In today’s traditional publishing landscape, finding an agent is critical. You will need to know how to get a literary agent to have your book published by a traditional publisher. The majority of traditional publishers will reject manuscripts that have not been pre-vetted by an agent.
Working with a good agent to ensure the success of your book is akin to having a partner by your side. You may be unsure where to begin your search for an agent as a first-time author. You will understand precisely how to get a literary agent as a result of this guide.
Table of Contents
What is a literary agent?
Before learning how to get a literary agent, you should know what literary agents do. The primary responsibility of literary agents is to read manuscripts and sign authors who they believe will sell books. Agents earn a commission based on the revenue generated by the sale of a book. Agents are primarily concerned with the business aspects of book sales, such as making edits to improve the book’s marketability.
It includes securing and negotiating publishing contracts on their authors’ behalf to ensure they receive favorable and appropriate terms. Certain literary agents begin their careers in the publishing industry as editorial assistants or editors before joining an agency or establishing their own. While most reputable agents work for an agency, a select few choose to strike out on their own and start their businesses.
Seven steps to finding a literary agent
In the traditional publishing world, literary agents are critical because they assist authors in navigating the industry. The steps below will guide you through the process of how to get a literary agent who can assist you in realizing your author dreams.
1. Complete your book
The first step to getting the right literary agent is to work on your book. Do not seek a literary agent until you have completed writing your book. Many new writers query with only a partial manuscript and an arm-length wish list. Numerous agents will almost certainly request a sample of your writing.
If they enjoy your work, they will immediately request the remainder of the book. Ascertain that your manuscript is tip-top before submitting it to literary agents after completing it. The most frequently cited reason literary agents reject a query is an inadequately written manuscript sample.
Engage the services of a professional editor to polish your manuscript before submitting it for publication. While you should never pay a literary agent to represent your manuscript, you do need to invest financial resources in it.
It requires a professional editor’s assistance to proofread your completed manuscript. On the other hand, choosing the right person to edit your work is just as critical as finishing it.
2. Prepare several sample chapters
Sample chapters accomplish two objectives when planning how to get a literary agent: they flesh out your synopsis and demonstrate your writing style.
An agent wants to know that you can write or be able to write in the future. Generally, a few sample chapters are sufficient, but this will depend on the agents’ submission guidelines on your list. Some readers may desire a single chapter, 10,000 words, or even the entire book.
Whether your prospective literary agent requests one or three chapters, they must be your novel’s first or first three chapters. As a novelist, your agent is the most critical person to entice in the first few pages. The first few chapters of a story can be challenging. When writing a book, you must get straight to the point, engage the reader, introduce your protagonist, explain the plot, and articulate the theme.
Make people care about your protagonist and the problems you set for them, hint at what’s to come, and demonstrate your ability to write compelling prose in a distinctive voice. On the other hand, the first chapters are a joy to write. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your abilities, defy expectations, surprise the reader, and write audaciously.
3. Look for agents within your niche
It’s important to consider that when learning how to get a literary agent the vast majority are incapable of selling your type of book if they’re not within your niche. Your chances of success will skyrocket with a targeted list of 25-50 to a maximum of 100 agents who have worked with books similar to yours. It’s worth reflecting on. You must adhere to strict criteria when choosing a book to read.
The most effective strategy for pitching an author’s book is to research literary agents sales history, website, and interviews to identify those specifically looking for the type of book you’re writing.
What if we said that your book is both entertaining and inspiring? Your time and emotional energy are better spent pitching dark, literary, and political literary fiction agents. A humorous and inspiring tone will attract the right people and repel the undesirables.
4. Write a query letter
Another important step of how to get a literary agent is to make a query. Agent query letters are similar to cover letters in that they should be written in the same formal tone as cover letters.
To stand out, you should format your query letter differently than the others. You must create an excellent first impression on potential agents who will help you open the door. Unless your query letter is persuasive, your manuscript will not receive a second look from an agent.
It is impossible to create an ideal query letter because there is no set formula. However, if this is your first time writing a good query letter, it’s always good to seek professional assistance in crafting one.
Remember that you should tailor each submission to the agent to whom you are submitting. Apart from that, when writing a one-page query letter, make every word count. When submitting your work to an agency, be sure to extend a friendly nod to the agent who will be reading it.
After locating their email address, you can learn more about the agent they work for and their clients. Include the agent’s name, at the very least.
Begin your query letter by stating why you’re writing to this agent rather than another. They may represent an author or book that you enjoy. Mention this tidbit at the beginning of your query letter. As a result, the literary agent will find you more likable and will continue to read your manuscript.
5. Follow submission guidelines
The next step on how to get a literary agent is to assemble a pitch package for your book and distribute it to agents. For most submission packages, you’ll need a query letter, a synopsis of your book, and a sample from your manuscript. Before submitting your work, be sure to read the agency guidelines for each particular agent. This step can make or break your relationship with an agent!
Specific requirements for each one include:
- A specific word or phrase in the subject line of an email.
- A specified number of manuscript pages or chapters.
- The inclusion of a self-addressed stamped envelope for snail mail submissions.
Some agents require a cover letter, synopsis, table of contents, summary of each chapter, sample chapter, market analysis, and author bio with nonfiction writing proposals. Once again, you must strictly follow these submission guidelines. Agents will reject your manuscript if you do not follow their submission instructions. Your submission package should not include any fees. Legitimate agents earn money when they sell your manuscript to a publisher, so there is no need to pay them upfront.
6. Be prepared to face rejection
Rejection is a writer’s constant companion, keep this in mind when learning how to get a literary agent.
Accepting this sad reality as soon as possible is in your best interest. Agents who are unfamiliar with you will send you rejection letters. All that is required is a professional appearance, adherence to submission guidelines, and a polished manuscript.
You are compelled to continue pitching to additional agents. It will not be long before you come across an agent who believes in your abilities and is willing to represent you. The most critical aspect is to be patient with yourself and resist giving up. Literary representation is as diverse as society as a whole, which holds for all types of people.
7. Make your choice
Keep track of every offer you receive from a literary agent. You’ll need a lot of time and effort to evaluate these offers. The more communication you have with an agent, the more you will learn about their sales history, communication style, familiarity with publishing contracts, and overall enthusiasm for your project. Take advantage of this.
You may discover during this process that one of the candidates is a perfect match for you. Ensure that you select a reputable agent. When deciding how to get a literary agent, it’s critical to ensure that you’re getting a fair deal and that you and the agent agree on the business of your book. Make no rash decisions because you can’t wait to see your book on bookstore shelves.
How to choose a literary agent
Before you choose how to get a literary agent, it’s critical to remember that the agent’s primary responsibility is to get your manuscript in front of the right editor at the right publisher and negotiate the best contract possible for you. Consider the following factors and tips to assist you in finding the right agent.
1. An agent should know how to handle book contracts
When choosing how to get a literary agent, remember that a good agent understands when and how to advocate for a client’s increased compensation or rights. If an agent hands you a boilerplate publisher contract to sign without making any changes, you could be in serious trouble.
While many agents dressed as attack dogs are popular, an agent’s primary responsibility is to protect your rights by ensuring that your contracts contain the proper language and preventing you from signing an unfair or substandard contract.
Agents are familiar with publishing industry standards, know when those standards are changing, and know when to push for more. They recognize, however, that not everything is about money and that sometimes partnering with a traditional publisher offering a smaller advance is preferable. A good agent will advise you on the advantages and disadvantages of your offered deals.
2. An agent should be reachable
This is a factor of how to get a literary agent that some authors believe is irrelevant. As long as the agent can sell their books and earn them money, they are unconcerned about their working relationship. Acceptable. If, on the other hand, you want a partner who is invested in your work and career, choose an agent who shares your values. It’s nearly impossible to predict in advance.
Once someone offers representation, ensure that you understand the types of edits they envision for your book, how they intend to pitch it, and everything that makes sense to you. Asking current clients how they feel about working with their best agents in general and whether or not they returned their emails is an excellent place to start.
3. An agent should be dedicated
The best agents should not allow you to be irresponsible and do whatever you want. While there should be a balance of power, they should encourage you to work harder, accomplish more, and actively market your work if you aren’t already doing so. You and your partner should be able to freely give and receive, which will enable you to maximize your potential.
It’s improbable that anyone who isn’t enthusiastic about what you’re doing will make significant efforts to ensure that your ideas ever become public. They could sit on a desk for months without being used. When choosing how to get a literary agent, remember that if your agent is genuinely enthusiastic about finding a publisher and marketing your book, you’ve found a keeper.
4. An agent should know how to discuss rejections
If your agent has a positive relationship with the editors/publishers to whom they are sending queries, they will receive meaningful feedback to share with you. After that, you can discuss how your book or repositioning proposals to increase sales.
However, they may run out of time or energy if they believe the project will require additional work and retooling to make a sale that is not worth their time. Additionally, they may assume you’re unwilling to alter the book’s focus. See if an agent knows how to handle rejections when deciding how to get a literary agent.
5. An agent should be approachable
While this may seem like an obvious factor in how to get a literary agent, some people believe that they do not have to like their agent because it is a business relationship. While it is not required, this person will represent your work and be inextricably linked to it for years to come—it is far preferable that this person is someone you enjoy being around rather than someone you tolerate.
6. An agent should give you honest feedback
A good agent will tell you what they think about your work, even if it’s not what you want to hear. How can you trust them to sell your work if they aren’t willing to do this? It would be best if you had an advocate interested in making your book the best it can be, not just someone looking to make a quick buck.
7. An agent should have a good reputation
When querying agents, pay attention to how they are spoken of in forums and by other authors. If they have a bad reputation, there is likely a reason for it. Furthermore, you should avoid them if they are difficult to work with or have a history of not honoring their contracts.
8. An agent should be familiar with your genre
If they don’t read books like yours, how can they be expected to sell them? It would help if you had someone who is familiar with the type of book you’ve written and can speak intelligently about it to editors and publishers.
9. An agent should have industry contacts
Your agent should have good relationships with the people in the business, including editors, publishers, and other authors. If they don’t know anyone or have any connections, it will be difficult for them to sell your book.
10. An agent should be able to negotiate on your behalf
When it comes time to sell your book, your agent should be able to negotiate the best possible book deal for you. If they are not familiar with the publishing industry or don’t understand the market, they will not be able to get you the best book deal possible.
Ten benefits of getting a literary agent
Most authors recommend working with a literary agent when going for a traditional publishing deal. Now that you know how to get a literary agent, here are the benefits of working with a literary agent.
1. They aid in the direction of your career
Because agents are compensated on a commission basis, they should be invested in your success. You and your agent would collaborate to promote your career in an ideal world. Their perspective on the state of the writing market can be highly beneficial to you.
For instance, if you’re considering writing in a new genre of fiction like science fiction or historical fiction, a great agent will encourage you to pursue your passion while advising you on market viability and editors’ appetites for particular genres. Your literary agent would assist you throughout your science fiction, historical fiction, and other fiction career in an ideal world, acting as a trusted advisor and candid confidant.
2. They engage in negotiations with publishers
Literary agents work as a go-between for you and a publishing house. For instance, they can advise you on the profit potential, the percentage of that profit you receive, and how to handle royalties, among other things. Your agent only makes money if you do, so it is always in their best interest to negotiate a better deal for you.
3. They connect you to editors
A well-edited manuscript demonstrates the author’s ability to write a well-written book. Whatever level of writing proficiency you believe you possess, you should never underestimate the value of a good editor.
A literary agent connects you with an experienced editor and ensures that your copy is polished. Your chances of publication are increased when you know how to get a literary agent because they typically have a breadth of experience from which to choose an editor for you.
4. They enable you to focus entirely on writing
The business side of writing can be complicated and mentally taxing, even more so if you’re a first-time author unfamiliar with the industry. Agents can assist with the more challenging aspects of foreign rights, subsidiary rights, and royalty statement negotiations.
Additionally, an agent can assist you in organizing everything from your book tour to hiring a publicist for your completed work. Having a dedicated teammate who can help you with the industry’s business aspects can allow you to concentrate on what you do best: writing.
5. They help with film and television rights
Maintain an open mind regarding your book’s possibilities, and never doubt your abilities. Numerous film and television studios are constantly looking for the best story to adapt into a show or film. Who knows, they might be looking for your book.
Consider the possibility of a show based on your book. Now consider doing so without assistance in navigating the legalities. It can detract from the joy that should accompany landing a television show or film. On the other hand, knowing how to get a literary agent ensures that you are properly represented.
6. They read your work with a critical eye
A literary agent’s job is to provide an objective, outside perspective of your work. They are not emotionally attached to your words in the same way that you are and can provide an unbiased, honest assessment. This type of feedback is invaluable and can only be provided by someone who is not the author.
7. They offer suggestions for improvement
If your agent believes that your work can be improved, they will let you know. It is their job to give constructive criticism so that you can produce the best possible manuscript before submitting it to publishers. After all, the better your book is, the more likely it is to be published.
8. They challenge you to push yourself further
A good literary agent will encourage you to take risks, experiment with your writing, and push yourself to try new things. They will also be honest with you about when a particular idea isn’t working and offer suggestions on how to make it better.
9. They are invested in your success
A literary agent only makes money if you do, so they are highly invested in your success as an author. They want you to sell as many books as possible so that they can receive their commission. Additionally, a good agent will develop a long-term relationship with you and will work with you throughout your career.
10. They provide moral support
The path to becoming a published author is not an easy one. It is filled with rejection letters, setbacks, and self-doubt. A literary agent can help you navigate these challenges and provide moral support when you need it most. They will believe in you even when you don’t believe in yourself and will help you to stay motivated and focused on your goals.
Ten common mistakes when choosing a literary agent
Choosing a literary agent can be an exciting and daunting prospect. You want to find someone who represents your work well and shares your vision for your career, but there are so many options! Finding the right agent is like finding the right book editor or publisher: it’s about finding someone whose sensibilities match yours. Here are some common mistakes writers make when choosing an agent—and how to avoid them!
1. Choosing an agent too early in the book development process
A book is a collaborative effort, and it’s essential to have your literary agent on board early in the process.
The agent should be able to help you figure out what your book is about, who your audience is, and what you are trying to accomplish with it.
You also want to ensure that your book’s market is large enough before beginning an agent search.
Before querying agents, you need to know all of this because they will not review an incomplete manuscript.
The best way to find a literary agent is by networking. Join writers’ groups in your area, attend conferences and make connections with people who have written books similar to yours.
It can also help to ask friends and family members if they know of any agents interested in reading your work.
You can also use a directory to find agents looking for clients. You can make sure that the book you write fits their interests and then send them a query letter.
2. Not understanding how to query an agent
As you probably know, a query letter (or cover letter) is the first step in submitting a manuscript to an agent. It should include the following:
- A brief synopsis of your story.
- Your credentials and experience as a writer.
- Contact information for yourself and any other people involved in the project, if applicable. You can also include sample chapters if available at this point; most agents will ask for them after receiving your query letter, but some will want to see them immediately!
A query letter should be short and to the point. You’ll want to include a brief synopsis of your story, which will help agents decide if they want to read more.
Your credentials and experience as a writer are also crucial because agents are looking for writers who have strong credentials.
If you’ve written books before, including the titles and publication dates.
If not, make sure to mention what experience you have as a writer and why you think this particular story is right for them.
You can also include sample chapters if available at this point; most agents will ask for them after receiving your query letter, but some will want to see them immediately!
3. Making superficial choices
It’s essential to ensure you find the right agent for your work, not just any agent. But it’s also vital that you don’t choose an agent based on superficial criteria, such as looks or personality. If you do this, you may end up with an agent who doesn’t care about your book (or is even actively antagonistic toward it).
Here are some common mistakes that writers make when choosing literary agents:
- Choosing because they are the first ones available. Writers should never choose their agents simply because they were first on Google or LinkedIn. Agents will often sign multiple clients at once, so there is no guarantee that this person will be able to take on each client efficiently—especially if they aren’t qualified for all of them!
- Choosing because they have a website that looks good. Agents are not graphic designers, so judging them based on their web design skills is not fair! A simple Google search will reveal hundreds of agents with websites that look like a 10-year-old made them in 1995.
- Choosing because they are local. While it’s nice to have a personal relationship with the person representing you, this isn’t always necessary. Just remember that if you want to sell your book in other countries, it may be difficult if your agent lives on an island in the middle of nowhere!
- Choosing because they have a lot of clients. Some writers mistakenly think that if a prestigious agent has many clients, they must be good at what they do. This isn’t always true—it could just mean that the agent is offering low-paying contracts or has no high-profile clients!
- Choosing because they gave you a good feeling. This is another mistake that many writers make when choosing an agent. While it’s important to trust your gut, it’s also important to remember that “gut feelings” are often wrong! If an agent offers you the best contract, but you don’t like them personally, then choose the contract over the person.
4. Misreading a publishing contract
A publishing contract is a legal document. It is important to understand the terms of the contract before signing, but it can be difficult to know what you’re getting into if you don’t have legal knowledge.
You should have a lawyer review your contract before signing it, or at least be sure to ask questions and understand every part of it.
You will also want to ensure that your agent knows what types of contracts you are comfortable with—for example, some agents require an exclusivity clause while others do not.
And if your agent approaches you with a particular type of contract as “the standard,” ask for more information about why that particular one fits best for both parties involved in this project (you and them) before accepting anything without proper research and consideration on your part!
5. Neglecting to check out your potential agent’s references
Agents can be tricky people. They’re not your friends; they’re not in this business because they love you and won’t hesitate to do whatever it takes to get you signed with them.
To avoid being taken advantage of by an unscrupulous agent (or having a bad experience with one), check out their references and clients before signing on the dotted line.
You should get input from someone who had worked with that particular literary agent before – preferably someone who worked in similar circumstances as yours (in genre/type of book).
Ask this person if they or enjoyed working with the literary agent, if he or she was professional, how long it took them or to respond when needed, etc.
If possible, also ask for contact information for other authors represented by this literary agent so you can speak directly with them about their experiences working together!
6. Being unclear about what you want from your agent
If you’ve been looking for an agent, there’s a good chance that you’re not sure what you want from them.
They can be confusing, and the differences between those who work in publishing houses and those who do not can lead to some confusion.
Knowing what kind of representation you are looking for is important before starting your agent search.
It’s important to understand that there is a difference between literary agents (who represent individual authors) and book agents (who work with publishers).
If you have already written a book but need help finding someone willing to sell it, then a literary agent may be right for your needs.
However, if they are unable or unwilling to help develop your career as an author over time—for example, by connecting with other professionals in the industry, such as editors or managers—then it might make sense to find another type of rep instead.
7. Not understanding the marketplace or contemporary trends
You can’t write a great book if you don’t know the market and trends.
It’s actually more important than you realize. For example, let’s say that the current trend in children’s literature is picture books that rhyme.
So if you’re writing a non-rhyming children’s book without knowing this fact, then chances are your book will flounder—and not just because people won’t like it; they will also probably not buy it because they’re used to something else.
On top of that, understanding what kind of agent would be suitable for you can help prevent common mistakes like submitting queries only to agents who aren’t interested in your preferred genre or traditional publishing house (or vice versa).
But how do you know what genre(s) or publishing house(s) might be interested in your work? You have to further research both!
8. Choosing a literary agency that does not specialize in your genre
Choosing an agency that does not specialize in your genre is one of the most common mistakes authors make when selecting a literary agent.
For example, if you are writing non-fiction, you would want to seek out an agency whose only business is representing non-fiction writers (like us!). Most literary agencies specialize in one or two genres, such as romance or mystery.
That doesn’t mean they can’t take on other types of books. Still, specializing and having more experience with one type of book than another gives them more insight into market trends and what publishers are looking for when seeking manuscripts for publication.
What reputation does the same agency have within the industry and among authors?
These are all questions you should ask yourself before signing on with a new agent. If you are not sure whether an agent is right for you, ask other writers in your genre or topic area who they work with.
A literary agency specializing in your genre can also help you with other aspects of the publishing process.
They will know what editors are looking for, how to pitch your book to publishers and what other books are similar in content and style so you can get an idea of where yours stands out from the rest.
9. Failing to do your homework before speaking with or signing a contract with a new agent
Failing to do your homework before speaking with or signing a contract with a new agent.
A literary agent is not just someone who can help you get published; they are also partners in the publishing business.
You want to work with an agent who has your best interests at heart and will represent you well as an author and will help you reach your goals.
To ensure this is the case, research literary agents agency before approaching them about representation.
This will help you decide if this is the right agent for you and give you an idea of what kind of resources they have at their disposal.
Are they an experienced agency?
Have they worked with other writers in your genre or topic area? If so, what kind of results did they achieve?
What kind of reputation do they have within the industry and among authors? Are they well-known and respected?
How long has the agency been in business, and what kinds of clients do they represent? What kind of services do they offer? This will help you determine if you want an agent who handles contracts, edits manuscripts, or both.
10. Querying an agent who is handling too many clients for them to give your work the attention it deserves
This is a mistake that agents make all the time. They sign on with an agency that has hundreds upon hundreds of clients, or they won’t ask for help when they get too busy and don’t have time to devote to their writing career.
When you find agents whose work you admire, one of your first questions should be how many clients they have at any given time.
The ideal number is somewhere between 10 and 20 active books under contract at any given time—more than 20 is way too many. However, some agencies manage this despite having smaller rosters of agent.
If the list of authors on the agency website appears excessively long, it might mean that you’re looking at an agency with more than 100 active clients—or even more! And if that’s the case, then we suggest moving on.
A second question worth asking is how much time each agent spends working with each author; you want someone who will give your manuscript just as much attention as he gives his other manuscripts by making sure it gets read thoroughly by multiple eyes before being sent out into the big evil world of publishing land where no good book goes unpunished.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to your frequently asked questions about getting a literary agent.
What compensation do literary agents receive?
Keep in mind when choosing how to get a literary agent that while literary agents are not cheap, the good news is that reputable literary agents do not charge upfront. They are paid on a commission basis, meaning they are paid only after their clients—the writers they represent—are paid. Literary agents generally retain 15% of the book’s first sale proceeds before taxes.
For example, if you receive a $10,000 advance on your first book sale to a major publisher, your literary agent will earn a commission of $1,500. Your agent will receive 15% of the excess royalties if your royalties exceed the advance. Although some literary agents negotiate commissions higher or lower than 15%, the current standard rate is 15%.
What is traditional publishing?
In the traditional publishing model, a publisher serves as the gatekeeper to your target audience, while a literary agent serves as your first point of contact. The process begins with you learning how to get a literary agent and hiring an agent to pitch your book or book proposal to a publisher. You will be signed and given a book advance if fortune favors you.
Once you publish your book and begun to sell, you can expect to earn royalties ranging from 7% to 15% of the book’s selling price. However, royalties are not paid until the book sells enough copies to break even, which means that the publisher has already recouped the advance on your book through royalties on early sales.
Are there any disadvantages to literary agents?
Not everyone wants to know how to get a literary agent. While the dream agent can help you develop your career, doing your homework before signing with an agent is critical. Certain agents charge a high reading fee before considering you as a client; these agents are frequently unethical. While it is not always possible to determine who is legitimate, you should avoid agents who appear untrustworthy.
Getting your manuscript in front of an agent can take as long as getting it from your computer to the world. Generally, after poring over thousands of manuscripts, a highly sought-after literal agent will accept no more than two clients. As a result, hiring an agent adds time to the submission process. It’s because you are attempting to sell the same book twice.
Conclusion
Many authors believe that the most challenging part of writing a book is the editing process until they attempt to publish it. It’s not easy to do alone, so many new writers hire a literary agent. It is critical to remember that obtaining an agent does not guarantee you will secure a publishing contract. However, there are several essential advantages to knowing how to get a literary agent and having an experienced industry professional on your side. It could mean the difference between success and failure for your writing career.