Finding a literary agent in an overcrowded world full of writers is already difficult enough. Finding one that’s perfect for you and your book—well, that’s a whole different story.
The process of finding a literary agent is a long one. And it can be full of rejections. However, you have to keep trying because out of all those nos, there is one who says yes.
It takes a lot of patience, dedication, and determination, especially if you are choosing traditional publishing from one of the major publishing houses.
This post is full of tips and advice on finding a literary agent that’s perfect for you and also your book.
How to Find a Literary Agent
1. Research and Identify Potential Agents
It’s important to know what genre your book falls under since you’re going to have to tell the agents what category it fits into. Even if you’re not sure what genre your book is, you need to tell the agents something. Otherwise, they’ll think you don’t know much about the publishing industry and see you as untrustworthy.
If you’re not sure about the specific genre of your book, choose a general category, such as fiction, nonfiction, or children’s books, for example. This will give you an idea of which type of agents to look for.
After you’ve figured out your book’s genre (if you haven’t already), start researching and identifying potential agents, creating a list as you go. You can put your list in a spreadsheet or a notebook, whichever you’re more comfortable with.
Here are some places to start:
Directory of Literary Agents (Literary Agents Undercover)
Literary Agents Database (Poets & Writers)
Literary Marketplace (This is an extensive list. You can register for free to see the names and addresses of agents, but you can only see more details with a paid subscription.)
2. Check Submission Guidelines
Each agent has specific submission guidelines. Carefully read these to ensure you are following their preferences. Common requirements include a query letter, synopsis, and sample chapters.
For example, let’s look at 3 Seas Literary Agency. One of their literary agents, Stacey Graham, is looking for nonfiction manuscripts, specifically how-to’s, antiques, craft books, cookbooks, lifestyle, and books about pets.
Another agent, Michelle Grajkowski (also the founder of 3 Seas), represents romance, women’s fiction, YA, and middle-grade fiction. She is also interested in certain non-fiction manuscripts.
Another example is The Blythe Daniel Agency. The FAQs section on their website lists exactly what they are looking for and what they are not.
We are looking for authors who have a distinguishable book hook that is unique and stands out from the same topic written in other books. We look to see who has done searches to compare the topic of their book to those that have already been published. We need to see how you have developed your concept in a way that makes me say, “I haven’t thought about that before” or “I haven’t heard anyone say it like that.”
The Blythe Daniel Agency (FAQs page)
And for one last example, the Farris Literary Agency tells you the specific format your book submission should appear (double-spaced, 12-point type, 1-inch margins, etc.).
You can see just from the examples how different each agent and agency is. It’s important to find their submission guidelines to see if they are the best fit for your book.
3. Evaluate the Agent’s Track Record
Look at the agent’s list of clients and the books they have sold. Resources like Publisher’s Marketplace ($25 a month) can give you insights into the deals they have made.
However, you can do your own research for free (like I did). After you have your list of potential agents, Google them and add the info you find to your spreadsheet or written list.
Using Michelle Grajkowski as an example again, her bio states that her agency has sold more than 900 books to all the major publishing houses. Her client list includes New York Times best-selling authors. And when you Google her name, she pops up in 70 searches.
However, The Zack Company has no information on their website as to how many books they’ve sold, even though they have a few books listed. When I do further research, including their LinkedIn page, I still can’t find that information.
If these were the only two literary agents available, which would you choose?
4. Read Interviews and Agent Profiles
Find interviews or profiles of agents to understand their preferences and personality. Once again, Google the name of the agent you choose and include the word “interview” after their name.
Using Michelle Grajkowski again, I typed “Michelle Grajkowski interviews” into the search bar in Google and there’s a list of interviews with her. The first one is from Kirkus Reviews, where you can also find interviews with other agents as well as authors.
Another great way to learn about the personality of agents is to look for interview videos or podcasts, such as this one about Michelle by Kerry Ann King. If they have a newsletter, sign up. Sometimes they share personal updates, which is a great way to learn more about them as a person.
5. Network and Seek Recommendations
Join writers’ groups and attend conferences. Networking with other authors can provide valuable insights and recommendations. Conferences often offer opportunities to pitch directly to agents.
Some examples of online networking include:
- Facebook groups
- Twitter (use the hashtag #WritingCommunity)
- LinkedIn groups
- Insecure Writer’s Support Group
- Scribophile
- Writers Helping Writers
6. Prepare Your Submission Package
Once you’ve chosen the literary agents you want to submit to, it’s time to prepare your submission package. Here’s what to include in your submission package to agents:
- Query letter
- Synopsis (for fiction book)
- Manuscript sample (usually about two or three chapters) or full manuscript if requested by the guidelines
- Outline (if it’s a nonfiction book)
- Biography (optional)
- Marketing materials (social media profiles, press releases, website links, etc.) (optional)
Make sure all the documents you send to agents are as error-free as possible. Your manuscript should be edited and ready to go. You don’t want to send agents your first draft! If you need help to make sure your submission package is clean and looks professional, reach out to a professional. (Like me!)
7. Submit and Track Responses
Keeping track of agents you’ve queried is important. It saves you the embarrassment of querying the same agent twice. Most agencies have a policy stating that you can only query one agent from that agency at a time. Meaning, you can’t choose two or more agents from the same agency and query them all.
To easily keep track of responses from literary agents, you can:
- Create a spreadsheet: Use a spreadsheet (Excel or Airtable) to keep track of the agents you’ve submitted to, the date you submitted, and the date you received a response. This will help you stay organized and see when you can expect to hear back from each agent.
- Use online resources: QueryTracker provides information on literary agent response times, submission guidelines, and more. You can also organize and track queries.
- Track agent response times: Keep an eye on literary agent response times by researching online and asking other writers about their experiences. You can also track the response times of specific agents on QueryTracker.
- Set reminders: Set reminders for yourself to follow up with agents who have not responded within a reasonable timeframe (usually 4-6 weeks).
- Keep a record of submissions: Keep a record of all your submissions, including the date you submitted, the agent’s response, and any feedback or comments they provided.
- Be patient: Literary agents are busy and may take time to respond. Be patient and don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back right away.
8. Evaluate Offers Carefully
If you receive an offer, evaluate it carefully. Consider the agent’s vision for your book, their communication style, and their contract terms. Also, ask about their editorial process, submission strategy, and how they handle subsidiary rights.
Make sure you understand their contract terms. Review the contract carefully, paying attention to royalty rates (make sure they’re fair and competitive), rights (what rights are being granted and for how long), termination clauses, and subsidiary rights (clarify what rights are being granted for audio, film, and other formats).
Be aware of any fees or expenses associated with the agent’s services, such as reading fees, editing fees, or marketing expenses. If they are charging you a fee for their services, you need to pass and move on. (It’s more than likely a scam.) Literary agents charge commission, not upfront fees.
If you get more than one offer, compare the terms and conditions of each and choose which is best for you.
9. Trust Your Instincts
Finding a literary agent that is a good fit is not just about credentials and track records. Trust your instincts about whether the agent understands your work and shares your vision.
Conclusion
Finding a literary agent that’s perfect for you and your book is a challenging but rewarding journey. The process involves thorough research, patience, and perseverance as you manage potential rejections to find the right match. By identifying potential agents, following submission guidelines, evaluating their track records, reading interviews, networking, and meticulously preparing your submission package, you increase your chances of finding a literary agent who truly understands and believes in your work.
Remember to keep track of your submissions and responses, carefully evaluate any offers, and most importantly, trust your instincts. With dedication and determination, you will find a literary agent who not only supports your writing career but also helps your book reach its full potential. Keep pushing forward, because amidst the many nos, there is a perfect yes waiting for you.
