How to Land an Agent.

You've self-published your book, sold thousands of copies and now you're ready to take your project to a mainstream publisher. What do you do now? How do you get in front of an agent? Which agent should you go to? More importantly, how can you make your manuscript stand out among the thousands that cross agent's desks every year? These questions could stump any author. But there are simple steps you can take to get the answers. It all begins with research.

* Find out what kind of books a particular agent handles before you submit your work. Agents specialize. An excellent resource is The Guide to Literary Agents (Writers Digest Books.) This guide, annually published, provides a listing of thousands of agents, as well as what each agent requires to review your manuscript. Additionally, there are sample queries to help you pen that eye-catching, one-page letter that will have the agents calling you.

* Visit book stores and glance through books that are similar to yours. Next, browse through the various sections of the store. You can gather a wealth of information without even making a purchase! Read through the acknowledgment sections of books. Most authors recognize their agents, their editors and others who may have helped get their books published. These names can all be contacts for you.

* Go to book signings. Book signings give you the opportunity to network and gather information not available in books. Not only will you get to meet the featured author, but also these audiences are usually sprinkled with other authors. In this casual setting, you can find out the road the author has taken and many times the author will mention their agent's name. While an author may not be able (or willing) to give you their agent's contact information, once you have a name, you can do the research yourself. (You can use the above-mentioned resource guide.)

* Be creative There is no set procedure to getting your book in front of an agent. Study and remember that this is a business. However you decide to move forward, do it in the most professional way. Be proud of what you send out--do spell check, have others check your work. Do everything to insure that the agent will be as impressed with your work as you are.