First time writer and the first literary agent I contacted wants to represent me, is that normal?

Also can anyone recommend a professional critique agency? My book is a no holds barred look at what really goes on in the world of nurses, doctors and the whole hospital enviroment. The agency is the NY Literay Agency and they are in the process of offering me a contract. I was stunned when they wanted to represent me. They were the only people I have contacted so far and I am almost a touch dubious about it. Is it easy to get a literary agent? I never really expected to get this far, I was just sending out some feelers to see what they thought of my work. Any recommendations please.

Run as fast as you can in the other direction. While you're putting on your shoes, read the link I've posted below--it will explain all you need to know about why this is not a genuine agent, or offer, and why you're going to be out a whole lot of money before you see your work published, if it ever is...

To be on the safe side, you should ONLY deal with agencies who are members of the Association of Authors' Representatives. The second link is to their site; I URGE you to read their FAQ, and understand exactly what a legitimate agent does and doesn't do for you. This is not to discourage you from submitting your work--only to remind you that as a first-time author eager to get published, you may be a good writer and a wonderful person, but you've also got a very large target painted on your forehead....Good luck.

When in doubt, don't do it.
Contact some other literary agents first.
As far as critiquing your manuscript, that's what your editor from the literary agency will do.

Are they asking you to pay a fee for their representation? If they are run like hell. Go to a library or book store and get "The Writers Guide to Literary Agents" if they are legit the book will have them listed. Good luck!

Agents are easy to get. It's -publishing- that's hard. The agent might know that there's somebody out there who will be interested. The agent's guaranteed dollars for getting you published so they're going to do their damndest to get it done. Good luck.

See what their publishing credentials are--the books they've published. If they're not willing to share that information then politely exit any transaction forthcoming.

Be aware of ST Literary Agency, last operating in Florida. They are scammers. They will conveniently lead you to an editing firm to work on your manuscript, at a cost, of course, and then begin charging for web site setup and other miscellaneous office expenditures.

Be aware.

Sorry, it's not normal. Try the agentquery.com site for more info on legit agents. Good luck!

Uhm, hi there. I hate to break this to you, but the New York Literary Agency is notorious for accepting almost ANY manuscript sent to them. Why? Because, once they get you to sign on the dotted line, they immediately start making "suggestions" for "improvements" in your manuscript.

What do these improvements usually consist of? Editing, number one and that's through the NYLA contract editors, whose rates are set by NYLA. Kaching! Artwork, number two, done of course by the NYLA in-house art department. Check, please!

I could go on and on, but hopefully you've gotten the point by now. I won't say NYLA is sleezy or dishonest because I might get sued by them. I will say, their reputation in the publishing business is "colorful". Get my drift?

Do yourself a favor and run a Google search for articles, forum discussions and other NYLA info. I think you'll find the information quite extensive and mostly on the negative side. You can also read some of my other posts on here about agencies, etc. Those might be helpful.

Good luck, whatever you decide. I'm sorry to bring bad news, but you were prudent to ask BEFORE you signed anything.

Jon F. Baxley (Author, Editor, Ghostwriter and Proofreader)

THE SCYTHIAN STONE (eBook only)
THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY (eBook and hard cover)
THE REGENTS OF RHUM (coming fall '07)

PS: You're not the first person to bite on the NYLA apple, by the way. There have been a number of postings on Yahoo about them.

NOOO!! Run, don't walk from this agency. It is a scam agency, and they've opened up under numerous different names.

Give me a minute and I'll edit this to give you some more information.

And No, its NOT easy to get an agent, anyone who tells you this is full of bull. ...it takes TONS of work, unless you're really lucky-- which is possible, but not with this agency.

edited to add: CHECK THIS OUT: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/show...

edited to add again: FYI, an agent should not be telling you to get a paid critique. If your manuscript is that far from ready, you get a rejection. And if its close to being ready, your agent should be doing the critting for free. (or, within the 15% anyways)

EDITED AGAIN: GAH! Sorry, this is the last time, i promise... LOTS of very good agents are not members of AAR, for two reasons:
A) they're newer agents, which isnt' always a bad thing: You could get in on the up & coming agents, they have more time for you, etc.

B) AAR has strict requirements against stuff like packaging.

I think it's great that you got an agent so fast. Trust me, this is a rare occurrence and you are so lucky.

However, now I want you to be very careful. Did this agent ask you for money to represent you? Did this agent tell you he/she needs a reading and/or operating fee, like say $100.00 or more? Did this agent recommend that you send your manuscript to a "book doctor" or as you put it, "a professional critique agency"?

If the answer is "yes" to any of the above questions, it's a ripoff and run like hell.

Some agents will ask you to reimburse them for copying your manuscript and for postage, and to some authors that is acceptable, but an agent doesn't get paid until they sell your work. That's their incentive to do well by you. The more they get for you, the more they make for themselves.

If you want to check up on this particular agent, consult the "Literary Marketplace" and if your agent is in there, chances are its for real. The Literary Marketplace is in the reference section of most libraries. Or you can enter that agent's name into any search engine and see what comes up.

Hey, good luck. I hope it all pans out for you.