I’ve always recommended that authors locate literary agents who have successfully represented books in their field, rather than using a “shotgun” approach to selecting an agent. I’ve always recommended that authors check out the “Acknowledgments” page in current books to find the name of the agent who represented the book.

Brian A. Klems, in his Questions and Quandaries blog, however, has taken the topic to a new level. Brian is Writer’s Digest’s online managing editor. In a recent response to a reader’s query, Brian described several additional suggestions for locating agents experienced in specific fields.

One of the best suggestions was attributed to Chuck Sambuchino, editor of the Guide to Literary Agents. Chuck’s suggestion was to simply call the publisher and ask the operator for the name of the editor who was responsible for the book. Once you contact the editor, or their assistant, you can ask who represented the book, as well as-possibly–make their acquaintenance.

To learn more, visit Brian’s original blog post. In addition, you’ll probably want to check Brian’s blog each Tuesday, when Brian posts another detailed response to a different reader question. Questions cover all aspects of publishing, from ghost writing to punctuation. His answers are concise, yet detailed. Brian also frequently consults authors, editors, and other publishing professionals, broadening the views expressed.