RARA-AVIS: publishing

Levin, Doug (DLEVIN@DIRECTIMPACT.COM)
Mon, 11 May 1998 15:27:04 -0400 This query might be off-topic; if so, Bill, please feel free to give me
an electronic tweak. I'd take private replies from people with ideas
and suggestions, though I imagine there are many on this list who have
similar questions.

I've got a hard-boiled crime book I'm trying to wrap up and I am getting
ready to seek representation. Any thoughts from people who have been
there before? My plan is to enquire with about a dozen agents, picked
largely from looking at the Literary Market Place and from reading
publishing stories. I have been told to send at least a chapter with a
query (though perhaps this runs against protocol). I've also been told
that in response to those queries I can only let one agent at a time
look at the manuscript. My plan is to query only NY area agents, and
only to non-charging agents (i.e., no reader's fees). Is the proper
procedure? Does anyone know if I should absolutely stick only to agents
who are members of the AAR or some such (Association of Author's
Representatives), or is this organization one that some agents just
don't want to belong to due to member fees?

I'd take any other suggestions too. Are others out there similarly
trying to finish works or forlornly seeking publication?

Doug
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