Getting Published Resources
I) If you want a big book deal with a big publisher, you need an agent
(Note: I pitched agents, got requests for manuscript but never got an offer. Eventually, a small press bought my book)
A) generating your list of agents
1) ask contacts on Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, friends, etc -- a referral is best!
2) Find comparable or similar authors
https://www.literature-map.com/
then find their agents:
https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/ ($25/month)
3) search agents by genre:
Querytracker: https://www.agentquery.com
4) Other sources of Agents
- good searches for debut fiction authors:
https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/pm/search?ss_c=dealmaker&ss_q=debut+fiction
https://www.pw.org/literary_agents
Agent's Manuscript Wish List: https://mswishlist.com/
4) check conferences to see who is actively looking for new writers and to expand their list.
List of conferences:
https://chucksambuchino.com/writing-conferences-and-events/
5) Other ways to get an agent besides querying:
6) Process of querying: emailing strategy (old but good)
https://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/2009/07/submissions-101.html
B) Vetting Agents
- Always double check agents' sites to see if still taking queries, still in the business
- Writer Beware: https://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/thumbs-down-agency/
- On Publishersmarketplace.com check for:
*recent sales
*sales in your genre
*may not want to ditch a new agent, but good to know what their experience is -- if they respond to your query, ask who they would pitch your book to.
- Preditors and Editors: pred-ed.com
(off line right now, promises to be back, but has Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/prededitors/
C) If you get an offer:
https://www.authorsamiellis.com/agent-adjacent
https://bookendsliterary.com/2020/06/25/interpreting-a-revise-and-resubmit-by-a-literary-agent/
- The contract: https://thewritelife.com/sign-with-a-literary-agent-contract/
- more info http://aaronline.org/FAQ
D) How to write a query letter or synopsis (writing centers with online classes)
II) Small presses
Note: many small presses now require an agent.
A) Lists of small presses
Top ranked:
https://www.awpwriter.org/contests/small_press_publisher_award_previous_winners
Google: "Best Small Presses"
General Lists:
https://www.agentquery.com/publishing_ip.aspx
https://duotrope.com/ (charges)
https://www.pw.org/small_presses (sortable by genres)
https://www.newpages.com/books/publishers (both university and small presses)
https://medium.com/the-nonconformist/the-big-big-list-of-indie-publishers-and-small-presses-5e83e9522b5c
https://newpages.com/books/publishers
https://www.clmp.org/readers/directory-of-publishers/
https://www.literarymarketplace.com/
B) Vetting
https://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/
Be sure to visit the small press's website, take out a book by one of their authors, try to contact an author (tried this and didn't have much luck)
III) Other options
University Presses:
When I looked in 2016, I didn't find many that took novels – some take poetry and memoir.
https://aupresses.org/membership/membership-list/
Enter a contest (usually includes upfront fees)
https://manager.submittable.com/opportunities/discover
https://newpages.com/classifieds/writing-contests
Vetting contests:
http://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/contests/
IV) My Book Marketing and Publishing Blog
http://www.theloneliestplanet.com