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[SallyMae]

My manuscript is about ready. I'll probably be finished within the month and be trying to get it published then. The problem is...I know it's a good idea to get an agent for this. Only I don't live in America anymore and it's written in English. If I were to get an agent then it would likely have to be an agent based in America and then we'd only be communicating through e-mails and the telephone. I'm not even sure if it's worth the bother. I'd appreciate any advice I could get about the ins and outs of getting published. I know nothing. Though I've been writing since I was a child, this is the first time I've ever thought of sending a manuscript to a publisher.

[bianca]

Hello,
congratulations on the near completion of your book. I would strongly recommend you get an agent, even if communication is by email and telephone only. The majority of publishers have stopped considering over-the-transom submissions (un-agented manuscripts) because the volume of books they receive is already very high so you may have a hard time getting your book read without one.

Not only will agents help get your foot in the door but they also know which doors to open. A big mistake made by first time novelists is to submit their book to every publisher they can find. A literary agent will know exactly which editor/publisher is best suited for your book so you will not waste time and resources sending your romance novel to a science fiction publisher  :shock:

Not only will your agent work hard to sell your book to the right publisher but they also handle contract negotiations and act as a type of mediator when problems arise, as they so often do. They will be able to tell you when you are being unreasonable with your requests as well as fight for you when they believe they should.

Finding the right agent may take some time but I personally believe it's well worth it. And always remember, you should NEVER pay for an agent. If they are asking for reading fees or sign up fees, there is something wrong. An agent takes you on as a client because they believe in your work and their ability to sell it to a publishing house.

Good luck and congratulations!