How Do You Know If You’re Ready for an Agent?

Recently I received an email from a long-lost acquaintance who decided it was time to write a book. He asked me if I could give him contacts in the publishing industry, including my agent. In his letter, he proved he didn’t know anything about this crazy publishing industry, so I sent him my standard “Dear New Writer” letter and haven’t heard back.

The truth is, this writing gig is not easy. It’s not as simple as asking a friend in the industry to put in a good word for you. It’s tedious and time consuming.

My friend’s words got me thinking. How would someone know if they were ready for the bigtime? Is there a magical way of discovering when one is ready to find an agent? Curious?

Here’s a checklist for those of you who are wondering if you’re ready for an agent:

• I have attended a conference (local is fine) and received feedback from someone in the industry. (And if that feedback is negative, I’ve learned to thicken my skin and change what needs to be changed.)
• I have found a critique group (online or in my city). I’ve submitted several things to be critiqued and have learned to take criticism in a constructive and productive way.
• I have learned (trained myself) to make deadlines. (If you haven’t done this, give yourself a deadline today. Say, “I will write three query letters” or something like that “by January 25th.” Then meet that deadline. Make another. Meet it.)
• I have mastered the art of query letter writing.
• I have published several magazine articles on the local level, and perhaps a few on the national level.
• If I write fiction, I will have completely finished my novel and had it critiqued (or even paid for a critique).
• If I write nonfiction, I will have finished my proposal and three chapters until they shine like a new copper penny.
• I have learned the industry well. I am well-versed in Sally Stuart’s Market Guide.
• I have a body of work that’s been recognized (either by being published or garnering awards).
• If I write nonfiction, I have a good, solid platform. (If you don’t know what this means, you’re not ready for an agent.)
• I’ve established a readership online through a blog or website. I have a significant online presence.
• I have read over five books on the craft of writing.
• I am not naïve about the fiscal workings of the business. (I have a cursory understanding about advances, royalties, rights, copyrights, and how authors get paid.)
• I am not delusional, thinking my first book will hit it big and land me on Oprah.
• I am teachable.
• I am not a one-book wonder. I have a good listing of book ideas.
• I understand the concept of branding.
• I have started to develop friendships within the writing community.
• Someone in the industry has said that my writing is ready for publication (and he’s/she’s not related to me).
• I write every day.
• I have not despised writing in obscurity.
• I value BOC time (bottom on chair).
• I set word count or page goals and meet them.
• I sense God pushing me in this direction.
• I have integrity.
• I am low maintenance.
• I value professionalism. I am willing to make strategic investments in my career (professional photo and business card, website that doesn’t look slapped together, etc.).

If you can say yes to most of the things on this list, chances are you’re ready to start thinking about an agent. The best way to meet an agent is in person at a conference. But if that won’t work, do your research and start submitting. A word of caution: DO NOT SUBMIT unless you are completely sure what you’ve written is fresh, stellar, and breathtaking. Study the market to make sure your idea is different. Agents are longing for excellent writers who have surprising, world-altering ideas. Work, work, work until your book is that.

 

Mary E. DeMuth helps people to turn their trials into triumphs. She mentors new authors through the publishing process and has written two tutorials on book proposals (one for fiction and another for nonfiction). An expert in Pioneer Parenting, Mary enables Christian parents to navigate our changing culture when their families were not good faith examples to follow. Her parenting books include Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture (Harvest House, 2007), Building the Christian Family You Never Had (WaterBrook, 2006), and Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God (Harvest House, 2005). Mary also inspires people to face their trials through her real-to-life novels, including Watching the Tree Limbs (nominated for a Christy Award) and Wishing on Dandelions (NavPress, 2006). A pioneer parent herself, Mary and her husband, Patrick, reside in Texas with their three children. They recently returned from breaking new spiritual ground in Southern France, where they planted a church.