DU writers, where do I start to find a literary agency?

[greenman3610]

I've been collecting some information that is
screaming "book" at me.

[BlooInBloo]

1. I would google "book agent".

[Jed Dilligan]

2. There are big books called "Writer's Markets"

They are updated each year, but the info in the 1 to 2 year old editions is mostly still good. You can find the old ones for cheap in a lot of used bookstores.

You can also, once you have some stuff written, try attending a writer's conference where agents come to meet new authors. That's an expensive undertaking but probably the fastest track from being a nobody to publication.

If your work is academic in nature, go to the major national conference in the field that it fits. They have exhibit halls where editors from various presses are available for a chat.

-JD, the almost-published guy

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. You might want to ask this in the Writer's Group too

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=216

[classof56]

4. Here's a site you might find of interest:

http://www.writersdigest.com/bea/bios_2007.asp

Comprehensive list of agents who appear to be in search of authors of all genres.

Best wishes!

Classof56 (fellow aspiring writer)

[vireo]

5. Literary Marketplace

I believe it includes an agent directory. You can probably find a used print copy cheap.
http://www.literarymarketplace.com/lmp/us/index_us.asp

[Donnachaidh]

6. Do a Google Search for Writer's Market Magazine

The last issue had quite a bit of information (web links. etc) about agents, IIRC. Also, search for writer's blogs, specifically for beginner's information. That's usually the first most popular question.

[WilliamPitt]

7. Here

http://www.amazon.com/Writers-Handbook-2007/dp/1405049375/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-8563004-1799114?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180905926&sr=1-1

[mwb970]

8. This book seems like a good resource.

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Self-Publishing-Self-Publishing/dp/1582970912/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4/002-8962160-3418459?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180905907&sr=8-4

I bought it myself at B&N just today!