One question I hear a lot from aspiring writers is—how did you get an agent?
Which means what they’re really asking is, how can I get an agent, too?
My answer is quick and simple. You get an agent by meeting with an agent. Pitch your book idea. If the idea is solid, your writing is strong, and you have legs to grow a platform, chances are you can secure an agent just like I did.
But what if you don’t know where or how to meet with an agent?
Well, that’s the more complicated part—or at least it used to be. Traditionally there have been three primary channels for querying an agent:
- Send an unsolicited query or book proposal. {What’s a book proposal? Keep reading.} This option is my least favorite. Even if an agency accepts unsolicited materials, chances are slim that your submission is going to reach the top of the pile. This is just reality.
- Find an agency-contracted author who can refer you to his or her agent. A vetted referral will take you further than an unsolicited query. Unfortunately, most aspiring authors don’t have a close enough relationship with an established author who can make the referral.
- Go to a writer’s conference where you can snag a 15-minute pitch meeting with an agent. This is how I found my agent, and I highly recommend it. However, conferences cost time, money, and travel away from family that many writers can’t afford. When I add up registration fees, hotel, flights and meals, my favorite annual conference costs around $2,000 to attend. Well worth it, but it’s not the kind of investment most of us can make on a whim.
Are you ready for some good news? There is a fourth and FAR BETTER option for finding an agent, and it’s only available through me and my team of industry insiders at the Blythe Daniel Agency.
Introducing Book Proposal Bootcamp—a first-of-its-kind training program designed to help you write a dynamite book pitch AND get a guaranteed golden chance to meet with an agent one-on-one. This is your shot to pitch your book idea to industry decision makers and make that book dream a reality.
Here’s how it works:
- Every other week I’ll deliver a live training webcast (with replay available) designed to teach you the how and why of writing your book proposal step-by-step.
- You’ll get two weeks to complete each assignment and send it to me for a personalized critique.
- Halfway through our bootcamp, we will offer a live Q&A video session with literary agent Stephanie Alton from the Blythe Daniel Agency. This is your chance to get in the head of a real, live book agent!
- At the end of Book Proposal Bootcamp, you will have a thorough, professional book proposal ready to pitch to Stephanie. She will set up an individual 30-minute meeting via phone or video in which you’ll get the amazing chance to share your book idea with someone who can get it in the hands of publishers. That right there is worth the price of admission!
For more details and to register, visit the Book Proposal Bootcamp page on my website. Spaces are limited, so sign up as soon as the Spirit says “go.” I can’t wait to work with you and help make your book idea come to life!
Write on,
Becky
P.S. Not sure if Book Proposal Bootcamp is right for you? Click here for answers to some frequently asked questions, including:
What is a book proposal?
Why do I need an agent?
Is Book Proposal Bootcamp right for me?
And lots more!