No one is really following an agent with enormous
sunglasses and a trench coat. I'm talking about research, excellent research on literary agents. Here
are some tips on how to stalk the right people like the paparazzi.
1)
Define the Territory: You show up at the Ivy in Beverly Hills, throwing
bright flashes, I mean manuscripts, attempting to capture and attract them with your pure genius (because of course it is!). But
they're at Chipotle. One of the biggest reasons an agent rejects a query is
unrepresented genre. Be sure you have a clear idea about the genre you fall in
before you head to step 2. If you aren't sure, take the time to research.
2)
Name that Star: Head to one of the many agent lists-- Querytracker,
Jeff Herman's Guide to Publishing, or Writer's Market-- to find a target.
ONLY chase agents who might smile for the camera and represent your genre, not hit the automatic delete button. Make
a list of the type of agent you're looking for...one with a pulse, one who
loves cats, one with e-book deals, one who will get you tons of cash…
3)Take
Aim: When you've found someone who appears suitable, hold the urge to toss
your query. Rewrite it. Get it critiqued. Polish. THEN.... Follow them through the streets, I mean the Internet. Check their
agency's website to search represented clients. Do you fit in? Their clients
may have individual websites, and you may have to search Amazon to read synopsis
information. I suggest doing the leg work. Has the agent given interviews?
Guide to Literary Agents has plenty of interviews. Do they Tweet or have
a blog? Several agents have these as well, and they give information about what
type of work they are and aren't looking for. If you discover this star is
running from the rain of queries and jumping in a limo to escape, go to the next one.
Part Two coming on Monday!
Do you have any favorite stalking hangouts?
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