You need to find agents who have a history of making good sales to good publishers; and who like the sort of book you've written. You could try making a list of books you've heard of, and books you've seen in bookshops and being read on the bus, and books your friends have been talking about, which are similar in genre to your book: then find out who represents the authors of those books.
You can also look up agents on the various listings websites but don't forget to check them on Preditors and Editors and in AW's Bewares room too.
It's tough because I can more easily find the producers for my show because I know and understand it. Finding agents and publishers for her genre of book is a challenge. She has no direction, not that I do. But I know she will become so overwhelmed with info. I will try to find time to help her but wish my own stuff was in a better place.
AW has members who have self published successfully for just a few hundred dollars. Check out any of the diary threads in our Self Publishing room, especially MerriHiatt's (she's a bit of a hero of mine). If you go with a vanity publisher like AuthorHouse then yes, you will end up paying over the odds: but if you do it all yourself, and pay just the people you need, then you'll find it much more affordable. Marketing and promotion will take a lot of work, though.
Good to know, thank you. On Amazon you pay a fee to publish and then tons more for them to market your book, make it more visible. Boy does it add up. One really has to have or make time to do it, or money to pay them, one or the other at the least.
Please don't become an agent.
You might have a good track record in sales, but good agenting involves far more than that. You need to know publishing inside and out, and to have solid connections in the business--and you don't, I'm afraid.
I meant agents for the TV and movie world, not that it's easier but I'd be more familiar with it than the book world. I am not rushing to do that just yet hehe, it was just sort of a fleeting thought because so much of many writers futures depend on these people. Hard to believe the 2 biggest tv/movie agents in the country (or world) began the way they did. One in the mail room and the other as an assistant to an agent.
Betsy, thanks for being such a good sport. You're being told a lot of hard truths here, and you're responding with politeness and interest. That takes a certain amount of resolve and good nature, and I'm grateful to you for it.
Yeah you guys are brutal! LOL. Just kidding. Yeah well I'd rather know the truth than waste time doing the wrong things. You guys have taken time to help me and I am grateful for that. It is my goal to do the same once I have some knowledge under my belt to give back.
And thanks also Polenth and Anne for the words of encouragement and anyone I am missing because I should be in bed.
Good night all!
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