Twitter

Okay, confession time.  I like Twitter.  I don't tweet often but I follow some really great people who share lots of great links, info and just general chat.

I've made several friends on Twitter and connected with other writers from all over the world.

I've gotten to know several agents, editors and publishers via Twitter. 

And sure, there's often a bit of frivolous tweeting but sometimes frivolous is good.

So, today's question...Do you "Twitter" and if so, who do you follow that the rest of us should follow?

I'd recommend @KristenLambTX, @jamesscottbell, @WritersDigest, @Janet_Reid, @AdviceToWriters just to start with.

Oh, me too, of course.  @JeanLauzier

Agents

If you plan to submit to most NY publishers, you need an agent.  Unless you meet an editor at a conference and they ask you to send them something of course. 

So, in order to give your work the best chance of acceptance you must do your research.  You must study each agent's guidelines to determine if you should be submitting to them along with just what they want to get from you.

Not sure where to find an agent?  Try AgentQuery.  It's the largest internet database of agents so you have plenty to choose from.

Here's some good agent blogs to start with.

Janet Reid

Nathan Bransford

Jennifer Jackson

Rachelle Gardner

Kristin Nelson

Jessica Faust & Kim Lionetti

Order listed has no significance:-)  And if you haven't checked out Miss Snark, you need to.  The blog isn't active any longer but the archives are stuffed full of information.

And don't forget to check each potential agent out with AAR. (Association of Author's Representatives.)

In the News...

Publish America will now send your PA book to Random House.  I'm sure Random House is thrilled.

See why this is not a good thing here.

Be sure to check out the comments along with the link to the original source at the bottom of the post.    Then tell your friends.

And while you're at it...bookmark Janet Reid's blog.  It's a great place to spend a few minutes each day catching up on things.

Agents 101

Love 'em or not, they are a fact of life for most writers.  Especially if you desire publishing with a major house such as Tor or Berkley.    So, it's your job to learn all you can about agents and how they work.  You have to learn what they require for submissions, what they represent and what they can do for you to improve your publication chances.

But where do you start?

Agent Query  offers the largest, most current searchable database of literary agents on the web—a treasure trove of reputable, established literary agents seeking writers just like you. And it's free (not because there's a catch, but simply because not enough things in this world are free).

Miss Snark  This "secret" agent blog isn't active but the archives are stuffed full of great info.  I suggest you go all the way back to the beginning and start reading there.  If you look hard enough...you'll find where I won "Best Use of a Blog Joke" in one of her writing challenges.       And while you're there, clink on some of the other agent links and check them out too.

One of my favorite agent blogs is that of agent Janet Reid.  Even if you write things she doesn't represent, you should read this blog for all the great info.  It's on my list of daily reads.  She has a nice list of agent links too.

Twitter is also another place to find agents.  I "follow" quite a few there and it's interesting to see a more informal side of them.  Twitter is also a great place for writing tips, quotes and articles.

And while you are learning about agents, here's a great place to learn about query letters.