Query a publisher or an a specific agent first (for nonfic book)

I have a good, solid idea for a nonfiction book, which will be in a Q&A format. I do not plan to write it unless I have a signed contract in hand.

There are two books I found on amazon that deal with this subject. My idea would be different, given the Q&A format--bullet points, instead of chapters. Plus, it would be up-to-date, 2007.

I checked the Acknowledgements of the particular Q&A books I have on my own shelf, and the author thanks his agent. A google search shows the agent is still active.

Here's the question:

Should I query publishers first, or should I query that agent with the proposal, showing that its format is similar to the books he's already represented (possibly making it easier for him and me, since he's already used to the format)?

OTOH, I could always query that agent after I find a publisher. Or any agent, for that matter.

allen

Thanks Laurie! I did it: I queried him today. Keep your fingers crossed.

allen

And here's an update.

Not even twenty-four hours later I received a response from the agency. Although she said that they don't expect an immediate positive response from publishers, they did ask to see a proposal on an exclusive basis. That's certainly no problem since they're interested.

Now I have to write a proposal.

allen