Serious Wednesdays: The Right Agent

Finding the right agent is important, but there are a few things that you need to know and that you should consider before settling in with the first person who says "yes."

1. First of all, know what you want. Are you expecting a person to do the marketing for you? Edit your material? Be your encourager when you're down? Realize going in, that few agents will do all this for you. 
2. Do your homework: Study both the agents in the field and your own work. You have to determine who fits what you need. Most agents do not accept all genres, so don't waste your time and his/hers by shopping those who aren't a good match for you and your work.
3. Make sure you know what they're asking for before you send in your material. DON'T send in a full manuscript unless asked for. Search for their guidelines and follow them strictly. You'll make a much better impression than insisting "God wanted me to send this to you." 
4. Do your best, and by that I mean, Study, write, edit and edit some more. If you're not English proficient (lol), then hire, or find someone who is and ask them to go over your manuscript. Never, ever send in a manuscript that is not in topnotch shape. 
5. Finally (for now), once you find an interested agent, talk to her/him. Ask intelligent questions to see how they work, what they expect from you and what you can expect from them. 

Once you've completed all these steps, you're on your way to finding a great agent. If an agent is something/someone you know you need, then, by all means, be diligent in your search, and hopefully, the right one is there...for you! 

Best in your writing endeavors!