Any Recommendations?

[Lynn]

I'm currently looking for an agent. I've worked for the past 18 years without one, but I find that it's time for me to take one on...but I have no idea who to choose for my initial query. Does anyone know a reputable agent that they would recommend? I need someone who handles children's books, but it would be great if they handled both children's and adult.

[Mari Taylor, The Thrifty Diva]

I don't have an agent but one good resource is Sally Stuart's Christian Market Guide. I believe the 2009 edition is out. She has a section for agents. She will have a listing of what type of work they represent along with other information. Websites, if they have them, are also included.

[Gigi Devine Murfitt]

Hi Lynn. I am going to a writer's conference in Colorado Springs, Co in February. There are always agents at Writer's conferences and you can make appointments with them to pitch your story. I'll let you know what I find out from this conference. There is also a guide to Literary agents available. The Writer's Market guide and Christian Market Guides are very valuable tools as well.

[Lynn]

Thanks Gigi and Mari. I've been reviewing the resources, but I was hoping that someone might personally know an agent or two. I'd much rather go with someone who I didn't just know about through their listing or website, know what I mean? I'm hoping someone will say, "oh my agent is great, try her"...that sort of thing.

[Gigi Devine Murfitt]

I will keep you informed of what I find out at the conference where there will be several agents for me to meet. I did find an article on a site last night that attending conference is the best way for agents to notice you and they can help decide when you are ready for an agent. I'm sure after 18 years you are more than ready!

Lynn said:

Thanks Gigi and Mari. I've been reviewing the resources, but I was hoping that someone might personally know an agent or two. I'd much rather go with someone who I didn't just know about through their listing or website, know what I mean? I'm hoping someone will say, "oh my agent is great, try her"...that sort of thing.

[Lynn]

Thanks Gigi. I look forward to hearing how the conference goes.

Mari--thanks for the suggestions. I'm hoping for a personal reference though. They say it's harder to get a agent than it is to get a publisher--so this should be interesting. I know a few years back, right after one of my books was on a bestseller list, I tried a few agents and couldn't get one to represent me. So, I anticipate I'll go through lots of submissions before finding someone.