Yesterday I worked from 4:45am Sunday to 1:30am Monday (very long working day).  Luckily, as a result of this, I've been given the day off today.  It's lucky because, if I hadn't got the time off, I may not have had time to switch my AQ account.

The message I recieved from my AQ group says that AQ is moving to a knew software forum so eveyone needs to go to the new site and create a new account.  They are informing everyone through the groups.  I am a member of the Fantasy, Science-Fiction, and YA Resource Networking.  I recieved my first message from Clipper and found further instructions in a post by a member called AQCrew.  Bascisally, all you have to do is:

The quickest way to create your profile is to copy and paste what you had written for your previous AQ account.  However, I would recommend reading it as you may find that things have changed.

The main changes I found is that you can enter your Twitter account into your profile details and a link to your blog. 

Going to get on with updating my new account as my internet appears to be running slow.  Good luck with updating your account.

They are looking to move everyone ideally by 6 September 2010.  On the 10 September 2010 the old AQ Connect will be gone so if theres any information on there you need you must save it now!

Also, over the next few weeks they will be 

Getting my manuscript to a presentable standard is going to take time if I want it to be accepted. This is not because my writing is rubbish but due to the high level required to get noticed. It must be perfect!

I was today researching Literary Agents. I have discovered most publishers don't accept unsolicited manuscripts - meaning you need an agent! Searching the web I found the general advice to be:

1. There are lots of sites with directories of contacts (Agent Query being one of them) and you should select one that specialises in your genre

2. Only send what that ask for (usually the first 3 chapters) and the story best be complete. They are not interested in your ideas, in fact they will tell you what needs to be changed!

3. Research the agent to ensure you like each others working styles - but seen as getting past the slush pile is very difficult, I bet most authors are simply ecstatic to have their work realised.

Point 3 is pretty tricky as nowhere can you find a website where someone reviews their experience of an agent or publisher. You can't write to them and request a reference. I began to wonder, how are you supposed to know whether an agent is right for you (or vice versa)? The answer was simple... a Social Networking site for those involved in the Literary World.  Now you can meet like minded writers and publishers from the comfort of your PC.

I have today created an account on Agent Query and hope that it will help me develop as a writer and take me further towards publication. If you want to check it out, the website address is: www.agentquery.com