Written a book ? Do I get an agent? and How?

[manic-mother]

I have written a fictional fantasy book , that has taken nearly a year to write.
I have had great response from family and friends and would love to get it published proffesionally.
I have been told that it would be sensible to obtain an agent somehow , but being a total amateur I wouldn't know how , any suggestions?

[Buenchico]

(2-part post):

Your local library will probably have a copy of the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook. If not you can order it here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Writers-Artists-Yearbo ok-2009-Photographers/dp/1408102641

You'll find plenty of relevant information, including information about submitting your work directly to publishers, or seeking an agent. You'll also find a list of agents (including their addresses), specifying which type of works they're interested in and whether they'll consider unsolicited manuscripts.

[Buenchico]

There's a great deal of contradictory advice about whether you need an agent or not. Some people will tell you that most publishers will consign any unsolicited manuscript, other than from a reputable agent, directly to the 'slush pile'. (That seems to be an exaggeration since no publisher would want to turn down a masterpiece without at least looking at it!). Others will tell you that the best agents only handle recognised writers, so those which will represent new writers can't do much to help them. (There might be some truth in that statement but all agents like to make money and they can't do that unless they can find good manuscripts and promote them well).

In practice it's probably best to produce dozens of copies of your manuscript in standard publishers' format. (That's double-spaced, loose leaf etc. The W & A Yearbook should explain it all). Then bombard every possible publisher and agent with your work. (The information in the Yearbook will help ensure that you don't waste your time and money by, say, sending your fictional work to a publisher who only handles academic non-fiction. However it's also worth looking in bookshops to see who publishes the type of work you've written, so that you can target your submissions accurately). That 'blitz' technique is exactly what J K Rowling used when she'd written her first book, so it's certainly worth a try!

Chris

[Simon-Bloom]

Talent will win out eventually so never give up even if you have to have a few rejections first before a final acceptance comes your way. Never accept vanity publishing. If your book is good enough then you will not have to pay a single penny to anyone ever so refuse to part with any cash.Patience & perseverance = just reward.Good luck ! Simon

[andy-hughes]

Simon-Bloom is right - in theory.

Any published author will advise you how they can paper every room in their house with publishers' rejection slips.

One magazine sent a manuscript of a prize-wining Iris Murdoch novel to a selection of publishers - including her own! - who all turned it down, so that gives you some idea of what you are up against.

You need a skin like a rhino, the patience of a monastery full of Budhists, and self-belief the size of Jupiter.

Like all artforms, there is a large degree of luck involved, but if you want it, go for it, and the very best of luck.

[VHG]

Remember also that the first Harry Potter book was turned down by about a dozen publishers before one accepted it.

If it is a "fantasy" book try publishers who specialise in that sort of thing rather than a general publisher.

And if it does not get accepted, remember this quote:

Everyone has at least one book inside them, it just may not be a very good one.

(just joking, I am sure yours is excellent)

[Schutzengel]

Sounds interesting, any chance of posting a paragraph on here?

[manic-mother]

Thankyou so much for you advice , I will try all the avenues suggested , when I have a little more time I will post a short paragraph for constructive critism on here (thanx schutzengel)God bless you all x x

[No,Knowledge]

not bad manic ......................but only one F in professionally.