Literary Agents

[Fastfwd]

Anyone here know about book writing? Say that you have what you believe to be a story that you believe may be so good that you question if there is any benefit to having a literary agent/agency?

Are they well worth the 10% - 20% that they command in negotiating your deal?

If so, then how do you go about deciding which one is a best fit for you or are they generally the one who makes that decision?

I see these people on Wikipedia:
http://www.janklowandnesbit.com/

So, for instance, if I thought I had a book that I wanted to see about being represented – how would I go about seeing if they would be interested in representing me? Do you have to actually have a draft of the book for them to read first?

What if you’re not necessarily a talented writer, but it’s your story that you believe is worthy of representation and you question if it being told in the form of your inexperienced writing style (or lack of style) might not convey how compelling the story may be if it were written by someone with talent?

I see Jonathan Ames is represented by:
http://rosaliesiegel.com/

What if I were totally obsessed with outdoing Jonathan Ames to impress his girlfriend and steal her away from him….. is there a literary agent who might help me to style my book to outdo Mr. Ames?

Just kidding…..actually, he may be an asset if the book writing were to ever commence.

Thanks for your help.

[old okie]

From personal experience, I can tell you that the only real way to go in becoming published and promoted is to have a literary agent/agency. There are several websites you can visit that will detail the options available [many agencies limit the types of works they represent]. You will receive many rejection letters/notices, but if the work, or outline, you present intrigues someone, you can find an agent. It is time-consuming, extremely discouraging, and expensive--if they want a "paper copy" of your work [and some agents will ask for that], but if you're willing to take the risk, take the time, accept the rejection, AND you have a great, solid concept, you probably can find an agent.

However, from personal experience, I can tell you that "self-publishing" is literay suicide, and you will never be able to find an agent to represent you once you've "self-published"--regardless of the genre of your work or the appeal of it to others.

Good luck with your search.