On Writing : Finding a literary agent by Eisha Marjara

No it's not. In fact it's standard practice. Go for it. Agents know they aren't getting an exclusive opportunity, which is good for you. It means they can't just sit on your query. But do your due diligence. Send queries only to those who deal with your genre and address the query to them - no "To whom it may concern"s. And follow their query guidelines to the letter. Good luck.

Excellent. Thank you Mark.

I used to follow the blogs of quite a few literary agents. These people get hundreds of queries a day. One, I can't recall who, was heading out on a mini-vacation by train and downloaded her unanswered queries onto her Kindle. One of the first she read was for "The Kite Runner." She was blown away. But she also didn't have an internet signal and couldn't respond. Needless to say that by the time she could, he had signed with another agency.

Fascinating story Mark. I suppose the lesson applies equally to agents as to authors. Kathryn, This is exactly what prompted the question. I came upon such an agency. Too bad I'll have to pass on them!

It is essential! I would be curious to know what an agent who does not allow multiple submissions would do if they read a manuscript they LOVED and knew would make them a ton of money and then found out the writer had submitted to ten other agents. And four of the ten wanted to rep that author....

Exactly D. There are a few agencies that say they won't take multiple submissions, but if a submission came in that they loved, they'd make an offer. And if they passed, do you think they would then run some kind of investigation to find out if you submitted to other agencies. Of course not. Who has the time or money to waste on such a ridiculous snipe hunt. It's a farce aimed at snowing authors into submitting to them exclusively. They sound like the kind of agencies that have been beaten to the punch for a great book (but to be honest, all agencies have). No agency has the right to exclusivity, no matter how much they would like it. Go ahead and submit anyway. And if you think they're serious about their no multiple submissions policy, do as they request and make sure to submit to them last once you've heard back from everyone else.

Is an agency saying they won't take multiple submissions saying an author cannot submit to multiple agents or will not take more than one submission from a writer?

I can tell you one thing that is a no-no. Don't spam every agent at a particular agency. As I mentioned before, do the research and find out who at the agency handles your genre and query them specifically. And if they pass, understand that they pass for the entire agency.

Brandon, that's a total different topic. This one is about literary agents. And American literary agents will take on writer's from other countries. I'll bet actor's agents do the same. I'd be willing to bet Russell Crowe has an agent in the U.S.

http://www.partridgepublishing.com/ Check this site, maybe it will help you :)

Brandon, are you posting at the right place and with the right category/ topic? For example this one is on "Books and Publications"? If you are, then maybe it's appearing but just not on first page. Posts with most views tend to appear on the first page and you might have to go back a page or two to find your post. I don't see why your query would not speak to many actors in your situation and strike a conversation and trigger responses from stage32 community.

Elisha, get writer's digest. It's very helpful.

And it's not to look for an agent, shotgun it. Who ever gets back to you gets back to you. Each letter must. Be personalized to the agent though.

Yeah, I think it's essential that writers do their homework while seeking agents (as all artists should in their respective fields). I do have one question, however. Once a query letter is sent and no reply is heard after weeks, does one assume they're not interested ? Is a follow up email a no-no? With my scriptwriting query letters to - not to agents - but producers, I assume when I do not hear back, that they're not interested and don't follow up - unless it's someone I know. I wonder if that's the case in the publishing world?

No reply means it's a pass. Every agent should have a time frame for responses. Sometimes it takes months. Here this should help: http://www.writersdigestshop.com/2013-guide-literary-agents

Check their websites. Many state that no response means no. Those that don't, there's nothing wrong with checking in after six to eight weeks.

Networking here is awesome . I manage to land a director but she slipped LOL

Thank you everyone! As writers, (and artists) we often work a great deal alone, so it's really nice to connect and feel supported, and know we're really all in it together, ya know?

Anytime, Eisha.

Send your work out to as many people as possible. You may even consider researching the library in the Writer's reference catalogs. One thing to keep in mind is to keep track of all the inquiries you've sent so you can follow up, plus the work you have passed over their desks.

No it's not a faux pas. I'm in a same boat as you. Loads of ideas, some completed projects - but no agent, yet. However, I have gotten interest, on a uncompleted novel (by a publisher and a film producer). Because I followed this word of advice when sending out query letters: vet the agencies that represent talent in your realm of writing. For instance, if the project that you are looking for representation on, is adult science fiction - make certain that the agents you are reaching out to are not involved in cookbooks, historical or crime works. It just takes a little extra effort to vet your list. But at least you be within your target zone. But, still be prepared for rejection, until you find your agent match. Remember this relationship is hopefully a long term and mutually beneficial one, and not something to take lightly and it doesn't happen overnight. Also network with other experienced and published writers that you trust and can discuss your projects with. Ask them about agents that they know of, that would be willing to take you on. Hopefully you might get a recommendation - the universal best way way to get your foot in the door. All the best - Eisha.

I have attempted to find an agent. I have spent twenty years in journalism and am well published in print but when it comes to finding representation for my comic novel I am having no luck. Agents are thin on the ground in Australia, so now I guess I should look to USA or UK?

I'm looking for one for my screenplays. I own a publishing house so I don't need one for my novels.

If you waited the 2-8 weeks some take to get back to you, then you would be shopping the same script around for the rest of your life.

Never put ALL your eggs in one basket.