So I've been doing a little hunting this week and I've found a plethora of information on many different literary agents, the different genre agents, how to contact them, what to expect, tips, guides, and so forth. So, to give you a head start, I decided to list some of the sites I have visited so that you can also dig around and see what is involved.
I did find that a few agents and publishers like the idea of you being published in a magazine first. I'm currently looking at sending my work to "thriller" magazines and "speculative fiction" magazines. Both areas I dabble in.
There is of course the first and foremost thing of preparation: Revise, revise, revise. Then have people read it and give feedback. Then write more and get feedback on that. Here's a good site, free for 2 weeks, which should be enough time. Although becoming a member is a good idea too:
http://www.thestorymint.com/writers-pad
Lists of agents and publishers:
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/thriller-agents/page/2
http://myperfectpitch.com/top-book-publishers-usa/
http://www.pw.org/literary_agents?filter0=9680&field_electronic_submissions_value_many_to_one=Yes&perpage=100
Prepare to be slightly overwhelmed!
Read about the submission information. Then read about the agency/publisher. Then read about the person, agent or publisher, and work out what they are after and if you fit the bill. Research is a powerful thing.
Good luck!
Mat Clarke
matclarke.wranga.com.au
matclarkeauthor.wix.com/novelist
