Comments on: How To Query A Literary Agent

By: Moni

Moni — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 14:31:08 +0000

Mr. Dooling;

I wish to issue profuse thanks for what you have done here. Your words of wisdom will resonate with me for years to come. I just wanted to stop and let you know how much you’re appreciated. Again, thank you very much!

By: Sheila Garcia

Sheila Garcia — Wed, 12 May 2010 17:22:35 +0000

Your testimony struck a chord. I have just self-published my first novel, Lifesigns, to rave reviews of those who have read it. I am now understanding that I need an agent. I hear so much info which states that literary agents will not look at any self-published work. I know Lifesigns is good and have even had a pitch person consider it for a movie…
It seems like an uphill battle.

By: Rejection, Thy Constant Companion

Rejection, Thy Constant Companion — Sat, 02 May 2009 14:37:52 +0000

[...] See also, Good Books On Publishing and How To Query A Literary Agent. [...]

By: The Art of Fictional Query Letters

The Art of Fictional Query Letters — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:48:23 +0000

[...] How to Query a Literary Agent by Richard Dooling (on his blog; also contains additional, excellent links) [...]

By: LAWRENCE

LAWRENCE — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:01:01 +0000

I have written four self-published novels, sold a total of 5,500 books through the efforts of friends, family and the publisher, but, despite following all the guide lines, have yet to attract a reputable Literary Agent. First timers beware of organisations such as First Writer, Raider etc etc.
Just like you, I know my books are good and that is re-inforced by the number of complimentary letters and emails I have received over the years. Believe, and don’t give up until they’re nailing the lid down. Tell someone to put a copy of each of your books in the coffin, ’cause you never can tell………

By: Paul

Paul — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:03:58 +0000

Having finally pursued my dream of writing a book, I take very seriously the advice that is being made available by those who “have been there” such as yourself. Without a doubt the world of writing requires one to do their homework to avoid making mistakes AFTER the story itself has been written, which is tough enough without making a mess of the job afterward by not following proper guidelines when approaching agents or publishers. Thanks, Mr. Dooling.

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 08:10:32 +0000

Richard, your two Nicholas Sparks links in the third last para are broken.

By: Richard Dooling

Richard Dooling — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 05:47:25 +0000

Dear Anonymous Coward:

No way do you want an agent reading over your shoulder! Nobody knows what’s good except you and your readers. Any given agent can tell you one thing: Whether they think they can sell your book to an editor they know. Period. Full stop.

Publishing is like every other industry or social organization: Agents know different editors, editors know different agents. None of them knows a damn thing except what they think will sell next year. Twenty-nine publishers turned down Harry Potter before Scholastic bought it. Are these the people you want looking over your shoulder telling you whether what you have so far is any good?

Vladimir Nabokov said, “When it comes to to judging your own work, rely on the sudden erection of your small dorsal hairs.” Okay, he was a wordy fellow. He was trying to say: “Give yourself goosebumps!” That’s how you know if it’s good. Other people, especially agents, can tell you only what worked last year. You’re writing what will work next year. Keep after it.

By: Anonymous Coward

Anonymous Coward — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 05:39:22 +0000

You say to wait until my novel is finished before showing it to an agent or editor, but I feel weird waiting until I’m all done to show my book to an editor/agent type. It seems like someone should be reading over my shoulder to tell me whether what I have so far is any good or not . . .