1. Spend $15.99, or less if you’re a smart shopper, and get a copy of “How to Write a Book Proposal” by Michael Larson. I know I say this elsewhere on my site, but it bears repeating: this book is pure gold.

The first time I attended a writers’ conference, the speaker incidentally introduced the only active agent attending the conference. As we left the room, I followed a group of women to a table in the nearby cafe where I suddenly found myself sitting at a table with this agent. Less than five minutes later, everyone else at the table got up to go to bed. How good can it be?

That agent informed me directly that she had little interest in the subject of my book (anger transformation), but was happy to offer advice, and her advice was some of the best I’ve ever received: “Read Larson’s book and apply his techniques”. religiously.” In fact, it requires its authors to submit book proposals in the Larson format.

2. Attend a “Meet the Agents” event through the International Women’s Writing Guild.

Men, women and children – this means you. Yes, the “W” word can be a little intimidating for you, but I have never been in a forum with more agents in a room offering them the opportunity to present their work. Avoid the sleet pile and start here now. The meetings are in NY, but it’s worth the trip. Of course, other writers’ conferences can also be a great resource for meeting agents, especially if you’re writing for a niche like children’s books.

3.RED

Ask everyone you know if they know of an agent or publisher. Tell everyone about your book project. You never know who has the contact that will lead you to the agent or publisher of your dreams. Get to know other writers, do them favors when you can. Suggest your friend’s book for a radio talk show; offer to edit or provide feedback on someone’s writing. Then, when you seek help, they’ll be happy to return the favor.

4. Edit, edit, edit.

Get your proposal in the best possible shape before you submit it. Misspellings, grammatical errors, or awkward sentences can cause your proposal to end before the agent finishes reading the first page.

5. Consider collaboration.

Let’s say you have a great idea, but you’re not the expert in this field. Maybe you don’t have any credentials in the field, but you’re convinced you have something to say, maybe even because you don’t have the credentials. Do not be afraid. Find someone with credentials and convince them to work with you. Many times the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. If your idea is interesting and you have something to offer in the project (good research, writing skills, a creative way of thinking about things), you’ll be surprised how interested an experienced expert can be. Hey, it worked for me.

6. Get experience.

If you have chosen to write about a field that is new to you, work to become an expert before submitting your proposal. Write articles on your topic. Interview experts in this field. Offer to do some volunteer work for someone you know in the field. Start a website on the topic. Become someone who has the credentials.

7. Create a platform for yourself.

We live in the age of platforms. Most publishers look for a platform when choosing their authors. The platform is how you are going to reach your audience: website, talks, training, your own TV or radio show, a regular newspaper column, etc. This can be daunting, but it’s a huge plus if you can do it. Make your way to him. Start writing a column for a local newspaper or web-based newsletter. Or join the toastmasters and start scheduling talks on your topic.

One way to get in is to develop a highly visited website. Make sure you have fresh information and update your site regularly so people want to come back. Find a niche to stand out and attract a target audience. For example, if you are writing about depression, but there are many depression websites, write about teen depression or offer holistic approaches to depression.

You don’t have to create your platform overnight. Give yourself time and it will develop. You can still start looking for an agent while you build your platform. That way, as you receive feedback and improve your proposal, you can also expand your platform.