A Goodreads user
asked
Linwood Barclay:
Linwood, what are your thoughts on agents for newer authors? Is it worthwhile or better to approach publishers directly? My writers group is having a discussion about this and we can't decide so your opinion would be much appreciated.
Linwood Barclay
I think an agent is the way to go. A publisher is unlikely to look at an unsolicited manuscript. But they listen to agents. Agents act as a filtering mechanism (among other things) and publishers figure if the agent is recommending it, it might be worth looking at. As for finding an agent, check out the acknowledgments in books similar to yours. Look for the name of an agent being thanked. Query these agents. Send a brief email -- who you are, what the book is about -- and attach chapter one. And the first page better be good to get the agent's attention. Agents I know get 50 inquiries a day.
More Answered Questions
Karen Boml
asked
Linwood Barclay:
Just want to say that I'm so happy Tess Gerritsen personally recommended you to me.....have all your books and they are "keepers" just like my Gerritsen's.....any chance you and she might collaborate on an upcoming book or not??? It works for Patterson, why not for my two favorite suspense authors??
Chérie McBarnett
asked
Linwood Barclay:
I just want to start by saying I love your work. I've nearly read every one of your books. Your one of my favorited artists. My question to you is, what makes a great thriller. I know, there are multiple aspects to writing a fantastic and gripping narrative but, what i want to know is: what's your 'ritual'? What kind of things or habits do you stick to when writing a novel or when conjuring up a heart-stopping story?
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