I have just finished reading Ranulph Fiennes book 'Beyond the Limits', in which he mentions that for his first trip (hovercrafting down the nile), he set up a book contract with a literary agent prior to leaving on the trip.

Considering this was the late sixties, would an unknown be able to secure a deal like that in todays age? (I can't imagine that its that easy anymore)
If so, what criteria could the agent be looking to satisy before agreeing to such a deal?

Any advice on how literary agents work and contact details for any friendly, approachable ones within the London area would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Geoff

Buy a copy of the writer handbook and spend hours in front of your pc! be arare though that these individuals are narrow minded, unadventurous biggots wsho couldn't see a good idea if it jumped up and slapped them in the chops!! I went down the self publishing route in the end but that is expensive. Then hit the streets visiting bookshops, even got a slot on local radio. I was a salesman for a living once, and still found it tough! Bear in mind you do have to be able to write as well!! you may think you can, but can you really. Try dipping your toe in the water by writing for magazines first.
It's ultra competitive 'cos it seems an easy way to fund your travels, it isn't. 8 months on from publication I have just broken even. I was lucky though as the organiser of the plymouth to dakar bought 250 copies!
Check out www.plymouth-dakar.com for details on my book and good luck

andy
land rover 101 ambie/camper
landcruiser 60 series
ford escort and 1968 morris minor traveller!

Hi Moggy, when you say the self publication bit is expensive, how much was that and for roughly how many pages(words) and where there pics as well, guess I could answer the last two by buying your book. Cheers, Chris

as in all avenues of the media it is a case of who you know, not what you know

I was luck y enough to meet a publisher on day 1 of my current adventure and hope to recoup some of the debt by writing a book when I get back to home - based on what I was doing and my general approach he seemed fairly keen

Maybe you will see a 'wrong way round' or how not to do it type book in the stores soon!!! If you do - please buy it, I have unfinished business in Mongolia that needs addressing.......