Monday, November 12, 2012

Book Review - 2013 Guide to Literary Agents


2013 Guide to Literary Agents 

by Chuck Sambuchino


Have you heard? There are over 1000 literary agents seeking new clients. And did you know that the 2013 Guide to Literary Agents contains the current contact and submission info for them? Not only that, but this handy book is packed with helpful information, tips, and resources for writers of every genre.

Writers have questions about agents like, What does an agent do? How do I connect with an agent? Craft a good query? Create a platform?  I’m happy to report that this book supplies the answers and a whole lot more. Each user-friendly section helps writers navigate this tricky process. Chapters cover the agent hunt from start to finish. Mr. Sambuchino has you covered – sort of like your very own “agent coach”, I’m thinking.


The Getting Started segment explains what the agent’s role is and details on how to assess credibility and write a great chapter one. Savvy advice from real live agents is also included, answering some of our most frequently asked questions. Contacting Agents illustrates how to create a great query and discusses how to get your foot in the door at the right place. Other topics include nonfiction book proposals and getting the most from conferences. In Perspectives, debut authors share their success stories and offer encouragement straight from the trenches. Memoirs, Copyrights and Wrongs, and the Writer’s Platform are covered too, as are GLA Success Stories, a listing of happy authors who took previous years’ GLA advice to heart.

The Resources section has a wonderful glossary of industry terms to help us avoid looking like a total novice at this game. The New Agent Spotlight offers more than a little glimpse into the new faces in the industry. This segment discusses how new agents provide fresh opportunities for writers seeking representation. Markets is a comprehensive index featuring literary agent and specialty listings. Detailed conference info (United States and overseas) is also included. 

Stuffed to the brim with craft and business advice, the 2013 Guide to Literary Agents is an indispensable tool. Even if you are not quite to the agent stage yet, the wisdom within will enable you to be prepared when the time comes.

 
For more info visit:

2013 Guide to Literary Agents

Chuck Sambuchino's Guide to Literary Agents Blog

Have you had any experience with agents? What are you reading this week?

Happy writing,

Karen 


Please note: I received this book from Chuck Sambuchino for review purposes only. The opinions are my own and no compensation was received.

20 comments :

  1. Don't think I'll ever get to that point, but good to know where to go if I do.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, good info to have at your fingertips!

    ReplyDelete
  3. The book has a great example of how to write a query letter.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lots of experiences here with agent rejections. lol

    I'm reading Julie Lessman's newest title.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Alex,
    It is nice to know these resources are out there!

    Jennifer,
    It really is packed with great info. :)

    Diane,
    I agree. And since I hate queries, this is a big help. lol :)

    Jessica,
    Well, live and learn, right? And you ended up with a good one! :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  6. Goodness. That looks like an incredible resource! Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

    P.S. - Are you and your buddy still working on that book? Haven't heard in awhile.

    ReplyDelete
  7. You've sold me, Karen. I'm checking out a copy from the library. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wish I'd had this a few years ago!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Such a good resource.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Such a good resource.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Rhonda,
    I think it is. :) If you are in the neighborhood, you can check out my copy. And yes, still writing but slow going.

    Joylene,
    You'll have to let me know how you like it. I think it's a great resource.

    Lydia,
    Oh well, at least you are where you are now! :)

    Laura,
    It is! WD has great resources, Chuck's being among my favorites.

    Lynda,
    It is handy! Lots of great advice.

    Happy reading,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  12. This book is a great resource. This is the kind of book you study and then go to websites for more info on the agents you pick out.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I used to get those big fat Writer's Guides for the year. They were full of goodies, too. I actually used them to send my material out.

    The agent's book looks like a helpful tool. I'm sure they are yearly. Someday I might check one out.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for posting the review. All very good information to have.

    Nas

    ReplyDelete
  15. Loree,
    I agree. It serves as a great reference!

    Nancy,
    Maybe someday you'll be hunting for an agent. You never know! :)

    Nas,
    You are welcome. :) It is a great reference to have around.

    Happy reading,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for sharing, Karen. I'll post a link to our Christian Writers Downunder page. I'm sure more will want to know about this resource.
    Blessings
    Dotti :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow, I didn't know there was such a book out there!

    I have a wonderful agent; she's a perfect fit for me. But I know other very successful writers who are un-agented. It depends on how the Lord leads you and what you like to write.

    I've heard that no agent is better than a bad one.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I used to have one from a thousand years ago. I found it the other day. I wondered why I kept it. Sheesh. I mean it's old news. It is a super resource, amigo.

    Hugs and happy rest of the week to you.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Dorothy,
    You are welcome! Thanks for sharing on the Downunder page, too! :)

    Jen,
    I am glad you have such a good agent. What a blessing! :)

    Robyn,
    Well maybe you'll be needing a new one soon? You never know, amigo! :)

    Happy reading,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!