Customer Reviews

2009 Guide To Literary Agents

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While I prefer the Jeff Herman book (hence 4 stars for this not 5), this is nonetheless a vital tool for anyone who wants to be an author, and I know people who have succeeded in getting a literary agent (and, even more important, published by good publishers) as a result of buying it. In fact why not get both this book and Jeff Herman's and see if you end up getting published! I owe my literary career to my agents and no decent author can get on without one. Christopher Catherwood (author of CHURCHILL'S FOLLY on Churchill's creation of Iraq in 1921- which had an agent)

This is a SUPER-GREAT reference book for finding an agent. HOWEVER, do not skip the step of checking out the agent's website! One agent I looked up had changed the name of the agency, one changed the contact person, one changed the preferred method of first contact, etc. As up-to-date as the book is, it simply cannot be as current as the internet...but it does provide internet addresses!...as well as a ton of other important information.

The first part of the book helped me to get a firm idea of what the search for an agent entails--a lot of do's/don'ts, feedback from actual agents including their pet peeves that often get authors' query letters chucked right away, etc., etc. The reference part of the book and the index helps me find which agents might be interested in my book--what kinds of books they represent, how active they are in seeking new clients, how many first-time writers they represent, how they find new clients--as well as what kind of an agency they are--how big their firm is (how many agents they have, how many clients), how long they've been around, where they're located. It says how to contact them & who to contact (again, check the website to see if that's changed), gives contact information. Everything you need.

If you're a serious writer, you need this book. Trust me.

2009 Guide To Literary Agents I was amazed to find so many Literary Agents in this book, however a few of the agents listed are no longer in business. Check the agent on the internet before sending anything.

For those of us who live out in the hinterland, writing faithfully but totally unaware of what's going on in the publishing world, this is the kind of help we need. It's almost like getting a personal introduction to an influenial person who can steer us in the right direction. - Gwen Choate

I always feel like I'm buying into a scam when I buy these guides, but a necessary one at that ... There is lots of good info to help guide a web search. I'm happy I bought it.

I wish that I would have had a guide like this when I published my last book.

The information is accurate, well organized and very helpful.

See also:

2009 Writer's Market

2009 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market (Novel and Short Story Writer's Market)

How to Get a Literary Agent

How to Write a Great Query Letter

This is a MUST HAVE for writers looking for agents. Lots of valuable information. I can't imagine the querying process without this book.

I purchased this book with the sole purpose of learning more about the publishing business, specifically, why we need to get an agent and how to go about it. Sambuchino not only informs the reader of how the machinery of American Publishing works, but he also informs about the pros and cons of self-publishing (independent publishing). His information seems balanced and truthful.

I agree with some of the reviews that said some of the agent's info had changed, but is that the author's fault? They were most likely correct when his book went to print; and we all know people move, get fired, or promoted every day. It is a fluid industry, never static!

In my opinion, any aspiring writer will benefit from reading this book.

Ellen C Maze
Author

The book is fine, but the industry is changing so fast I found little use for it. I ended up publishing through Raven House Publishing.

This appears to be a writer's best guide for getting published. I will know its effectiveness once I accomplish that goal!