Find a literary agent

I did some online research and found the agent who represents an author I admire (who also writes novels similar to the one I’m working on). Once I get the novel polished, I’m going to send it to his agency.

I’m currently working on a detective novel that I think might be marketable, so I’ve begun the process of thinking through how I might approach literary agents. Noah Lukeman has a wonderful how-to on query letters, and I’ve read that (almost) in its entirety.

In doing research, I’ve also found the agent I think I would like to use, so I’m going to go forward with that in mind.

Giving myself ONE MONTH to complete three-chapter partial manuscript for submission to Agent #1.

Chapters
1. written/revised/polished

2. in progress
...Scene 1 – written/revised
...Scene 2 – written

3. —

Not in the door just yet, but the conference pitches went the very best they could’ve. Both agents I saw today thought it’s a great story (one said, “fascinating”). Both said the writing is “beautiful.” Both said the book is “too short.” One said it’s “too dark.” The other said “too quiet.”

But they seemed to have every confidence in me that I’ll fix it (and fix it well) in the rewrite. One is passing it to another agent in the agency who has a special affection for literary. The other said, “It doesn’t matter how long it takes you to finish it. Just finish it, and when you do, send it to me. Even if it’s a year from now. Remind me who you are, where we met, and we’ll take it from there.”

...and a few other choice praises, which I might reject as flattery, except they both agreed on those points. And I met with them independently. So I’m beginning to accept the fact I may definitely have some “strengths.”

Blown away they didn’t reject me or tear up the plot, characters, etc. But just about incredulous for the positive response.

So exhausted from the day. Will have to get up super-early and do it all over again. And get nervous all over again. And cross my fingers again I’m not met with rejection or—worse—indifference.

Five agents/editors will be holding pitch sessions at the conference this weekend. Going in totally wet behind the ears. I’ve tried to prepare as best as I can. I have no doubt I’ll have my materials well in order, necessary spiels committed to memory. Pleasantry is not an issue. Charisma? Presence? Confidence? A shot or two of something stiff? Half a sedative?

I don’t think I’ll shake. I think I can handle steadying my speech, if I breathe deeply and speak slowly and thoughtfully. But I’ll have to consciously bind up the ramble monster.

In any case, Sr. Editor of Random House/Doubleday will be there, and an agent from Mark Danielewski’s agency (Woo hoo!). No pressure or anything.

My agent went out of business. Now I’m on the hunt for another one! Hopefully, having found and dealt with one agent, it shouldn’t be so difficult the next time.