Here are a few things you might want to consider:
1) Betsy pointed this out sometime ago, but it's worth repeating: Having a bad literary agent is worse than having no literary agent.
A representative who bullies publishers or is simply unprofessional will not only ruin his name—he will also ruin yours. It’s worth the time to do your research (visit preditors and editors for more information).
2. Again, worth repeating: a good agent will never charge a fee to consider your work; she has enough business of actual money-making clients to support her business already.
3. You will have a better chance of snagging an agent’s attention if you get a referral from someone he respects.
4. You do not get this referral by stalking, sucking up to, or harassing the agent’s clients. (But you already knew that.)
5. You get this referral by making an IRRESISTIBLE product and developing GENUINE relationships.
6. Show off your skills on blogs, in your critique group {you don’t have one—no excuses! There are plenty online!}, or at conferences {don’t have the $$? No excuses—there are scholarships!}.
6. Don’t stress about the referral. Yes, it’s nice to have one. But when it comes down to it, your work speaks for itself. Is yours saying what you want it to?
{Let’s talk about that next Tuesday. What is your book REALLY saying about you?}
Bekah is the author of The Bare Naked Truth about Waiting, the book that takes a satirical stab at the lies girls believe about sex (Zondervan, 2013). Bekah likes to help new writers find their niche like so many others have helped her find hers. Questions? Write Bekah.
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