Start my own business?

Has anyone here ever started their own business with no much experience in the field? I was working in children's publishing for 6 years and always wanted to be a literary agent, but never made the jump to working for an agent. Now that I am unemployed, I have been cold contacting agents to see if anyone needs me, but NO ONE does. All of the agencies are on the smallish side with no openings right now.

A friend of mine who is also in publishing, told me to start my own agency. My problem is that since I never worked in an agency, I know nothing about negotiating contracts. I know that I have the eye for finding good writing, but negotiating is SO much of being a literary agent.

Should I take the plunge and learn along the way or keep trying to find a job elsewhere?

I am so nervous and scared and tired of being unemployed but I don't want to start accepting manuscripts and get people's hopes up and then not be able to negotiate the deals.

Any suggestions?

I don't actually think it would be that much money to start up. I can use my house as my office. I have friends who all are editors at the major houses who would read the manuscripts I send them.

I would also keep my part time night job (Adult ESL teacher) so that I would have a guaranteed income.

Part of me loves the idea and the other part of me is scared sh!tless.

Juliet,
You have fm!

JULIET:

Being that this has been my dream in waitng for a few years I have done some research on this you can apply for financial help through New State. They are trying to encourage woman and minorities to start businesses. Good luck.

Meridith

Try this web site. http://www.nylovesbiz.com/Small_and_Growing_Businesses/mwbe.asp

Juliet:

Did you decide to give it a try????

Meri

---

Posted by mrsmeri1104

Juliet:

Did you decide to give it a try????

Meri

---

I decided to wait and take a class about literary agents at NYU in the fall and then try.

I'm really nervous about failing and then ruining my reputation in the business.