Questions:

1)Do I need an agent? If so, how? How about for shorts or rebuses?

2) Is there a calendar that lists where conferences are taking place?

3) When attending a conference, what should I bring?

4) If an ezine archives material, can it still be submitted for second reprint rights?

5) When sending out multiple query letters, do you need to state that in the cover letter?

6) Is it proper etiquette for an agent to ask for "exclusive reading rights"?

7) Should I copyright my work before sending it to anyone? How about the Poor Man's Copyright I've heard about?

8) Are old fairy tales public domain?

9) If I post something for critique with an online critique group, is that considered published? Does that mean I no longer have first print rights?

10) Is it totally up to the agent who to submit to or does the author have any say?

11) Is it standard for an author to pay for an agent's expenses?

12) Do I pay for galleys or copyright fees?

13) If an agent likes my story, but passes on it anyway, do I rewrite or send something else?

14) If a contract says (author) agrees to wait six months to sell print rights, what does it mean?

15) Can an agent get you a much better deal on a first book than the standard contract you’d otherwise be offered?

Answers

1) Not necessarily. It’s basically your choice. Remember that if you print a book with an agent, then you share royalties. If your agent dies, your proceeds from the book still go through his or her estate.

Some publishers accept unsolicited material.

It's not worthwhile for an agent to represent short works, only pb's, chapter books or novels.

Once upon a time, children's writer's didn't need agents. But now, many big publishing houses will only accept agented material. The problem is that a lot of agents won't take an author on unless he or she is published already. It is possible to be published without an agent. Some writer's say it doesn't make a difference if you have one or not.

The best way to get an agent is through a conference. Most agents want to meet their clients first. Some even say they’re not taking new clients but will if they meet them at a conference. Another way to get an agent is through referral from an editor or author.

2) The SCBWI gives information on events for every region on their website and in their newsletter.(See helpful links for their link).

You can also contact Verla Kay at:

If you want to meet specific agents, check their websites to find out where they will be. Or check the back of the marketing books under Conferences. Some conferences are not SCBWI sponsered.

3) First of all, bring your knowledge. Find out who’s going to be there and study up on them. Focus on the presenters whose work interests you most. Write down questions that come to mind as you research.

Next, take a notebook and pen, or a tape recorder for small group sessions. Remember to ask each presenter if they object to being taped.

Next, a small tote back. Most conferences have tables with the latest catalogues from their publishing houses. There are usually free magazine samples.

A water bottle and a light snack, although lunches are often provided. Also bring any meds you need.

Bring your checkbook. Many conferences offer copies of the presenters' books at a discount. There are often books on writing for sale also.

DO NOT bring your manuscripts or business cards. Leave them at home, unless you have a scheduled critique session with a presenter.

DON’T bring anything unnecessary – you don’t want to appear cluttered. And, leave that little black dress at home. Most conferences are like casual day at the office. Jeans or slacks are fine. You want to look professional, but not overdone.

Finally, remember to smile and have both a teachable and enthusiastic attitude.

4) That depends on what rights were purchased. If you’re not sure, ask because it is important.

5) Yes. If you don’t you may wind up in trouble if more than one agent wants to see the ms. It may take a year before you sign a contract with that agent which means you’d have to put the rest on hold. You want to build trust with agents, not put them off.

6) Yes. It’s also preferred and required by many agents. Submitting to an agent is different than submitting to a publisher. Again, you want to build trust with agents and not waste their time. You can include a limit on the time your submission is exclusive.

7) It’s not necessary. In Canada, once you have written your work, it’s automatically copyrighted. You cannot copyright an idea, only how you present that idea. You can mail a copy of your story to yourself and then never open it unless there is a problem with the story. It’s cheaper than buying a copyright.

In general, copyrighting your work is a waste of time and money. The chances of anyone stealing your unpublished ms are slim to none.

Of course you'll do your research before submitting to any publisher to be sure they're reputable, so there's no danger of a publisher stealing your work. When the work is published, the publishing house will take out a copyright in your name, unless you sell them all rights, in which case the copyright will be in the house's name.

The Poor Man's Copyright refers to sealing an ms in an envelope and mailing it to yourself. The envelope is left sealed in the event that you need to present it in a court as proof of the date of creation. Save your stamp. This proof has been thrown out of most courtrooms and is not generally accepted as proof of copyright. Your work is copyrighted as soon as it's put down in tangible form- typed onto a computer or written on a page. Remember, ideas can't be copyrighted, only arrangements of words.

This information is very general. For more specific information on Copyright laws, try these links: The US Govt's Copyright FAQ Page, and The United Kingdom's Copyright Page.

8) Anything printed in the US before 1923 is now public domain. A rule of thumb: If you can find three different versions of a single fairy tale, you can retell it in your own words.

9) It depends on how it was posted. If the public was able to read it, yes, some publishers will consider it published. If it was a closed forum and only a few members were able to read it, then no, it's not considered published and you still own first publishing rights. (The work is still yours and you still own the copyright, however). You can post paragraphs or a chapter or two, but never complete works.

10) An agent doesn't necessarily handle all genres or age groups you write in. You both have to decide upon which the agent will handle. Some agents will only handle YA or adult novels. Once you've established what the agent will sell, submit everything else on your own.

11) No. If an agent offers you a contract where you pay, don't sign. Reputable agents work on commission paid out of your book advance and royalties after the book has sold. Also stay away from agents who charge reading fees. Some reputable agents do charge copying fees. It is possible to sell a book without an agent, so you'd be better off on your own than with an agent that charges you for his or her expenses.

12) No. It's necessary for the author to look at the galleys to double check for errors. The publisher files and pays for copyrights.

13) Send something else. You can always submit this story to another editor/publisher on your own.

14) If you're not sure what a contract means, ask. However, it's likely that when the contract states the author must wait for six months, it means six months from when it appeared in the online issue, not from when it was purchased.

When resubmitting the piece, you must inform the new editors that it has been previously published with (magazine) in electronic form (but never in print).

15) Probably. But’s it’s much harder to get an agent than an editor to accept your work. Why? Because the agent needs to make a living and so wants authors who are "guaranteed" to sell more than one book. It's best to have a few publishing successes under your belt before submitting to an agent. Best advice: If you really want an agent, submit your ms while you look for one. Also, watch for agents who are easy to get – they charge reading and other fees. Your agent should cost you nothing but a few copy and postage expenses.

You'll also want to consider your reasons for wanting an agent. Do you think an agent will guarantee success? While you'll find many publishers listed in the CWIM as accepting only agented submissions, there are ways around this. You can query, or meet an editor from a 'closed' house at a conference. In general, an agent will help you with the business side of your writing. Services vary from agent to agent. Some will critique your wip's, others will only consider finished mss ready for submission. It's important to do your research and be sure of what you want from an agent before trying to find one that fits you.