Some pointers on finding an agent

Lots of handy hints from Carol Blake at the Bantry Literary Festival today about the search for a literary agent.

1. Research the websites of the agent you are looking at. Check that they are interested in your genre of writing.
2. Most agencies will refuse to represent books of short stories
3. There are only a few agencies that handle academic writing.
4. Turn down publishers who do not use agents
5. There is no standard contract so if going ahead without an agent join the Society of Authors who will read through the contract and place any offer in context of others. 
6. Prepare a platform-web page, social media, Facebook
7. Join a genre group such as Romance Novel Association (R.N.A.), Crime Writers Association (C.W.A), Historical Writers Association (H.W.A)
8. Read submission guidelines carefully and use them
9. Send material requested only-synopsis, first 2-3 chapters
10. No gimmicks
11. Synopsis is a summary of the book, the main character and where the story is going. Include the ending. Mention the genre, plot, any social media used by author to promote their work, any competition shortlisting or wins
12. Agents read slowly
13. Spell the agent's name correctly
14. Do not pitch at a literary festival or over the breakfast table
15. Mention a series of books if written
16. Edit, edit, edit.
17. Do not re submit if rejected
18. E mail to follow up a submission
19. Mention submissions to other agencies
20. Inform them if accepting another agency's offer