Agent Short List
Next to writing, research is my favorite pastime. With that said, the following question isn't because I'm lazy... but instead because I'm choosing to use my resources wisely!I'm unpublished and I'm in the process of finding a literary agent. I've started my search process by scribbling notes on my CWIM and excluding agents that don't appear to fit. Next, I took my "may work out" list of agents and checked online to see what type of authors/books they've represented. Additionally, I've checked my favorite picture book authors' web sites (etc.) to see who represents them (also cross checking Agent Query dot com).I've found some agents that appear to have a common vision/goal based on their representation of other authors writing for my genre & style. Since I write in both prose and rhyme for picture books, this list is pretty short.My question is... Am I on the right track here? Am I leaving anything out? Is there a secret to finding a nugget of gold in the abundance of agents out there? Do you experienced authors have any tips or tidbits you can share regarding finding an agent? Thanks in advance!Jenni Bielickiwww.beehistoric.blogspot.com
Hi Jenni! I'm catching up on my own website since subbing has gone haywire (my phone is ringing off the hook with sub gigs cuz it's near the end of the school year and I think the full-time teachers are taking advantage of their "sick" days, LOL!). Anyway, you basically sound like you're on top of it - you have done EVERYTHING I would have suggested for the agent search. Are you officially submitting your stuff now? Perhaps I can help with any specific questions you have about that. I think for now you've covered all the groundwork for putting together that list. my only other thought would be to google for any interviews or articles on these agents, Poets & Writers magazine does a great roundtable with agents all the time but it's for adult stuff, but some of the adult agents still have relevant info for kid lit writers (go to pw.org and peruse the archives). I also signed up for publishersmarketplace.com. It's $20 monthly subscription but I write it off on my taxes because it's a resource for me. I think some blogs "cheat" by posting a huge listing of it, but I like having a subscription because it helps me keep track of similar books to mine etc. Good luck and keep me posted on your submission journey! best, Paula
Thank you so much Paula! I checked into publishersmarketplace.com and think it looks amazing!
I'm sure I'll have some more questions about subbing... for agents and publishers... ***grin***
By the way, is there a way to set my preferences here so that I get emailed when there is a reply to my post?
Thanks,
Jenni Bielicki