Hi everyone,

I'm a member of the Young Children's Forum and in the process of finalising 3 picture book manuscripts to submit to agents. However, I've also written a 'gift' type book about cats, containing verse/rhyme aimed at cat lovers. I intend to illustrate them all.

What I would appreciate knowing is what type of agent do I approach for the cat book, and should I try to find an agent who I could send all 4 ms to?

I can only see one agent listed on the directory that mentions animals, and their children's section doesn't appear to do picture books.

I have had a non-fiction art-technique book published by Publisher David & Charles but they approached me direct at an Art trade show, so I didn't have an agent involved in that book. Ideally, I'd like to approach an agent who covers non-fiction too, for future ideas.

Advice appreciated.

Many thanks

Bev

should I try to find an agent who I could send all 4 ms to?

No. They are different genres, and it's quitr common to have different agents for different types of books.

If you can't find a suitable non-fiction Agent in the directories, try looking in similar books in the bookshops and see if their Agent is mentioned in the acknowledgements - although my understanding of non-fiction is that the majority of authors submit direct to the publishers without bothering with agents.


- NaomiM

<Added>

oops, I mean quite common for a writer to have different agents....

Thanks Naomi,

I'll spend some time checking out books in the bookshops and of course the list of publishers in the directory. Wasn't sure if sending work direct would be the right thing to do. Guess it depends on the 'genre'.

It's an absolute mindfield this 'writing lark' LOL

So much etiquette to follow, so worried about doing the wrong thing when sending ms off and upsetting agents before they even consider looking at it!

Bev

It is a common human failing to believe that one human will remember another based purely on what is written on a few pieces of paper
I wouldn't worry about it. Just take the plunge and submit; you can always rework the covering letter and resubmit again if & when it is rejected. The important thing is not to give up.


- NaomiM

<Added>

maybe I should have specified, 'a few pieces of paper' amongst thousands of similar pieces of paper. ;)