should also look for opportunities to network with other writers who already have an agent; it's often possible to get that crucial referral through another author. For example, author Stephen Irwin [The Dead Path] didn't actually meet his agent at a seminar... but he met someone else there who referred him. He says: "I contacted a few agents but was told 'Sorry, our books are closed'... but there's more than one way to skin a cat. I got an e-flyer about a seminar, spent $70 to go... and met someone who referred me to agent Selwa Anthony."
Make Contact With an Agent When the Time is Right
"Make contact" is a fairly broad term. It means not only to phone or email with the express purpose of submitting a novel, but also to make contact as a warm-up. For example, a writer could send a brief email to an agent some days after a conference, simply saying something like: "I enjoyed your speech at the conference last weekend. Your advice was timely and encouraging. Thank you!" There may or may not be a response to this. If so, file it away, wait a few weeks, (unless, of course, the reply contains an invitation to send in novel or a partial!) and then make contact again.
If there is no response, wait a month or two and then send another email. An example: "I emailed you a few months ago to say how much I enjoyed your speech at the writer's conference: you were so encouraging! My novel is now getting close to being finished, and I'd like to send you a synopsis and some sample chapters...." If appropriate, add a few lines that refer to someone you have in common: "You represent an acquaintance of mine, Mary Bloggs, who speaks highly of you."
By using a multi-faceted approach to finding a literary agent, any author has a much better chance of getting a book published. It's never time wasted, because that oh-so-important writers' network is growing with every new approach. Try every avenue that presents itself, and be prepared to take whatever time is necessary to build a lasting relationship.
