Any published authors here? Or agents?

[jofeb04]

I know there are a few, so hoping you come out of the woodwork

I am currently writing a fictional story, and not too sure the best way to see if it is any good. All family and friends say it is good - but they would!

I've been told it is best to find an agent, as apposed to writing off to publishers.

So, agent says that they want to see the first three chapters, and then if interested, will ask for remaining chapters.

Am I meant to finish complete story (am about halfway through) before sending off the relevant chapters, or complete the story if any agent says it is ok.

Thanks for the advice

(Got to pick dc up now, but will be back on later tonight!)

Yep, am a published writer, with an agent.
First, you must, must, must finish the book before you begin looking for representation.
No-one will touch you until you have proved you are in for the long haul. So many peopl ehave unfinished manuscrpts under their bed and agents just aint interested.
Once it's finished and you're sure it's the very best that it can be -polish and polish, some more, then you can start subbing.

Make a list of the agents you fancy ie the ones who deal with your type of work.
Send a covering letter ( thre's an art to this), with synopsis( another art) and first three chapters.

I'm always open to helping writers get started and will be here if you want more advice.

Thanks for that Litchick.

I'm really enjoying writting the story, it still seems to be flowing off at the moment -haven't hit writers block yet!

Would like to stay in contact - writting the covering letter and synopsis are the two areas which are worrying me.

Thanks

When you're ready for that stage just whack another post up and I'll respond.
Also, From Pitch to Publication by Carole Blake is very helpful.