The agent search

Do I need an agent?

At this point in my career, I ask this question often.  After all, I don’t have any novels published.  But what I do have is publishing credits, three completed manuscripts, significant contest credits and the will to take this passion from intense hobby to career.

Without an agent, the next steps become more difficult.

Writing is, for the most part, a solitary adventure. Besides those brainstorming sessions with my critique group and conferences, I feel I’m pretty much on my own out here. Don’t we all really want someone on our side? Someone who feels what we do is worthy of the time, agony and frustrations of the process? I’m not sure an agent can really provide that, but it sure would be great to know someone felt my work was good enough to invest their time.

There are thousands of literary agents out there. Narrowing them down to about twenty wasn’t too hard. But will any of them want me, and will we be a good fit?

Here’s what I’m looking for:

1. Someone who believes in me and my work.
2. Someone with strong connections within CBA publishing world.
3. Someone who cares about people, not just money.
4. Someone who brings their faith to the table.
5. Someone who will push me to be my best.

I’d love to end this post with a short list of what my dream agent needs from me, but that’s a question I can’t answer. So I’ll bring what I have and hope it’s enough.

Here’s what I have:

1. A willingness to work hard.
2. A mind that’s open to suggestions and willing to make changes.
3. A mountain of past work and enough ideas to fill a file cabinet.
4. A dedication to improvement.
5. Patience, though that’s a work in progress.

What do you think? When does a writer need an agent? What do you need from a literary agent?