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7 Steps to Writing Your Book and Getting it Published

    How to Find a Literary Agent

    Throughout my busy days – which usually involve a lot of editing, some reading, and unfortunately only a smudge of socializing – I receive a heap of emails asking how to find a literary agent.
    Well that’s a good question to ask. And not such a good question to answer. Mainly because I find it pretty boring. But hey, I know you writers NEED this kind of wisdom, so here goes… an article which tells you exactly how to find a literary agent (in the hope that I stop receiving so many emails asking the same question)! And as we all tend to follow instructions far better when presented with steps, that’s just what I present to you now…

    STEP 1.
    First, make sure your manuscript is finished and polished. It’s always a good idea to have it professionally edited if you can afford it. I can’t stress this enough…NEVER send an unfinished manuscript to an agent, or you’ll be the cause of another grey hair and another rejection.

    STEP 2.
    Now that your manuscript is shining brightly, spend some time on the internet getting to know the business. Today it’s not enough to have just written a good book. You’ll need to read blogs, talk to booksellers, attend writing conferences, speak to authors, and anything else you can possibly think of. Agents may be impressed with your knowledge and that’s always a good sign.

    STEP 3.
    To find an agent the best way through the door is by getting a referral. An effective way of going about this is to join local writing groups so your work will be seen by other established writers. Another idea is to get your stories published in magazines, sign up to online writer’s communities, and make a ton of author virtual friends.

    STEP 4.
    If you don’t land a referral then try to write a query letter describing your work. Change your letter according to the agent you’re submitting to in order to demonstrate your knowledge.

    STEP 5.
    Find agents to post your letter to. A Google search is always a good idea. Try to target agents who represent your genre. Before you post anything off, find the agent’s submission guidelines and follow them with precision.

    STEP 6.
    Wait patiently for a request to see your partial or in some cases, full manuscript.

    So there you go – six easy-to-follow steps so you know exactly how to find a literary agent for your manuscript.

    Good luck…sending you Light!

    Your Book Angel xxx

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