Tips on finding an agent

The Writing Bit

Ok, so you've finished your novel, written 'THE END' in big letters and poured yourself a  large drink. Now you just need to find an agent...

First, don't even think about trying to get an agent with a first draft.  I've heard writers say they know their novel isn't really ready, but 'the agent can tell me what else I need to do'. NO!! True, most agents will give you editorial advice , but you are the author, and it's your job to make the novel as  near-perfect as you possibly can before approaching an agent.  If you've just completed a first draft, put it away for a few months and get on with something else, then  go back to it with fresh eyes (see earlier blog - What to do with a novel that’s ‘almost there’) and you'll be amazed at how the flaws will leap out at you. You'll almost certainly need to  do some significant editing and redrafting before it's actually ready. When it's as polished as can be, it's the time to start looking for an agent.

First, identify agents who represent authors writing  for a similar market. Check out novels that would sit happily alongside yours and look at the acknowledgements page where authors usually thank their agents by name.  You can then look up those agents and send them a query letter (more about query letters in next week's blog) saying, 'I see that you represent Jane Bloggs, whose work I admire. I feel my novel will appeal to a similar readership.' It's better to send to a named agent if you can, otherwise, your   work may end up languishing for months in the 'submissions department'.

When I was seeking representation, a successful writer friend advised me to send a query letter before sending the submission; the agent will hopefully write back saying, 'yes, please do send me your three chapters', and hey presto, your submission is no longer 'unsolicited'!

So, here are a few more tips:

• Make sure you're sending to agents who are likely to be interested - no point in sending sci-fi to an agent who only represents romantic fiction, or a children's novel to one who represents adult fiction.
• Send to five at a time, and make clear that you're approaching other agents. As each 'no' comes in - and there will be some 'no's - send out another query. Keep things moving.
• Send only what they ask for, i.e. First three chapters, first 50 pages etc. (although if there's a sensible break on p53, it's probably ok to send 53 pages.)
• Check whether it's ok to send by email, or whether they want hard copy.
• Make sure you include a synopsis, and again, send what they ask for. Check guidelines on the agency website. Some want one page; some want three.
• Don't pester! Give them at least a couple of weeks before you follow up a query letter, and at least four weeks before you follow up a submission.  Do so by email and be brief and polite. If you still get no response, it's probably best to move on.
• Be grateful for any feedback and consider carefully what they say.
• Don't be disheartened - lots of successful novelists were rejected many times before finding an agent!

See next week's blog: how to write a query letter

The Reading Bit

I found The Devil's Music by Jane Rusbridge immediately engaging for three main reasons: the subject matter (I'm a sucker for a tragedy that blows a family apart)  the coastal setting, which is strikingly evoked  in all its weather-beaten savagery, and the language, which is consistently assured and  precise. 

Andy's story is narrated in the first person, both as a child and as an adult, and his mother's story is told in the less common second person. I've only come across straight second person narration a few times before, and it hasn't always worked, but here the  mother's second person voice is haunting and incredibly affecting. I remember once hearing a woman being interviewed about her experience of domestic abuse. I was struck by the fact that she referred to herself constantly in the second person, and I wondered if it was because  she couldn't bear to inhabit the 'self' that had experienced such trauma; I wondered the same about this character, who has also had her share of trauma. Whether it was the author's intention to suggest this distancing from the traumatised self, I don't know, but it worked for me! 

The story centres around Andy, who, following his father's death, returns to the family's seaside holiday home to prepare it for sale.  Andy has been living in Crete, working in a taverna and trying to erase the sad life he left behind in England. When he returns to the very beach where, as a young child, he'd been left in charge of his baby sister Elaine, he is forced to face the memories that he's been trying to escape: memories of Elaine, labelled 'Mentally Deficient' soon after her birth, of his abusive father, Michael, and of his depressed and grief-stricken mother who abandoned him and his other sister Susie when they were children. There are happier memories of his rope-maker grandfather, who taught the young Andy how to make rope and tie knots, an activity in which Andy still finds comfort, as well as a means of artistic expression. As the story moves towards its climax, there's a truly surprising revelation, followed by a postscript in which we learn more about Andy's mother, this time from a third person viewpoint. I found the ending both satisfying and moving.

Jane Rusbridge's writing is vivid and controlled, and her attention to detail is meticulous, particularly the period detail, which was so subtly done that it felt effortless.  I enjoyed this book immensely!

The Food Bit

This week, it's a non-vegan suggestion (back to vegan/veggie next week). Recently, Woman's Hour ran a feature on 'the perfect fish pie'. Well, I'm sorry Woman's Hour, no disrespect,  but this is the perfect fish pie!

Smoked haddock pie (serves two)

Place half a small onion, one clove, and a bay leaf into a pan with 150ml milk. Bring to the boil, then lower heat and add about 350g undyed smoked haddock. Poach for about 5 minutes or until the fish is just cooked. Remove the fish, strain the hot milk and use it to make a white sauce: melt about 15g of butter and stir in enough flour to make a roux. Cook for a minute or two, then gradually add the hot milk, stirring all time. Simmer for about 10 mins, stirring often. Add 50ml single cream and a splash or two of white wine, then taste and season. While the sauce is cooking, boil about 350g floury potatoes for the topping. Flake the fish into a pie dish, chop one hard-boiled egg and add to the fish along with a handful of peas. Pour the white sauce over the fish mixture. When the potatoes are cooked, mash with 50g strong cheddar cheese and a dollop of Dijon mustard. Season to taste. Spread topping over the fish base and make a nice pattern with a fork. Brush with melted butter and cook at gas mark 6 (440F/200C) for about 30-40 minutes. Serve with a green vegetable and some grilled or roasted tomatoes.

For more about me and my work, check out my website: http://www.susanelliotwright.co.uk