Literary Agents/Publicity agents

[timeless]

Dear Kerri,

I would recommend you purchase the book "Guide to Literary Agents."  They publish an updated version each year.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1582971463/qid=1083334495/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-5225950-6883303?v=glance&s=books
This book also tells you which literary agents specialize in your type of book and whether they accept query letters.  It provides valuable tips on how to write a good query letter as well.

Another thing I would STRONGLY recommend -- Can you tell how strongly I recommend this?[] -- go to the Preditor vs. Editor site and read up on which literary agents are recommended and who has recently gotten a bad rep.
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pealm.htm

You can also find alerts about agents at the swfa site.
http://www.sfwa.org/Beware/

Best of Luck and Best Wishes,
timeless[]

[Lighthouse]

Thanks []

[Lighthouse]

Does anyone have any experience with Literary agents or Publicity agents for the non-fiction/self-help markets?  If so, what are the advantages, pitfalls?  

My first draft is with my editor right now but I can not push it until September 2006 so I have a while before I want it to be published. When is the right time to find a Literary Agent to try to get a big house to take it?  

What about Publicity Agents?  I know they can help to make engagements a lot easier since they have the contacts.  Cut back on the work load so that I can concentrate on my message instead of "hunting down" speaking engagements...

Anyone have experience with this?

Kerri