https://www.autocrit.com/websitepublisher en-us N/A nina@ninadavies.com Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:03:43 CST 20 https://www.autocrit.com/websitepublisher/articles/148/1/Finding-A-Good-Agent/Page1.html
I've heard many horror stories about writers who entrusted their work to agents, only to have the manuscript left sitting on a shelf, or the royalties stolen. In fact, I once signed a contract with an agent who did almost nothing to market my book, and finally she disappeared without a word. She never did return the manuscript to me. After spending years working on my novel, I think it seems unwise to place an unpublished manuscript in the hands of a stranger who doesn't even live in the same state as I do. Since I write genre fiction, I wonder if it would be better to deal directly with publishers. Is an agent really necessary? If so, how can I protect myself from being victimized by an agent who is unscrupulous or just too lazy and disorganized to market my book?
]]> no@spam.com (Barbara Dunlop) https://www.autocrit.com/websitepublisher/articles/148/1/Finding-A-Good-Agent/Page1.html https://www.autocrit.com/websitepublisher/articles/115/1/Advice-For-Finding-An-Agent/Page1.html
* Write a great novel
* Research literary agents
* Write a great query letter

Read on for more of Nicholas Sparks' advice.]]> no@spam.com (Nicholas Sparks) https://www.autocrit.com/websitepublisher/articles/115/1/Advice-For-Finding-An-Agent/Page1.html https://www.autocrit.com/websitepublisher/articles/91/1/Agent-Quest/Page1.html
I, on the other hand, wrote something like fourteen drafts of a prologue and still was doubtful that I had nailed it. I understand the concept of POV and still find that my hero carries a hand mirror in his hip pocket so that he can admire his face, muscles and luxurious hair. I find that my characters often run away with the story, despite my best intentions. And if certain contest judges are to be believed, I shouldn't quit my day job.

Yet, like all aspiring authors -- those with muses on their shoulders and those with baby drool down their back -- I long for the day when I will be published. And unlike many writers out there, I am just anal enough to plan that day with the precision of a major military offensive. I take the Boy Scout motto literally. Be prepared.]]> no@spam.com (Dee Davis) https://www.autocrit.com/websitepublisher/articles/91/1/Agent-Quest/Page1.html https://www.autocrit.com/websitepublisher/articles/72/1/Six-Steps-To-Finding-An-Agent/Page1.html
The question is: how do you find, and "land", an agent who's right for you? ]]> no@spam.com (Cathy Yardley) https://www.autocrit.com/websitepublisher/articles/72/1/Six-Steps-To-Finding-An-Agent/Page1.html