The Literary Agent Interview
Writer’s Conferences are a Great Way to Present Book Proposals
Sep 27, 2008
These 10-minute interviews, however, provide a tremendous advantage over the thousands of other writers who never get (or never take) the chance on pitching agents in person.
Although direct interaction with the agent has a strict time limit, the amount of time spent preparing for the writer's conference should be extensive. Authors can’t just walk in unprepared and expect to dazzle the agent with a great idea. Many people have wonderful ideas; it’s having a wonderful idea and proving that it can be implemented that lands an author an agent and publishing contract.
In addition, if authors are lucky enough to interest the agent in a book project, then they need to send the materials immediately before his or her enthusiasm dies down. The only way to send these materials in a timely manner is to have them prepared in advance before the interview. Authors can consult one of the many books on the subject of how to prepare a book proposal.
In preparing for an agent interview, authors should focus on two areas: what to do and what to bring.
What to Do
- For nonfiction book projects, write a clean, edited proposal, a table of contents, and up to three sample chapters.
- For fiction or collections of stories, write a clean, edited proposal and the entire manuscript, if possible.
- For individual short stories and poems, attempt to sell these without an agent. Most agents aren’t interested in short stories and poems because they don’t generate enough money.
- Prepare a writing resume that highlights publishing history and relevant education and experience.
- Research the agent(s) attending the writer’s conference to see what kinds of writers and genres they represent. For instance, pitching a horror novel to an agent when she only represents nonfiction women’s studies is a complete waste of time for everyone involved.
- Check a guidebook such as “Writer’s Market” and visit the agent’s website for background information. Conduct an Internet search to find out more about his or her particular interests.
- Dress appropriately for the agent interview as if applying for a job.
- Be prepared to deliver an oral 2-3 sentence synopsis of plans for the book. Have a clear idea of the genre and market. For nonfiction, have a thesis statement in mind; for fiction, have a concise statement of characters, conflict, and setting.
What to Bring
- The manuscript (or a portion of it). Come prepared by bringing as much of the manuscript and proposal as possible. Don’t expect the agent to read it or take it, however. Most of the time when an agent is interested, he or she offer their business card and ask that the materials be mailed to them. Even so, it’s better to have the material and not need it than to need it and not have it.
- A writing resume, a 2-3 sentence synopsis, and business cards.
- Copies of the author’s previously published books. Bring articles (in their original newspapers or magazines, if possible) when there are no book publishing credits.
- Pen and paper to take notes. Agents may suggest altering an idea or format, or may suggest another agent who specializes in that subject or style. Write down any suggestions from the agent; these may prove valuable in the future.
- A list of questions for an “information interview.” When planning an information interview, in which only knowledge is obtained, but no actual project is pitched, then there’s no need to prepare other written materials. Instead, come with enough questions to fill the allotted time.
For more information about the writing life, read Getting Motivated to Write a Book.
