Aspiring writers require many tools, but a list of available agents is one of the most valuable gifts any fledgling author can receive. With that in mind, here's a birthday present for all the aspiring writers in the audience.

According to Writer's Digest, there are 1,300 practicing literary agents in the United States, making it a daunting task for any writer to connect with the right representation at the right time. To help writers out, the magazine published a list of "24 Agents Who Want Your Work."

Here are pitching guidelines from Kate McKean at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency (who recently sold "How to Take Over Teh Wurld" by icanhascheezburger), taken from the informative list: "NONFICTION INTERESTS: narrative nonfiction, sports-related books, food writing, pop culture and craft. FICTION INTERESTS: literary fiction, contemporary women's fiction, paranormal romance, romantic suspense, urban fantasy, mystery, YA and middle-grade fiction. DOES NOT WANT: epic fantasy, sci-fi or children's picture books. HOW TO CONTACT: Agent prefers e-mail queries, and generally responds in six to eight weeks. Send a query letter and three sample chapters."