All right, I admit it; I was playing at the beach yesterday when I should have been doing research for my Site of the Week piece. So, I've decided to review a site most of you will probably already know about, but that I believe deserves (re)mentioning. It has been featured on the 101 Best Websites for Writers put out by Writer's Digest for the past five years. But, I'm still going to tell you why I like it. :-)
Agent Query is a comprehensive database of over 900 literary agents. You can quick search by keyword and/or genre (non-fiction and fiction) or there is also an option for a more detailed search. You are going to find agents who represent big names in the fiction world. While it can be daunting to think about sending your manuscript out to the same agent who represents your favorite author, isn't it fun to think about telling everyone you know that you share an agent with Diana Gabaldon? (You know, just as an example.) ;-)
So, why do I like it? Because it makes searching for the perfect agent not only easier, but more enjoyable. I love knowing in a quick snippet what genres the agent represents, who they represent and what books they have in the works. You want to make sure that the agents you submit your work to are currently selling books to publishers. So, while the site is helpful, please exercise common sense and caution when making your choices.
And they also have these handy little boxes along the top of their homepage that provide links to all sorts of useful information. For example click on "Beware of Scammers" under the Writers heading and you will find a Q & A about how to tell if an agent is trying to take advantage of you. Agent Query has researched the legitimacy of the agents they list, but I still encourage you to browse their agency websites and/or blogs to get a feel for how they operate.
I like to think of Agent Query a one-stop-shopping experience. It's sort of like Wal-Mart but without the bad business practices and freaky people wearing fox tails on their belt loops. Oh, come on; don't pretend you haven't visited that people of Wal-Mart website. ;-) Anyway, as an aspiring writer who has used Agent Query to submit her work to agents in the past, I give this site a 5 out of 5 keyboards.
2 comments:
Thanks for the useful information!
I haven't been to that site yet (mostly because I don't have anything ready to send out), but I think I'll check it out. It may be helpful to have an agent in mind while I'm finishing my work.
You should check it out, Brad. It's a fun resource. I've been drooling over some of the agents who represent my favorite authors.
You can't reach the stars if you never try, right? ;-)
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