Excerpts from Writers Tricks of the Trade: 39 Things You Need to Know Excerpts from the Writers Tricks of the Trade book | Page 17

WRITERS’ TRICKS OF THE TRADE never got past the first few pages. The idea was good, but the writ- ing was awful. Website, email addresses and how the agent presents themselves or their company This isn’t as high on the list, but is important. The cyber world has evolved and if a legitimate business doesn’t have a website, it seems like they aren’t really a business. It doesn’t have to be super-fancy, but it should look professional, impart information and give some references that qualify them as an agent. By all means, think twice if the agent’s email address is something like [email protected]. It most likely is a sign of rough wa- ters ahead. Are they out there on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn? Most of all don’t jump into anything without checking it out thoroughly. Visit websites that flag complaints, network with other authors, attend conferences and pitch your work, ask for rec- ommendations wherever and whenever you can, but for heaven’s sake, please never fork over your hard-earned cash to chase a dream before you know who you are dealing with. Here are some worthwhile websites current at the time of publica- tion. Without fail, always look up the agent, agency or publisher on Writer Beware. These are listings with various types of good infor- mation, but all are very clear that their listing of the agent is not an endorsement. It’s up to you to check things out. Agent and Publisher Directories Writers Market 2018: The Most Trusted Guide To Getting Published Jeff Herman’s Guide to Publishers, Editors and Literary Agents, 28th Edition: Who They Are, What They Want and How to Win Them Over 7