Edited by Joanna Masterson
Writer's Digest Books, an Imprint of F+W Publications
Paperback

Landing an agent may seem like something only the "big name" authors can do. The annual Guide to Literary Agents makes it easier for you by helping you find a literary agent who is actively seeking your type of writing.

Over 400 literary and script agencies are included in the guide. Listings contain contact names, phone numbers, mailing addresses, Web sites, Email addresses, recent sales to publishers and the listing even lets you know if the agents are members of the Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR).

When you find an agent you're interested in, check out the "How to Contact" section of each listing. This area shows you exactly what they want to see from you. For example, an agent may want you to submit a query, the first three chapters, a synopsis, brief bio and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). The listing also tells you how they want you to submit, such as by fax, Email or regular mail.

Plus, you can immediately weed out an agent based on the type of work they represent. This helps ensure you're submitting to the right agency who's going to be the most interested in your writing and is the best fit to represent you in the competitive world of publishing.

Expert articles also show you how to make your work stand out from the crowd, what to do before and after you sign with an agent and even offers help for finding a script agent. The goal of the book isn't to just put you in direct contact with an agent but to put you in direct contact with a quality agent.

Searching to find all of this info on your own would take an impossible amount of time that takes you away from your first priority: writing. With this guide, it's all laid out for you so you can submit your work and get back to your love of writing.

Bookworm's Briefing
Don't write this book as off as a telephone book for literary agents. The Guide to Literary Agents editors work diligently all year long to verify contact information and agent needs to make sure the guide is 100-percent updated every year it's published. If you're looking for an agent, there's no better way to find one than in the 2007 Guide to Literary Agents.