2013 Guide to Literary Agents
By Chuck Sambuchino
Review by Karen Lange
Have you heard? There are over 1000 literary agents seeking new clients. Did you know that the 2013 Guide to Literary Agents contains the current contact and submission info for them? Not only that, but this handy book is packed with helpful information, tips, and resources for writers of every genre.
Writers have questions about agents, like, What does an agent do? How do I connect with an agent? Craft a good query? Create a platform? I’m happy to report that this book supplies the answers and a whole lot more. Each user-friendly section helps writers navigate this tricky process. Chapters cover the agent hunt from start to finish. Mr. Sambuchino has you covered – sort of like your very own “agent coach”, I’m thinking.
The Getting Started segment explains what the agent’s role is and details on how to assess credibility and write a great chapter one. Savvy advice from real live agents is also included, answering some of our most frequently asked questions. Contacting Agents illustrates how to create a great query and discusses how to get your foot in the door at the right place. Other topics include nonfiction book proposals and getting the most from conferences.
In Perspectives, debut authors share their success stories and offer encouragement straight from the trenches. Memoirs, Copyrights and Wrongs, and the Writer’s Platform are covered too, as are GLA Success Stories, a listing of happy authors who took previous years’ GLA advice to heart.
The Resources section has a wonderful glossary of industry terms to help us avoid looking like a total novice at this game. The New Agent Spotlight offers more than a little glimpse into the new faces in the industry. This segment discusses how new agents provide fresh opportunities for writers seeking representation. Markets is a comprehensive index featuring literary agent and specialty listings. Detailed conference info (United States and overseas) is also included.
Stuffed to the brim with craft and business advice, the 2013 Guide to Literary Agents is an indispensable tool. Even if you are not quite to the agent stage yet, the wisdom within will enable you to be prepared when the time comes.
Karen Lange is a writer, blogger, and online writing instructor at the Coffeehouse for Writers. Visit her blog at http://karenelange.blogspot.com/
It's a great resource - I guess you could say I give it two thumbs up! :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds wonderful, Karen. I sure could have used this a little earlier this year. :) But maybe you'll be needing this yourself one of these days.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rhonda, it is a great resource. :)
DeleteI've bought this book here and there. Probably worth another look. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWD always puts out good resources, don't they? Love the way this book addresses all the necessary facets of the process too.
DeleteFine review, Karen. I've found that such reference books last from year to year, even if some entries change. And Chuck Sambuchino certainly knows agents. Thank you for this overview of the Guide--it's a great reference for novice and experienced writers.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Noelle! I appreciate your input. I agree, there are many timeless aspects of these resources for the newbie and the veteran. So glad they are available for us.
DeleteI want this book. Maybe after Christmas. Oh hubby... :-)
ReplyDeleteYour review was excellent! But I never thought it would be anything else. :-) xoxo
It's a great tool, that's for sure. I think you would like it. Hope you can get a copy. Thanks so much for your kind and sweet words. :) Hugging you back!
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