How to Find a Literary Agent
Do you really need an agent to find a traditional publisher?
The answer (for fiction writers) is…probably.
Think of a literary agent as a business partner – they don’t get paid unless your book succeeds, and so they will work exceptionally hard on your behalf to get it in front of publishers and negotiate a great deal.
An established agent will have longstanding relationships with publishers, specifically the acquisitions editors responsible for finding the next ‘big thing’. These contacts are invaluable for any book looking to find a home in traditional publishing.
The majority of publishing houses do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Why? They are already swamped with thousands of submissions every year, and they need the agent system to provide a gate-keeping service.
The downside of all this, is that it can be difficult to find an agent – especially if you are a first-time author.
HOW TO FIND A LITERARY AGENT
MAKE A LIST
A long list. A simple Google search for literary agents who match your specific genre is an excellent place to start – there are numerous useful resources available such as The Directory of Literary Agents who publish up-to-date agent contacts, along with industry information.
We recommend compiling a list of around fifty agents (less in the very niche genres) for your initial enquiries.
The key is to research the agents carefully and compile your list based on their interests and likely compatibility with your manuscript. Who have they worked with in the past? Who are their potential contacts? Can you get a sense of their reputation?
This information will not only help you to narrow your search, but it will also enable you to write a more personal query letter to each agent – an invaluable approach.
SELL YOURSELF
This is no time for false modesty. You have completed your manuscript and you want to share it with the world.
Think of your query letter as an audition and put your best foot forward.
Do you have a unique selling point for your book? Have you been previously published (including self-published work), have you studied creative writing or literature? Perhaps you’re a member of a writing group or class? Have you already used beta-readers? Do you have an online presence?
WRITE A NOVEL SYNOPSIS
Along with your query letter which introduces yourself and your book, most agents will ask for a synopsis – this is essentially a one page summary of the main plot points of your book, and how these develop from beginning to end. You should have this, and the first three chapters of your manuscript, ready to go before approaching agents.
REJECTION IS NEVER FUN, BUT IT CAN BE HELPFUL
It is a rare unicorn of a book that does not face rejection – famously, even the manuscript for Harry Potter was rejected twelve times.
When facing rejection by an agent, we suggest viewing it as the agent simply being honest that they are not the right professional to represent your book – there is still every opportunity for you to find your perfect match.
Quite often, especially if you have had communication with an agent beyond the initial query letter, they will offer some advice with their rejection. Listen to them, and use any helpful insights to tailor your future queries.
UNDERSTAND THE AGENT’S ROLE
The agent is not an editor or proof-reader – while they may offer suggestions to help make your book more marketable, it is not their job to critique your work. It is vital that your manuscript is already edited to a high standard before pitching your book for consideration. If you are looking for professional editorial services please speak to our team.
BE CONFIDENT
Be proud of the fact you’ve written a book, and confident in your abilities as a writer – excitement is contagious and an agent is far more likely to take an interest in an author who demonstrates some self-belief in their manuscript.
Instead of feeling intimidated by the query process, remember that it is an agent’s job to find new books. It is perfectly acceptable to send a chase email a 4-6 weeks after the initial query, though if you don’t hear back we would suggest moving onto others on your list.
Finally, never pay an agent in advance for representation. A professional agent will typically receive 15-20% of your negotiated publishing deal, there is nothing to pay in advance. Beware scams.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Do not be discouraged if you face rejection on your path to becoming a published author. At Scribbles we are huge fans of the self-publishing route. Even if you have aspirations to one day take a book through the traditional publishing route, self-publishing can offer a first-time author a platform from which to build a reputation based on reviews, followers and sales, something publishing houses increasingly look for when deciding who to publish.
At Scribbles, we are passionate about helping writers not only create their best work, but also get it into the hands of readers everywhere – we can help you with a full range of services including manuscript assessment, editing, proofreading and marketing, including one off book tours or social media boosts, to ongoing social media campaigns.