After I finally had a completed novel and edited it a couple times, the next step was to seek a literary agent. Because from what I've learned is that publishers do not want you sending them anything directly, you basically need a middle person, hence an agent.
So I signed up for Writersmarket.com which lists and updates numerous agents around the country/world. It also informs on what each agent is looking for from an author. For example, some request a synopsis while others want to read the first chapter or two.
And when I say synopsis, they don't want a two sentence description like one would find on the back of a book, they want a full blown "spoil the story" kind of detailing. And they want roughly anywhere from three to ten pages. Which when I first sat down to work on the synopsis, I had no idea just how difficult this action was going to be. But was relieved to find out that many famous authors loathe this process, so that made me feel somewhat better.
Anyway, it took awhile but I managed to explain my entire story in 10-pages. Which in all honesty I think was too long but I couldn't decided what to take out so I just rolled with it.
Agents also request a query letter, which basically gives a brief description of your book, along with some information about you. Since I'm a first time author with limited writing experience, my query wasn't exactly going to light the world on fire but I figured it wasn't too bad considering I was figuring this out on my own.
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So at the end of June, I mailed my synopsis, along with a query letter, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to 20 potential agents.
I crossed my fingers and waited for the responses.
- The Delusional Novelist
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