What's the best place to start looking for a literary agent? Any and all tips are greatly appreciate

[katee]

I have finished the first draft of my book and I'm working on completing the "finished product" and I'm an unpublished author, I DO intend to write more than one book, my first is a fiction-fantasy novel... I intend to stay in that general genre and possibly crossover into a little gothic-horror type stuff at some point... I used google but the resource it gave me has a lot of outdated information.Any help at all is greatly appreciated, thanks! :)

[Shelby]

I would sent it too all major publishing agents- be prepared to get rejected, all great authors did (Harry potter was, originally).At least that way you can either (hopefully) get a publisher or you can get some feedback on what you need to change to make it better.Congratulations and good luck!

[Dekker]

This link will answer any questions you have on the subject of publishing.Preditors & Editorshttp://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/

[MissBritneySpears]

I don't know exactly where to look for agents but i do know one thing: do not send your MS off to two or more publishers at the same time - send it off to one and then wait; if it gets rejected, send it off to another then.

[BigBobbyClobber]

First you need to hire a professional editor that specializes *in your genre*. Not only will they give you invaluable information to make your manuscript better they will be able to give you great insight about the publishing world. They know what agents and publishers are looking for and they know how to help you in a way that will increase your chances of landing an good agent - which is the next step.Once you have a revised and edited manuscript ready to go you will begin to query agents. A copy of "Writers Market" is a must at this stage. It contains information on publishing in general and lists agents and publishers across the country. Locate agents or publishers that specialize in your genre. Keep in mind that the top tier publishing houses only work with agents. Some smaller publishing companies will work directly with an author, however you are better off with an agent. They know the details that can make all the difference in the world. Here's a link for the "Writers Market:"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1582974977/ref=wl_itt_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I32O2J22VXO91H&colid=3URGRDFGH8V92After you've sought out potential agents, you are going to find out what their submission guidelines are and then you are going to send them a query letter and possibly a synopsis, depending on their guidelines.A query letter is your lead-in to a synopsis. In the query letter you are selling yourself as a writer. The synopsis is where you sell the story by giving a brief yet detailed summary.Every agent/publisher has submission guidelines that they expect you to follow EXACTLY when it comes to format and length. They might say that they want a one page query and a one page synopsis. Remember that you should not hold anything back in the synopsis - they want to know the twists and ending. Some agents may only want a query and no synopsis. Their submission guidelines will be clear about what they want. NEVER give them any more or less than they ask for.The query "phase" is their opportunity to weed out the duds whether it be for bad ideas or for not following their submission guidelines. They figure that if you can't submit a proper query letter then you probably can't write a decent, sell-able book. Remember, they receive thousands of submissions per year. They don't have time to deal with so-so queries and manuscripts. They are looking for as close to perfect as possible.If an agent or publisher is interested they will request part or all of your manuscript. Again, they have VERY specific guidelines about manuscript submissions as well. You will make the appropriate format modifications and will then send it to them by mail or email or whatever they request. When sending manuscripts through regular mail do not use fancy packaging or use overnight certified mail or anything like that. Doing these things will brand you as an amateur. If they like your manuscript then they like it. There's nothing that you can do aside from your query, synopsis or manuscript to stand out in their eyes. Here's a couple of links to help you write a query letter:http://nicholassparks.com/WritersCorner/Index.htmlhttp://www.sfwa.org/writing/query.htmAlso, do NOT copyright - or place a little "c" on - your work before you send it to any agents or publishers. Some people are nervous about doing this but the truth is that *legitimate* agents and publishers have no interest in stealing your work. It actually annoys them and, again, brands you as an amateur. An agent is an invaluable asset in the publishing world. Part of the reason it takes so long to get a book published is contractual details. Legitimate agents know what to do. They don't get paid until you do so it is in their best interest to do everything they can for you. Which brings me to my next point.It is EXTREMELY important to research any editor, agent or publisher that you work with. There are a ton of shady and unprofessional people in the publishing business. Always check them out at:http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/Also, be sure to find out what books they have edited, sold or published /before/ you get involved with them.These two links (above) will help you learn of the legitimacy/reputation of editors, agents and publishers. Remember as a rule of thumb that you should NEVER pay agents or publishers (with the exception of some administrative costs such as copies, stamps, long distance phone calls, etc.). They get paid from the profits of the book. The editor that you hire before you query agents will cost you anywhere from $5 - 15 per 250 words. The editor *IS* worth the money.Some of the best advice I can give you is to STAY AWAY from self-publishing. Self-published authors have the worst sales of /all/ authors. Some self-publishers pay $1 (yes, one dollar) royalties so that they can claim to be a traditional publisher. ALWAYS check the legitimacy of ANYBODY you work with at Predators & Editors and Absolute Write Water Cooler (links given above).Other than that all you need is the ability to take criticism and rejection. If you take a shortcut on any of these steps you seriously decrease your chances of being published with legitimate traditional publisher.Before you hire an editor I would purchase "On Writing" by Stephen King - even if you are not a fan of his this book is has tons of sound advice.Good Luck.