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. | Q. How do I find an agent? A. There are many ways to do so. Through appointments at conferences. Through market guides, such as the Writer's Digest Guide to Literary Agents, available in our bookstore. Through word of mouth. Through online classes. Q. Do I need to copyright my work? How much of a risk is there in someone stealing my idea? A. First, ideas are not copyrightable. Someone might ``steal" your idea, but they could never steal the way you would execute it. Second, your work is already automatically copyrighted and the law protects you. As long as you have a copy of your manuscript, you are safe. If someone should steal your manuscript (something that happens only very rarely) and you should see it in print one day, thank your lucky stars and find yourself an attorney. The lawsuit will probably bring you more financial reward than the book ever would. Once your book has been accepted, the publisher will file the official copyright for you. Q. I queried an agent and he sent me to a book doctor. If I pay for the editing, will this agent take me on? A. Highly unlikely. There are quite a few scams going on, preying on new writers who are desperate to see their work published. Some, not too reputable, agents and publishing houses imply that paying for a book doctor will get you a contract. All it usually gets, though, is a kickback to the agent or editor from the book doctor. Save your money, learn how to write, and learn who to submit to. Q. I am thinking of self-publishing my novel. What's involved and do you think it's a good idea? A. A lot of time and money is involved, and no, it isn't a good idea. Self-publishing can work with some nonfiction topics, when the writer has a narrow audience and knows how to reach it. A novelist who self-publishes is basically revealing to the world that no publisher was interested in his work. You will find it very difficult to distribute a self-published novel and you'll end up with an empty bank account and a full garage. For more information on self-publishing, see The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing in our bookstore. Q.I queried an agent, she asked to see my manuscript, and I sent it to her. That was six months ago and I haven't heard back yet. Is it too soon to send a follow up note? A. It's not too soon at all. Most agents and editors promise a response within 4 to 12 weeks. A follow up note is long overdue. A phone call would even be in order in this situation. Q. An agent asked to read my manuscript, but he wants an exclusive. Should I give it to him? A. Many agents require exclusive reads. They do this because they don't want to put the time into reading your manuscript, only to discover that another agent has scooped you up. If this is an agent you would truly like to have represent you, then by all means grant the exclusive. But make sure there's a reasonable time limit attached. No more than 4 weeks would be appropriate. There is no reason that you can't send out query letters while you're waiting though. Q. If I send my manuscript out to several agents at once, what happens if more than one wants to represent me? A. Celebrate. Then decide which agent you want to go with. This is a situation many new writers worry about, but it is a situation that rarely happens. Fiction Writer's Connection PO Box 72300 Albuquerque, NM 87195 Phone:(505) 352-9490  click here to subscribe to Writer's Digest |
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