Finding out what a literary agent is selling can help you find the right agent for your work.
Aspiring writers hoping to get their works published by a traditional book publisher will most often need literary agent representation. Literary agents, each with their own genres of interest, are always on the lookout for new talent. Traditionally, writers query agents, who will then request partial or full manuscripts. If an agent feels your piece has strong potential, he or she may choose to represent you. The literary agent's job is to then pitch your book to editors and/or publishers.
The publishing industry is very competitive, both in vying for agent representation and in getting a book deal. One of the best ways to find out which literary agents are selling works similar to yours, as well as agents who are successfully landing their clients' lucrative deals, is to pay attention to the literary marketplace.
Instructions
1. Read mediabistro.com's GalleyCat. GalleyCat is a blog offering information on book publishing, including a special section on deals. Articles here include what literary agents sold which works to whom and for how much. You can also subscribe to GalleyCat and receive book deal news as it happens.
2. Subscribe to Publisher's Lunch. Publisher's Lunch is the book industry's daily essential read. Members of this list can read daily a report of recent book deals, as well as other publishing insights. There is a free version with about 25 percent of the news included in the paid deluxe version.
3. Join Publisher's Marketplace. As of December 2010, the monthly rate is $20.00. Membership includes the deluxe Publisher's Lunch newsletter, as well as access to a deal database containing thousands of agent sales.
4. Read the Writer's Market. The Writer's Market is an annual print book offering information on over 500 literary agents and publishing houses. Each entry contains recent sales, as well as other pertinent information. The corresponding website, accessible with purchase of the book, offers more recently-updated information.
5. Follow literary agents on Twitter. Twitter has a vibrant community of literary agents who freely offer advice to aspiring writers, as well as industry chatter among other agents and editors. Use sites like WeFollow.com and Twellow.com to search for literary agents.
6. Visit literary agent websites. Find names of agents that interest you --- online, in the Writer's Market or in the acknowledgment pages of your favorite books --- and visit their official websites. The news page and agent bio is likely to contain recent sales. The same goes for an agent blog or personal website.
7. Research agent directories. Online directories, such as AgentQuery.com offer updated directories of literary agents, including profiles that offer deals, clients and other information.
