Ask and Shalla Answers

Writers,

Have a Question?

Q: Can you help me to get a good agent? I've written 9 poetry books and 2 nonfiction books. I have a site and am a very serious writer.

Shalla: Well, so far, I have interviewed/met agents for fiction and some non-fiction but I am not familiar with literary agents who represent poets...

Actually, even if I did, I am sure you would have to go through the same channels of querying them first. I can introduce you to them via seminars at the ShalladeGuzman Writers Group.

Back to agents who represent poets--Have you checked Agent Query?

http://shalladeguzman.com/ShallaAgentList.php

(click on the Agent Query link)

Also, here's a tip: Get published in top literary magazines. Many literary agents look for clients by reading lit mags. Get your poetry published there, here's a list of lit mags, there are many more:

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallaresources.php

and

SHALLA JOURNAL

Good luck!
Shalla

"The Fish In My Bed" by Shalla de Guzman

in Mad Hatters Review Issue 6

Q: Can I know some publishing houses along with their addresses and if possible their E-mail addresses?

Shalla: If you like to e-publish, here are links:

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallaandepubl...

If you like to get published in hard copy, it's good to get an agent. Many of the large houses only accept agented work. Here are links with addresses:

http://shalladeguzman.com/ShallaAgentList.php

Good luck!

Shalla

Q: Which is the best publishing house or writers agent to try to get a first publishing contract?

I have started writing a novel which I think has real possibilities, however, I don't have the time or money to dedicate to it. I have heard that some first time writers do get advances based on first chapters and a synopsis but I don't really know how to start along the path of doing this.

Shalla: Go to a writers conference.

Good ones invite literary agents and editors for writers to pitch to. That’s where you get 5 minutes to tell the lit agent/editor what your book is about and why you think it will be successful.

Have you joined writers groups yet?

Before anything, make sure your manuscript is polished. Literary agents receive tons of queries, you got to make yours shine.Here’s a great free online writers group where you can meet literary agents and editors:

The ShalladeGuzman Writers Group

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShalladeGuzman/

You can read what agents and editors are looking for:

http://shalladeguzman.com/

And for a list of literary agents:

http://shalladeguzman.com/ShallaAgentList.php

Good luck!

Shalla

Watch Shalla's Latest News!

GOOGLE VIDEOS