So you've written something you feel is great. It may be a historical novel or a nonfiction book about dating in the 21st century. Now you need someone who has the skills and connections to sell your manuscript to a publisher. Choosing the right literary agent is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a writer. A detailed proposal or description of your work will make the task easier.
Instructions
1. Get a recommendation from a fellow writer, teacher or publishing industry colleague if possible. If he had good experiences with his agent, chances are you will too. If that agent doesn't handle your genre, he may be able to put you in touch with someone who does.
2. Attend writers conferences and make sure to secure a short meeting with an agent while there. Make sure to pick a conference that is appropriate for your type of manuscript.
3. Use either the Internet or a book to find a comprehensive listing of all the literary agents in the country and read a brief description of them (see Resources). Look to see if they handle your type of work. Choose only those who seem to be a good fit. For example, if you've written a children's book but a particular agent doesn't list the children's genre in her biography, don't waste time sending her your manuscript.
4. Compile a list of the agents you'd like to send your manuscript to. Construct a short introductory letter that introduces the main concept of your story and offers a little intrigue without giving the whole plot away.
5. Find out how the literary agent wishes to be contacted. Some agents prefer email submissions and others prefer a hard copy. Also find out what other preferences he has. For example, some agents ask for only the first 25 pages of the manuscript, while others may want the whole thing at once. Some may also want to see a full outline of the work.
6. Speak to the agent on the phone to get a better sense of your compatibility if she contacts you with interest in your manuscript. Ideally, the goal is to develop a long-term, productive relationship with your agent, so it's important that you are a good fit in terms of goals, strategies, future endeavors and even in personalities.
