Hi

I sent off my novel to agents a few years ago and thought I might have a final attempt now that I’ve made some revisions etc. The thing is, I got three requests for full reads with my first wave of submissions but none after the news about the recession broke and the media became full of doom and gloom. This may just be coincidence of course but I was wondering if anyone had any comments on how things stand at the moment in the trade. Is it a good time to submit (or as good as any)?

Also, I think there are some book fairs when agents are busy and so may be best avoided for submissions (one in March?)

Also, I bought my copy of WAAYB in 2007. I wondered if anyone had any opinions on whether it is worth spending money on the updated version. How quickly do agents change? I must say I find it easier to browse through a hard copy version than webpages but I then like to visit the agents’ sites to find out what type of stuff they represent. In 2007 not many of the agents seemed to have websites – has anyone noticed if more have them now?

Any thoughts appreciated.

Livi

Hi Livi,
I can only pass on what I've heard elsewhere: Cornerstones (the manuscript consultancy)recently said that this would be the year of the debut novelist - however, I guess that means debut novelists who submitted a year or so ago.
As far as when's best to send - I don't think there are any real no-nos. Obviously the agents are likely to be away or unavailable during the London Bookfair (spring) and the Frankfurt Book Fair (October) which could hold up subs. I've heard that January and August are good months, but it's only hearsay. And of course the best agents to go for may be those who are building lists/actively looking for new clients. I too have an old copy of WAAYB, but I tend to use it as a basis, then double check online - many agents don't have websites still, but if they do there will be details of their latest requirements and, of course, the books/authors they represent. And some agents are de-papering and asking for email submissions only.
In the end, though, it's just a matter of doing the research, writing the best novel possible and leaving the rest up to grace.
Best of luck,
Susiex

I think that immediately after the recession, publishers were being extremely cautious. But as far as I can tell (which isn't very far), they seem to have stabilised. Now is probably as good a time as any to submit.
I think there are a lot of new agents, but often they won't be in the WAAYB for one reason or another. Why not get the 2010 version out of the library instead of buying it?

I have noticed a rash of signings of debut novelists in recent weeks. It seems publishers had a clear out of midlist authors last year which has left room for new talent. But it's a horrible time for those who thought they'd made it, only to find themselves back out in the cold.

I think the writers and artists is good for info on the agency as a whole, but not so good for individual agents and their specific areas.

I find authoradvance better for that, and their search facility is good too. Though I agree there's no substitute for actually googling the agency. I can't think of a single agency who doesn't have a webpage and to be honest I'd be a bit flummoxed if they didn't.

The only one I can think of who doesn't have a useful webpage is Wylie - and that's a statement more than anything!

Do libraries have the Writers and Artists Year Book? I think so, in the ref section.

I would say it's always a good time. Agents are looking for work, it's just a case of whether or not it's in your genre and so many elements of luck involved. But if you feel your book is as good as you can possibly make it, with a pitch to hook and tantalise, then go for it. Just go for it.

Good time or bad time, you may as well sub, I say.

Even when publishers are being ultra cautious someone will always get signed. Those shelves in WHSmiths need filling.
HB x

Thanks all,

Some of this is actually quite encouraging - not what I expected! and some good ideas for agent search too.

I better get cracking with the subs

Ta

L