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A Is for Agent: A Primer for Writers Seeking Representation
Part 2
Copyright 2000 by Patricia Anderson
B Is for Businesslike
"I can't understand why they keep hanging up on me," a writer
with a newly completed first novel told me. "It's such a great book
and they won't even let me tell them about it."
Of course not. Good agents are professionals running
businesses. They expect their clients and potential clients to meet
the same businesslike standard. In other words, make your first
approach in writing. You are a writer, after all, and this is your
chance to demonstrate the quality of your work.
If you are trying to get a novel published, it is a must
that it be completed before you approach anyone. Agents--and the
editors with whom they deal--need to see that your story hangs
together from beginning to end. With nonfiction, a partial
manuscript and detailed outline are sufficient, but a completed
project can give you an advantage. Agents and editors find it
reassuring that an otherwise unproven writer at least has a
finished manuscript on offer.
Do not, however, make the mistake of sending the whole
thing unsolicited. It will usually be returned unread, if it is
returned at all. In most cases, the listings in directories state
each agent's submission requirements--usually, a query letter or
query with proposal. If an agent does not specify requirements,
send a query letter and one-page synopsis. Whatever form your
submission takes, it should include a stamped self-addressed
envelope for a reply.
A full proposal typically includes a covering letter,
author bio, brief synopsis, detailed outline (nonfiction), marketing
information, introduction and one sample chapter for nonfiction,
three for fiction. An effective query letter states the book's
length and genre, summarizes its subject matter, says how it
differs from other similar books, describes your qualifications,
and identifies the likely readership. There are a number of
reliable guides offering additional advice and samples that
you can adapt to your own purposes. See Information Sources for a list.
Simultaneous querying of several agents has gained
acceptance in recent years, providing the writer discloses the
fact. But many agents, my own included, reject such queries on
principle. "Why waste time on someone who may go elsewhere?" she
says.
I find her point of view convincing and favour the
conservative, one-by-one approach. But if timing is a crucial
factor in selling your manuscript, then multiple submission may be
worth a try. Though ethically you must state that you are
approaching other agents, you can downplay the fact by
personalizing each query. Always address the agent by name and say
why you believe he or she would be the best person to represent
your work. (You might, for instance, point out that your work is in
the same category as particular titles the agent has recently
sold.)
Meanwhile, why not send your proposal to a few acquiring
editors? If you can interest just one, you will enhance your appeal
to agents. Most will appreciate your enterprise, and many will be
pleased to step in at this point and represent you.
Before you approach anyone, of course, you will have
written--and rewritten--your submission for reader appeal, edited
it for sense and clarity, and proofread it for grammar and
spelling. Agents are swamped with queries and only the most
polished will receive any favourable attention. One Canadian agent
reports an average of 100 requests for representation a week. My
agent in New York receives 200-300. Those sprinkled with typos and
other errors are among the first to be tossed aside.
However flawless the grammar and spelling, your query will
fare no better if it shows such obvious signs of amateurism as
gratuitous humour (this is a business communication, remember),
endorsements from your friends (unless they happen to be
established authors or critics), and ultimatums about expected
advances (do not talk money until a book contract is offered). Avoid these mistakes and strive instead for professionalism and a businesslike approach. Along with a compelling project, these are your greatest assets.
Click here for Part 3 (Conclusion)
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