What is the process for finding a literary agent?

-It has always been my dream to pursue a career in writing. I am finally gaining the confidence I need to complete my first novel, however, it is not yet to that point. I am wondering if I should contact a literary agent and give them the proposal for my book along with the required pages now, or if it is necessary to wait until the book is 100% finished to do so.



If you have any reputable sources to search for a literary agent that accepts queries for mainstream fiction, that would also be greatly appreciated.Nope, Tracey, that's not how it works. Since you're not finished with the book, I suggest you take whatever free time you have when you're not writing to start doing some in-depth research into publishing. Visit and follow literary agent, publisher and editor blogs. Follow them on Twitter. Hang around other writers who are seriously trying to get published. Editors and agents give out good advice to wannabe authors and they also give good insights to the world of publishing. If you find just one blog then you can find many more because they tend to link to each other. :D



First, don't query agents or publishers until you have a completed book. If they ask for the full manuscript and it's not complete then you've just ruined an opportunity. In fact, one person on this site said she queried an agent and the agent asked for the full manuscript. The person was still writing it so the agent told her never mind. Missed opportunity. The only way you can query before the book is complete is if it's non-fiction (memoirs don't count because they're treated like novels) or if you're an established author. Everyone else has to write, edit, and polish the whole manuscript first.



aaronline.org is a good place to find agents. I've heard agentquery.com is good, but I"ve never used that site. Build your own list. If you get a list from a third-part site then ALWAYS check the agent's website for the most up-to-date info. Third-party sites might have outdated info, so don't rely on them.



Chances are low that the very first novel you write will be published (your first few novels are usually practice novels to make you a better writer). So, when you've finished this one, whether you decide to query it or not, make sure you start on another project. You need to build up your writing skill and there's no guarantee that what you're writing now will ever be published, so you'll always want other projects in the works if you ever want to be published.Finish the manuscript before you begin looking for an agent or publisher. No one can read or sell the book in your head, so the least you can do is complete it; correct it; edit it; and polish it to the best of your ability and then some.



agentquery.com lists some literary agents.

I believe science fiction and fantasy writers website also has a list of agents. But there is a book called writers market check it out in the library or get a copy for yourself and jot down the agents who rep your genre, word count and whose submission guidelines you fit. Not everyone wants what you write and you don't write for everyone.
More than likely, agents won't care about incomplete work. They want to see if you have finished something that they might have a shot at making money off of.



Needless to say, you have to do research for agents--not just because no one here knows any agents that would be best based on your location and novel genre/target audience but also because every agent has different submission standards. What's acceptable for one agent might get chucked into the trash by another.



Also, take into consideration the very low chance of being published. I wouldn't expect to make a living career (per se) off of writing.
You should finish your novel first, proofread it, get a second opinion on your book, and then get an agent to that he/she can help you deliver your copy. Your agent can then work w/ your options more if your book is finished.



I think any literary agent should do. I don't think they judge on genre.

Sorry if I couldn't help as much as other answer-ers can!
It's best to finish your novel 100%. Edit, revise, rewrite and have others read it. Then, go to agentquery.com and find an agent that will represent your genre. Follow their submission guidelines for query letters, and be patient.