Question From An Author: Finding and editor or agent...

One of the things I believe is a part of the role of being an agent is to also be an educator. Writers out there really do struggle to find the resources and tools they need to be successful in the publishing world. Yes, I know many of you are saying there are a ton of resources, but we all know, many of these resources are people claiming to know what to do. We have people teaching others how to write a novel and have never been published. We have people teaching about contracts who are not lawyers and have never read a contract (including those you "Accept" when you sign up for a new credit card). In any case, I had one author recently who is trying and reached out with this question. 

I am new to all of this.  And honestly have no idea what I’m doing at all.  I’ve written several chapters of many different books all revolving around women’s fiction and romance.  Some even bordering fantasy.  However, through plenty of research.  Finding a simple answer as to, how do I find an editor?  How do I find an agent?  How do I find a publisher?  There never seems to be a direct answer given.  

I felt my best chance at getting an answer would be to ask someone who seems to know the industry itself.  And just see what happens.  

So here goes, how do I find the above mentioned? (Editor, publisher, agent)

First of all, we have to compliment this author for at least asking a question. Too often writers just blunder away, taking guesses as to what to do next, and then wonder why nothing worked out right. As someone who is also in education, I am always so frustrated when students complain about their grades or not understanding a subject, and then never bother to show up to office hours to ask questions, as well as just sitting in the class and never raising a hand. 

Now, to answer this, we need to  break it down into a lot of small pieces.

  I’ve written several chapters of many different books all revolving around women’s fiction and romance

This part is key. This author does not even have a book finished. To be successful and to get that editor or agent, you need to have a book finished. Yes, I know this is frustrating, but it does need to be a complete novel. I would also recommend really sticking to one genre. In this author's case, I see a vague stab in the dark at two genres. Aim for one. Which will lead me to the next part of her question...

 honestly have no idea what I’m doing at all.

This is not a problem at all. Like everything in the world, we need to be trained. For any author in this situation, I would simply argue it is time to "go back to school." Take creative writing course, read books by editors and agents on novel writing. More importantly, read the genre you want to write extensively. Learn the patterns, learn the nuances, learn the voice.

Along the way, take the time to learn the business. By joining fantastic organizations like the RWA, RNA and so forth will at least get you connected to professionals, conferences, and publications. This will take time but it is fine! The publishing world is not going away. 

However, through plenty of research

Many authors are just too eager to get the book published. They stop the research and just get going. Think about our days in school when we just want to get that research paper written so we skip steps. We don't do extensive research but surface level work from cruddy websites like Wikipedia. We don't outline and just write. When we are done, we don't even spell check it but just ship it off to the instructor... And then earn a C- or worse. 

Plenty of research is enough so that you know what to do INSTINCTIVEY. It is like playing an instrument. At some point, you don't have to "Think" about what you are doing. THAT is enough research.

Finding a simple answer as to, how do I find an editor?  How do I find an agent?  How do I find a publisher?  There never seems to be a direct answer given.

Again, we have several things here. First the author notes that there is no direct answer here. Part of this is the assumption that if you are looking for an editor or agent, you have that book finished and you have spent time learning the business. The second is that there is indeed no direct answer. Finding an editor or agent depends on several variables:

• Your genre dictates where you go to and if you even need an agent
• How you want your book published will determine the approach
• What you want out of a career will dictate your approach

Remember, this business is subjective. What works for one person may not work for someone else. 

But let me try to give you the best direct approach I can, while still keeping it "general":

1. Join a writing organization. These organizations help you build a network of support. You can work with other writers in your genre and that will give you guidance. More importantly, these organizations will have lists of editors and agents that they have already verified will be of help to you.
2. Research the editors and agents. Every one of us has information on our websites telling authors what we want, what we don't want, and how to submit. DO NOT just rely on those data bases out there that claim they will help you along. 
3. Figure out what YOU want. This one is the most important. Do you want to just write a book, or do you want a career? What type of career? Take the time to explore.
4. Ask questions. Which is exactly what this author did. Go to those conferences (even virtual conferences) and ask questions.

I know this might seem like a lot of steps and time, but it will be worth it.

Hope that helps!