I want to query an agent and I am nervous, any advice for me?

Question

I have a completed manuscript that has been on my computer for about 3 months, I want to query an agent, but I am too nervous to do it. For starters I am a little intimidated, I am only 20 and don't have any real previous work, and I will be up against people in their 30's and 40's who have been writing for decades.

Answer 1

Nearly all publishers have different policies on manuscripts. While there are general rules that apply to all, failure to comply with some detail may just get you a rejection letter without much explanation.



Spend a few hours with emails to as many publishers as you feel publish works similar to yours. Ask about procedures and requirements.



Published works, like art, are to a large degree a mater of taste. Do not give up if you get rejection letters. Should you get some advice (not likely but not unheard of) consider heeding it but do not assume that the next publisher would have made the same comment. What I am saying is, do not get discouraged because you get 20 rejection letters because the next letter could have a contract enclosed.



Good Luck.

Answer 2

Congrats on deciding to querying an agent. My advice?



a) Ask a published author for advice.

Publishing is a serious business and there's not always a guarantee that everyone will give you an answer in your best interests. Some might even be misleading. I would suggest asking Zoe Marriot at [e-mail]. Remember to put [Alexandra] in the subject name. I suggest this author to you because she is an excellent blogger and a fantastic writer. She's based in the UK and even though she isn't well known, she is very helpful when it comes to answer general questions about publishing and writing.



If not that, then google for advice by well known authors - present day. Veronica Roth, Holly Black, Richelle Mead, James Dashner, Stephenie Meyer. There are hundreds of options. Almost all writers blogs nowadays.



ALSO, take a look at the Writer's Digest website. It is a fountain of knowledge, all by experienced, published writers.



b) You're not 'up against anyone'.

It can seem competitive at times but trust me, you're not up against anyone. I understand your doubts but the thing is that most authors who are published in their late or early twenties start sending out queries at this point. This is your stepping stone. Chances are you will be rejected the first couple of times. Don't get disheartened. If the rejection offers you advice, TAKE IT. These people know what they're talking about and you NEED their advice.



c) Guide to Literary Agents.

Google it and look at it. Make sure, again and again, that you are sending your manuscript to the right agent. Also, I'd suggest that you pinpoint lesser known or new agents. Why? Because in a way, they are also looking for writers to represent. They need GOOD writers and if you've heard good things about any relatively new agent, send a query now! Always be aware of scammers, of course.



d) Don't be intimidated.

Again, it is understandable but you need courage to firstly finish a book. You did that! Obviously, getting an agent can also be a little terrifying because that's when the publishing process seems more real and you realize that if you get a book deal, you lose control over your manuscript and its on its way to people's bookshelves where they will interpret however they like. They'll love it or they'll hate it.



Just shove aside your doubts and query an agent. If you never start, you're likely to be stuck for ages.



View agents as something endlessly beneficial for you. Always remind yourself that Rowling tells all writers to get agents. Why? Because they're good for you. By not getting one, you're reducing your chances of getting published and that's unfair to you.



Remember, Veronica Roth is only in her early twenties but she got published and made her way onto the NYT bestseller list. Give it a shot. You won't regret it =)

Answer 3

You can do it! It's really hard making cold calls or sending in queries. Just go for it! If you're going to be making any calls, make a rough script you can work around when asking questions. Read and reread your letter to make sure it's perfect, and then just go for it.

Remember:

A writer's amount of experience doesn't ALWAYS go with quality.

A lot of times, it's just luck of the draw--who reads it, what mood they're in...

Don't feel bad about getting it. Millions of books have been published. Trillions have not even been read yet because the author wasn't brave enough to send it out. Good luck!

Answer 4

I'd advise you to join a site where there's a query critiquing section and have people there look at it.