How does a new non-fiction (self-help) author find a good book agent?

Question

Created a killer new self-help concept, tested it for the past 2 years with solid results.

Ready to start farming the concept to publishers, so I need to find a legitimate agent.

Thoughts on the process? Tempted as one might be to quip "Help yourself", that answers doesn't do much for us.

Many thanks!

Answer 1

Well, if what you've got is so good, why not target some well known agents or actors or sportsman and get them to test the book out. If you can get a really good testimonial then you're half-way there.

First-timers have to be able to develop a 'platform' - who do they know, etc, and how can that be used to sell?

Or you could pick a popular book that your book would compete with and get people to try out yours versus the competing book - and get reviews etc. Favourable, preferably.

I'm not sure trying to find the answer here is the right thing for you to be doing, though! :-(

Answer 2

The same way every other author does.  The same way the last 839 people who asked this question should do it.  Search for some of those answers.

I will give you one bit of advice though:  as a first time author, you will be wasting your time to pitch a concept to anyone.  You need to have a complete, polished manuscript to try to sell.