In a recent article I pulled together 10 Tips for Creative Writing; remember those?
Okay. So you’ve followed the tips, come up with some of your own besides, and penned that fantasy novel / autobiography / collection of short stories… now what? Time to find an agent and get your hard work published. But that’s a daunting task, right? To help you take that next step, I’ve got 10 more tips. Here’s what the agents had to say at #NCWGradFair.
- Don’t be afraid
If there’s one thing you need to remember, it’s that agents are human after all. Oh, and they love reading. So, that's two things you have in common. It’s their job to find new writing and get it published, so why wouldn’t they want to hear from you?
- Do your research
Before sending out your manuscript it’s vital you do your research and find an agent who is right for you (and vice versa). Have a look at the writers lining your bookshelf: can you find out who their agent or publisher is? Once you’ve narrowed down your list, make sure to tailor your submissions (you’d be surprised how many people send blanket emails). Address an agent personally, follow their guidelines and get to the point.
- Make your cover letter sing
Most agents will expect to see a cover letter, synopsis and the first three chapters of your book. The cover letter will likely be the first thing they see, so make it sing. It should demonstrate your personality and skills as a writer to capture the agent’s attention from the off. (But don’t be too gimmicky – just be you).
- Sell the story
When emailing an agent for the first time, it’s really tempting to start off with your bio. New writers especially feel the need to prove their stock (hey, we’ve all felt the dreaded “imposter syndrome” from time to time). But what the agents really want first is the story you have written, so start there.
- **SPOILER ALERT**
Every agent will want to see the first few chapters of your novel. Some will also want to know how it ends to get the full shape of your story and help them decide if they want to read the entire manuscript. However, if you do include the ending within your synopsis, make sure you add a “Spoiler alert” for any agents who prefer surprises.
- Finish the novel
So, you’ve written the first three chapters and it’s looking very promising. All you need now is a hefty financial advance to help you write the next bit. Cue: agent... Forget it! Agents (and publishers) like to know that you have a complete novel in hand, especially if you’re a new writer. Having a full novel lets an agent know that you can complete; one of the hardest tasks for all writers. It also assures them that there is a product to market. This is an industry after all, and taking on debut novelists can be risky business.
- Batches are your friend
You’ve written your debut novel and you’re excited to send it out for consideration. You’ve got a list of 20 agents and you’re ready to go. But before you start printing, binding, packaging, posting, printing, binding, packaging, posting, ad infinitum, consider “batching” into 4 or 5 submissions at a time. It will potentially save you time, energy and money (especially if you hear back from the first batch). It will also make it easier to keep track of feedback and responses.
- Be patient
All agents have this thing called the “slush pile”. It’s where stories go to get read, is usually mammoth in size and often gets tackled in an agent’s “down time” (i.e. on the tube, in the bath, before bed). Realistically it can take a few months until you hear back, so do the agent a kindness and be patient. Then do yourself a kindness and don’t lose faith.
- Don’t give up the day job
And what if it happens? You get an agent? You’re pleased as punch, happy as a clam, over the moon... Just don’t forget to come back to earth. As many new authors have learned the hard way, getting published isn’t likely to make you a millionaire overnight. But it will make you feel pretty darn amazing! Enjoy your success whilst keeping a level head.
- Try different methods
And remember, email isn’t the only way to connect with agents. Why not look out for specialist workshops or events like #NCWGradFair? Go along to open mic nights and see who is in the crowd. Become part of a writers’ network where you promote one another’s work and make introductions. Just get out and about. You never know who you might meet.
