I'd have to put thought and research into this. In the meantime, it would be GREAT if writers here shared their conference names and experiences... anyone...??
As a successfully self-published, indie author, I can tell you that this is definitely something to consider, particularly depending on the kind of writing you are doing. Harder to be successful at this route if you are writing non-fiction, or literary fiction, much easier to do if writing in romance, mystery, science fiction genre. If you want to hear a rather adamant proponent against using agents do check out Kris Rusch's blog, not because you necessarily want to take her anti-agent approach, but because it will educate you on what you need to know to protect yourself from agents who are not as reputable and dependable as the one Alison found. In addition, most small presses don't expect you to have an agent, again, often depends on your genre, and there are what are called hybrid small presses which are often formed by successful self-published authors who now use their expertise to help other authors self-publish, often for reasonable fees. Finally, a number of self-published authors (particularly if they started out with agents but have also shifted to become indie authors because they keep so much more of their royalties) do hire agents to find them contracts with foreign publishers. Here is Kris's blog, just search agents once you get there. https://kriswrites.com Have fun, because the routes to publication are so much more varied than they were before 2010 and the emergence of ebooks and print on demand opportunities.
Do do thorough research before connecting with any agent, yes. I review how to go about this in my post on agents. There are more reputable agents than otherwise, I do think. But you don't want to get caught with someone who is not, no!
You have to put yourself out there at a conference. It is a constant barrage of networking, and thought I'm outgoing it was overwhelming. I went to the Historical Novel Conference as a fan and met with an agent and a professional writer/editor/teacher who was an angel. Being in the green room after the agent meetings was eye-opening. Don't go in cocky.
Thanks for this, Alison. It's reassuring to know that there's more than one path to publication. Have you ever posted about recommended conferences?
You're welcome, Ed.
Good idea to post about conferences.
I'd have to put thought and research into this. In the meantime, it would be GREAT if writers here shared their conference names and experiences... anyone...??
As a successfully self-published, indie author, I can tell you that this is definitely something to consider, particularly depending on the kind of writing you are doing. Harder to be successful at this route if you are writing non-fiction, or literary fiction, much easier to do if writing in romance, mystery, science fiction genre. If you want to hear a rather adamant proponent against using agents do check out Kris Rusch's blog, not because you necessarily want to take her anti-agent approach, but because it will educate you on what you need to know to protect yourself from agents who are not as reputable and dependable as the one Alison found. In addition, most small presses don't expect you to have an agent, again, often depends on your genre, and there are what are called hybrid small presses which are often formed by successful self-published authors who now use their expertise to help other authors self-publish, often for reasonable fees. Finally, a number of self-published authors (particularly if they started out with agents but have also shifted to become indie authors because they keep so much more of their royalties) do hire agents to find them contracts with foreign publishers. Here is Kris's blog, just search agents once you get there. https://kriswrites.com Have fun, because the routes to publication are so much more varied than they were before 2010 and the emergence of ebooks and print on demand opportunities.
Lots of good advice here--thank you!
Do do thorough research before connecting with any agent, yes. I review how to go about this in my post on agents. There are more reputable agents than otherwise, I do think. But you don't want to get caught with someone who is not, no!
You have to put yourself out there at a conference. It is a constant barrage of networking, and thought I'm outgoing it was overwhelming. I went to the Historical Novel Conference as a fan and met with an agent and a professional writer/editor/teacher who was an angel. Being in the green room after the agent meetings was eye-opening. Don't go in cocky.
Oh... good note not to "go in cocky."
And yes, it's exhausting.
Thanks for this input, Margie!
No. All you need is Substack 😎