Targeting to Find Your Agent Mate
Kate wrote here about ways to find that perfect agent for you. And she is right on. I’m going to take what she wrote and show how I chart agents to find one who would be a good fit for me. Because let’s face it. We as writers are looking for that ‘soul mate’ in publishing or as I’m going to call them, ‘Agent Mate’.
You know, that someone who totally gets you as a writer. That loves your work, but still pushes you to be better. The agent who has all the right connections for your work and is ready to throw themselves into the fray of editors.
Okay. So maybe I got a little carried away. Still. Think red cape and stuff like that.
Steps to find your Agent Mate:
- Make a spreadsheet (see below). Suggested columns- Agent name, agency, books represents, tidbits, submission details, date subbed, what you subbed, and additional comments.
- Print out the spreadsheet or have it easily accessible to add notes to.
- READ! Read everything you can and research who represents books you love (see Kate’s post). Keep a running record on your spreadsheet.
- Blog and read agent and writer blogs- Lots of goodies can be found reading blogs. Not only does it keep you up to date on the latest industry trends but you get a feel to that agent’s personality, likes and dislikes. Record anything of note in your spreadsheet.
- Twitter! Get instant news in a flash. Follow agents, writers and editors. Keep your eyes peeled for things to put in your tidbits column.
- Conferences- A face to face meeting will tell you so much. If you can go to workshops or conferences that have agents you’re interested, go for it.
Now you have a starting point of how to find agents that might connect with you. Once you get your top ten, query them and see if they connect with you. And hope you’ve found a match.
Agent Record to Find Agent Mate
| Agent | Agency | Books Repped | Tidbits | Date Subbed | What was sent | Response | Comments |
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Christy, this is so much better than the scattered scraps of paper I’ve been collecting! Thanks for your organizational tips.
This is great Christy. I’d add a column with how I found out about the agent: that is, once I get my butt in gear and take your advice. Right now, I have a spreadsheet of response times (agent/editor, sent date, response date), but like Andrea said, everything else is spread out.
Kate, great idea! I’ll add that into mine.
Debbie- Love the cartoon BTW!!!!
I’ve started a spreadsheet, but the one you suggest is more detailed. Thanks for the suggestion!
THANK YOU so much for the tips!!!!!!!
Wonderful tips. I have a spreadsheet but so far I’ve been using it for keeping track of sub dates and responses, not info like books the agent reps. That’s a great idea!
oQjJiX I want to say – thank you for this!
Great chart — thanks for sharing it.