While it is true that you don’t really need an agent to get published, it is a good idea to have one. Many mainstream publishers will not look at the work of an unpublished writer.  To even query a well-known publisher, you often have to go through an agent these days.  So how do you get an agent? Some people say that it is more difficult to get a good agent than it is to get published. This may be true, but that should not stop you.  In the road to becoming published, a search for an agent is just as important in many ways as the search for just the right publisher.

 A few thoughts to consider:

• When selecting an agent, you need to be particular.  This is the person who will be representing your work.  If the agent is not excited about your writing, how can that person show any enthusiasm when presenting your work to an editor?
• Sending out dozens of blind query letters can result in dozens of rejections. You need to do your homework before you start the querying process. A good place to start is www.agentquery.com
• Have an idea in advance of the story you’re going to pitch, your blurb or logline and your own biography.
• Come up with a short list of agents you want to query and start with that short list. You can always expand it later should you receive rejections.
• Be cautious and suspicious of any agent who wants you to hire a book editor (recommended by the agent) to help spruce up your book or who charges a reading fee.  Reputable agents do not charge reading fees.
• Make certain your book is near perfect before you send it in. Do not expect the agent to be so overwhelmed at your wonderful writing that they will volunteer to edit or fix it for you before submitting it to an editor.

 You want the agent to be as reputable as possible. Remember, the agent will not only handle your writing, but eventually your financial future.  There are certain questions you need to have answered as you begin to make a list of the agents you want to query. Most of these questions can be answered by doing your homework and studying www.agentquery.com or a similar website that provides information on agents.  It is also a good idea to check to see if the agent is registered with the Association of Author’s Representatives (AAR). Their website is www.aar-online.org 

Another good place to check on agents is through the online service preditors and editors. This website has for years kept track of comments on various agents and complaints against them. You can find them at anotherealm.com/prededitors. 

You might also want to have a list of questions to ask a prospective agent.  We've provided a starting point for you with our agent question list. You might have particular questions you want to add to this list.