Literary Agents

[OMSSMretd]

This may seem like a strange request. I am looking for a literary agent to represent me. I have been writing a novel and am struggling like hell to get any response from anyone. So I thought i,d ask on here on the off chance that anyone know's of one or has had dealings with one. My book is what is termed a military thriller. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions however as always feel free to hijack this thread.

[Doc]

GD may have an idea, he is an agent of sorts, dont know wether its a secret or an antibacterial one though

But he does move in certain circles, and represents showbiz types if my understanding is correct, so he may know of someone who knows someone.

Could always put it on ebay

Good luck with it bud.

[OMSSMretd]

Cheers doc

[Doc]

wait a minute DUM DUM DUMMMMMMMMMMMM

Ste Preece is your man...PM him as he's a writing type, and published at that. Or SYB even, he's got two books on the go.

You could even PM Harry, not that he can read or anything, but hes feeling lonely at the moment and PM's lighten up his day

[OMSSMretd]

You are indeed a vessel of knowledge.

[Mrs. Frank S.]

I don't know if you have a copy, but the Writer's Market 2005 has an extensive list of publishers and agents. I'm sure it's available on your side of the pond. It might be worth taking a look at it.

You can read about it here http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158297 ... e&n=283155

Julie

[OMSSMretd]

Cheers I think our equivelant is the writers yearbook, I have tried many of the listed agents but somtimes you feel its a case of friend of a friend I think the term is "networking". My view is the more feelers I put out the more chance of response I've got.

[Mrs. Frank S.]

I wish you lots of luck. I was a bookseller for 23 years and I met a lot of new and upcoming authors. It takes a lot of time and persistence to get published.

A word of caution. If you decide to "self publish" make sure that you have copies on hand to sell to the bookstores and make sure you're willing to take them back if they don't sell. Most people use Books on Demand for self publishing.

Books on Demand is a quite literally what the name means. If you order 10 books, they print ten and so on. Unlike regular publishers, they don't do mass quantities and they tend to cost more. Most bookstores will not order from them as there is a "no return" policy. They're paranoid about getting stuck with merchandise. Only use this method as a last resort as it really doesn't work that well.

Again, good luck and keep trying.

Julie

[OMSSMretd]

Thanks for the tip Julie, I have researched self publishing and must say I would be very reluctant to try it. My writing started as a hobby last year when I was doing nights at work. There I was with a computer and time on my hands. I had ready many books especially submarine type books and I thought, hang on none of these guys have even served (I realise this does not make them bad writers) in the forces. So I wrote a few chapters to see how it would turn out and to pass the time, before I knew it I had half a novel that I couldnt stop working on.

[Mrs. Frank S.]

You're welcome.

One-liner doohumflickey thingamabob

[OMSSMretd]

One-liner doohumflickey thingamabob

Im sorry I dont know what these means Ive seen it on a few posts.

[Kwik400]

The Writer's and Artist's Yearbook is a comprehensive list of all agents and publishers, published and updated every year. I found it very helpful but sadly only managed to get published on a writer's website! The wbesite is very informative too and critique work for you. They're at www.jbwb.co.uk

[Frank S.]

One-liner doohumflickey thingamabob

Im sorry I dont know what these means Ive seen it on a few posts.

Well, see, one liner responses are a waste of bandwith. Two lines are somewhat more acceptable. Therefore, a second line of gibberish must be added so as not to offend purists.

I mean, we're not cowboys.

This isn't the wild west. Notice I said "isn't", not "ain't". What worked for John Wayne doesn't necessarily apply to the written word and besides he didn't even write his dialogue. I found him rather loathsome, personally but that's besides the point.
So... How to post...?

Well some suggest this:
Outline Form:

Use standard outline numbering.
I.

A.

1.

a.

Each point should have at least two subdivisions, if any. (To have an A, you must have a B. To have a 1, you must have a 2, etc.)
Point, subpoints, and supporting material should be properly indented.
Capitalize the first word of each.
All point at the same level should be parallel in structure. (Main points are sentences. Supporting ideas are clear phrases.
I. This is a sentence.

A. A phrase

B. Another phrase

II. This is also a sentence.

______________________________________________________________________________

Outline Example

Title of Speech


Specific Purpose: At the end of my speech, the audience will . . . .

Central Idea: What is the main point and supporting ideas of your speech?

Introduction: For your introduction, write exactly what you plan to say. Within your introduction, bold/ underline your preview statement (what are you going to do in your speech/breakdown of main points).

I. First main point

A. First subpoint of I

B. Second subpoint of I

1. First subpoint of B

2. Second subpoint of B

a. First subpoint of 2

b. Second subpoint of 2

II. Second main point

A. First subpoint of II

1. First subpoint of A

a. First subpoint of 1

b. Second subpoint of 1

B. Second subpoint of II

III. Third main point

A. First subpoint of III

B. Second subpoint of III

Conclusion: Write out exactly what you plan to say for your conclusion.

[Doc]

Thats nice

[harry hackedoff]

That`s nice? How would you know, ffs, your a Welshman, in case you hadn`t noticed
Jules, you don`t look old enough to have spent twenty odd years flogging books

OMSSM, Si Bywater is yer man.

P.S. I`m a bit of a military thriller meself if that helps