Writers who dream of signing on with a big publisher know that the first step in the process is finding the perfect literary agent to represent them. But once an agent and author decide to partner up, what then? What are the expected roles and duties of each person? What factors go into creating a successful long-term agent/author relationship? We asked a handful of authors and agents to weigh in.
The search for the perfect agent
For many writers, finding a literary agent can be a test in patience and persistence. Roni Loren, award-winning and best-selling romance author of more than 15 books, was no exception. She got serious about writing during the Twilight craze. While her son napped, she wrote a YA paranormal manuscript and queried it. When she didn’t get any bites, she developed a contemporary romance manuscript and sent it out to 15 to 20 agents. While waiting for responses yet again, she completed a third book, an erotic romance titled Crash Into You. Through a referral from a blogger friend, Loren sent sample chapters to Sara Megibow with KT Literary Agency.
