Literary Agents: What They Do, How They Do It, and How to Find and Work with the Right One for You

by Michael Larsen

"Chock-full of delicious, wise, witty, and often laugh-out-loud quotes about the writer's life, the editor's life, the agent's life.... It's absolutely the last word on literary agents." --Richard Curtis, Richard Curtis Associates "Snappy, nuts-and-bolts guide to the world of literary agents, with lots of practical tips." --Library Journal "Larsen's useful guide provides needed understanding of the world of literary agents."--Booklist In this revised...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 047113046X
• ISBN13: 9780471130468
• Release Date: August 1996
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Literary Agents

Writing can be a lot of fun and sometimes you can even make money doing it, but if you plan on making money writing you will need a Literary Agent. So-called literary agents are a dime a dozen and willing to tell you, you may have a hit on your hands. What you have to watch out for are the scam agents out there and believe me, they're out there just waiting to take your money. Finding the right agent is sometimes very hard to do for a new writer that doesn't have a clue about how the world of writing works. The visions of a bestseller is in every writers mind and before you can even think of a bestseller you will have to build a name for yourself. This is where a good agent comes in; the agent must truly like your work and be sold on it themselves before they can do any good for you. A good agent knows what it takes in a book to sell and they know who to sell your book too. This book can help any new writer, but just remember a good agent will tell you the truth and if you're not ready for the truth then your not ready for an agent. Larry Hobson-Author "The Day Of The Rose"

A "Must Read" for All Unpublished Writers Looking for Agents

An unpublished writer myself, I wish I'd read Michael Larson's book before trying to find an agent for my book! It would've saved me much postage, time, and frustration, and it would've saved the literary agents to whom I wrote a lot of time and frustration, as well. Using healthy dollops of humor and common sense, Mr. Larsen takes the reader through every phase of establishing a relationship with a literary agent, clearly explaining not only what an agent does, but WHY the agent does it. He makes sense out of the publishing jungle for the first-time writer, and he helps novices like me understand that, with talent and perseverance, getting an agent isn't a crapshoot. Mr. Larsen's chapters on how (and how NOT) to write a query letter, how to prepare a manuscript for an agent, and how to maintain a good working relationship with an agent are outstanding, as is his excellent bibliography. This book belongs in every wanna-be published author's library!

An Indispensable Guide for the Novice and the Professional

I actually met Mr. Larsen once three years ago at a writers' forum held in the summer at the downtown public library in Sacramento, California. At that time, he gave a presentation which came right out of this book work word for word. Other than his penchant for loud clothing, I found him to be infectious both in person and in written form. Still, he definitely managed to keep my attention from beginning to end both in person, and in his book that I have just finished reading.Mr. Larsen is without a doubt an excellent writer, and an eternal optimist. That he loves what he does comes through crystal clear in his book. His knowledge of the literary world is definitely broad and comprehensive, and in reading this book, one gets the impression that he really knows what he is talking about. This book actually delivers everything advertised on its jacket, and more. I especially liked the wit and humor related to the publishing industry that he liberally sprinkled throughout the book. Other than what I have just said, this book is the inspiration that finally got me to get serious about being a writer.

Larsen, A Literary Agent's Literary Agent

Our agency wouldn't be in business if it weren't for the sage and practical advice we've gleaned from Larsen's work in this book and his work in the publishing industry. We specifically recommend that all prospective clients read Larsen's book BEFORE they talk to us. This is a MUST read if you are considering an agent and worthwhile reading even if you are considering going it alone without an agent.An excellent section in the book focuses on the daunting tasks of the publisher's editor; we like our clients to especially understand this section, to understand WHY the publishing process can be so frustratingly slow, to help mitigate a client's anxiety and impatience.Another excellent section lists the litany of great authors who persisted after rejection upon yet dozens if not hundreds of more rejections until they finally sold their book. Larsen's best advice, "Failure is the path of least persistence." We use his quote at least once a week.

This book is complete, educational and very enlightening.

This book has encouraged me to press on and even look into becoming an agent myself. As a writer, I was more prepared to meet the challenge after reading the book. This tool is used constantly on a reference basis. What I appreciated about it the most? Mr. Larsen makes himself available to the reader by listing his address. I am always recommending this book to every writer I know. In Las Vegas we thirst for literary information, this book says it all. I have purchased four books for my friends and co-authors. No one else has done it better Mr. Larsen! NMJ