How to Get a Business Book Agent
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How to Get a Business Book Agent
Introduction
So you have a business book written or the idea for the next corporate bestseller. Agents are experts at negotiating contracts. This allows you to write while they fret over the details of the business. Agents will also have the right contacts with business publishers to get your manuscript reviewed. With the support of a good agent, even a little-known writer can get recognized.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Steps
1
Step One
Prepare your material. Before you even contact any agents, you should have a manuscript completed. Agents will not work with writers who have not proved that they can finish a book. Once you are published and have proved yourself, this requirement may be loosened slightly.
2
Step Two
Narrow your search for an agent. Focus on agents and agencies with experience working with business publishers. This experience does not need to be exclusive of other types of experience. Other considerations to make are the size and location of the agency.
3
Step Three
Write a query letter and a short description of your book. Send them to the agents on your short list. It is okay to contact multiple agents at this point.
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Step Four
Prepare a follow up package for interested agents that includes a table of contents, a brief overview of each chapter and a summary of the target audience for the book. Also include sample completed chapters (up to three) and a biography that details your qualifications for writing the book.
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Step Five
Respond to an agent's interest to your initial query. This is when your relationship generally becomes exclusive. You should not send any further material to other agents.
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Step Six
Choose an agent based on compatibility. You will be working together a lot. It is important that you can get along and trust each other.
Tips & Warnings
- Choose an agent who handles multiple types of books if you want to expand into other genres.
- Beware of scams. Many people claiming to be agents make their money off aspiring authors instead of getting books published. Generally speaking, reputable agents will charge 15% of the advance and royalties of a book after it is sold to a publisher. Don't pay agents in advance to read your manuscript.
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