Researching an Agent's Track Record--an article by Victoria Strauss

Researching an Agent's Track Record--an article by Victoria Strauss

Research is the name of the game, whether you’re searching for a contractor to put a new roof on your house, or an agent to represent your book. How do you research a contractor? You check references. You make sure the company has experience doing jobs like yours. You verify that there are no outstanding complaints. Your book deserves the same consideration.

Before submitting a query, the canny author will carefully research the agents s/he has targeted. Aside from the obvious--you want to approach agents who have an interest in the sort of work you're trying to sell--there’s another compelling reason to verify an agent's reputation before (as opposed to after) you submit: You don’t want to find yourself having to fend off the dubious attentions of a questionable agent.
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Rest of article found at above link.