Agents Directory (Paperback)

~ (Editor) "So you know you want an agent, but let's first talk about what an agent actually does..." (more)
Key Phrases: Authors Guild, Los Angeles, Random House (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A timely, convenient, and comprehensive source book for writers in all media needing professional representation. A goldmine." -- Fred Klein, former executive editor, Bantam Books and author of The Film Encyclopedia

Product Description

Finding the right agent can be a bewildering, frustrating and byzantine process for beginners and experienced writers alike. How do you tell a good agent from a bad agent? What's the best way to approach an agent? What exactly does an agent do? In The Agents Directory, editor-turned-agent Rachel Vater answers these questions and more.

Unlike guides that have readers sifting through page after page of listings of agencies that aren't accepting new writers, won't read manuscripts, or will charge money up-front, The Agents Directory offers an exclusive guide to the best literary and script agents looking for new clients. Each listing provides detailed, up-to-date information about the type of work each agent accepts, clients he or she represents, recent sales, contact information, and the best way to submit work.

Detailed instructions for writing a query letter, complete with sample queries, help readers make a great impression on an agent. A bonus directory to writing conferences across the US and Canada provides networking opportunities with other writers, agents, and editors. The Agents Directory also includes an extensive list of writer’s organizations — invaluable resources to support a commitment to writing.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Emmis Books (December 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578601444
• ISBN-13: 978-1578601448
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #164,031 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A veritable compendium of insider information , March 6, 2005

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

In The Agents Directory: Everything You Need To Know To Sell Your Book Or Script by editor-turned-agent Rachel Vater is a veritable compendium of insider information on what a literary agent does, instructions on how to tell a good agent from a bad one, and practical advice on how to approach an agent by mail or at a writer's conference. Avoiding agencies that won't accept new writers or who will charge novice writers money up-front just to read their manuscript, The Agents Directory focuses upon identifying the best literary and script agents who are looking for new author clients. Each individual listing is complete with detailed, up-to-date information about what type of work that particular agent accepts, other authors represented, recent sales, contract information, and submission guidelines. With detailed instructions for writing query letters (complete with examples), a bonus directory of American and Canadian writing conferences, an an extensive list of writer's organizations, The Agents Directory is the the ideal guidebook and instructional reference for aspiring writers wanting to get their work published as profitably as possible.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Seek help elsewhere., July 25, 2007

By	Thesk "Thesk Of Brooklyn" (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews

Poor attention to detail permeates the book and it would have been much better to leave scripts/screenplays out of the book entirely. At best they comprise only an after thought in any given section. An excellent example of how little attention is paid to screenwriting can be found in the index. Under `Script Agents Format Index' if you cross reference the agencies in the 'Feature Film' list to their entries in the `Agent Directory Section' you'll find that three agencies are missing entirely and two specifically do not represent screenplays.

Despite the poor editing, some of the advice is useful particularly on query letters. I also think that the tips for submission that are specific to the agencies are a nice touch even if they are frequently redundant. However, the useful material only comprises a small section of the book (approximately 50 pages); the rest is dedicated to the directory and woefully inaccurate index.

5.0 out of 5 stars Agents Directory, March 18, 2009

By	Alan Mcintyre "McNala" (Ireland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The book I received and sought has everything I need. I am a new screenwriter and have created a new script and need to send my completed script to an agent or reviewer. This book has everything I need.

Thanks Amazon.com