To Carolan

Hi there! Just needing some literary advice. My son, Steven is fifteen. He has autism but is high-functioning and writes poetry and illustrations. He has been published several times in collections (Anthology of Poems by Young Americans, Int'l Library of Poetry, Noble House/London and America Library of Poetry). People are encouraging him to find an agent and perhaps combine his work with his unique story, but I have NO idea where to start or whom to trust. Advice?

Carol T

Hi!

I don't have an agent (not famous enough LOL), but I'll be glad to share what I've gleaned from authors who do.

Number one, don't work with anyone who asks you for money up front. Period. Agents get a percentage of what you earn from the work AFTER it is published. If anyone asks you for a fee to "get the ball rolling", walk away.

Next, get thee to www.writersdigest.com and look for their "market" series, which are updated every year. (these are on Amazon, too) A good place to start is their Writer's Market, and Guide to Literary Agents (there's a very good chance your local library has copies in the reference section). They also put out an excellent monthly magazine.

Writer's Market is an great resource packed with information about publishers and how-to articles. You'll learn how to write a one-page query letter, which is an essential tool for contacting both agents and editors. Even if your library only has an older copy, leaf through it anyway, just for the articles.

Good luck, and let me know if I can answer any more questions.

Carolan