agents with similar projects

[mickcharles]

I read in the blog entitled "How to Find an Agent" that it is not a good idea to approach an agent who has handled a book "extremely/eerily similar to yours." I can see this makes sense for a nonfiction book. But what about a novel? How similar is "eerily similar" in the case of fiction? Setting? Or is it something more specific?

[WilliamMJones]

I think it has to do with the main idea. If you had a book about a kid taming a dragon, you probably wouldn't want to submit it to the agent that represented Eragon, even if the plot was different.

[Mira]

Yes, it's competition. It seems like most agents don't want to compete with themselves. So, it may be story setting, or it could also be theme. Let's say your book addresses being picked on by bullies. But the agent already has one like that.....that sort of thing.

But I say, when in doubt, go ahead and query. The worst that will happen is they'll say 'no.' Then you just query the next one who is looking for a book just like yours! :)