FINDING AN AGENT

The best way to find out about the book buvelutss is through books, so we would recommend that you go to your local bookstore and do some research about what books are similar to yours. Once you have identified a few, do some research to find out who the agent is for that book and query him or her. Often the agent's name will be mentioned in the acknowledgements. You can also contact The Association of Authors' Respresentatives in New York City for a list of agents who respresent books like yours. Their address is:

The Association of Author's Representatives
10 Astor Place, Third Floor
NY, NY 10003
www.bookwire.com/aar/

The Children's Book Council would be immensely helpful to anyone writing a children's book. Their address is:

The Children's Book Council
568 Broadway, Suite 404
New York, NY 10012
212-966-2073
www.cbcbooks.org

Another good way to find an agent is to attend a writers' conference in your area. Most will have agents available for you to meet with to discuss your work in person.

What do publishers and agents look for?
Every publisher is different. It depends on what that particular publisher is looking for to complete their list, what has worked for them in the past, what publishing trends are profitable at that time, and many other factors. All publishers are looking for innovative and interesting ideas and beautiful writing. Publishers also look for people who are self-motivated. The books that succeed are those with authors behind them who work hard to promote themselves and their books.

What is the best way to send your book?
From your list, begin to study the company. Find a name to connect with and send a colorful, well-designed packet. Most agents will respond within four to six weeks. It is absolutely appropriate to call an agent to follow up after that amount of time. Be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the agent can return your material if he or she decides to pass on it. (Remember to send a copy of your book and not your original!)

The best way to send a manuscript is to query the agent first, including a synopsis of your work and a brief bio of yourself. The agent should respond within a few weeks, letting you know if he or she wants to read your work. If he or she requests that you send the manuscript, it needs to be sent unbound, double-spaced, with a cover letter. (Complete in its entirety if it is fiction, at least three chapters plus a proposal and an outline if it is non-fiction).