If you decide to go the traditional publishing route, you will likely need to find a literary agent. Of course, before you jump into the querying trenches, make sure to have your query letter, synopsis, and properly formatted manuscript at least partially ready. These will serve as templates that you can easily change once you find the literary agents you want to pitch to and determine their specific guidelines.
Once you’ve finished your pitch package, you’re ready to start looking for an agent! Not sure where to start with the querying process? Read on for tips on how to find the best literary agent for you and your book.
What is a literary agent and what do they do?
A book or literary agent is someone who represents the business interests of authors and their work. They will work with all kinds of authors—from those who are already established to new writers just starting out. In short, a literary agent is the link between you and the publishing houses. They are often considered the gatekeepers for traditional publishing.
In the querying process, a literary agent is the person who will read your query letter. If your work piques their interest, a book agent will usually request a synopsis and a sample of your manuscript. If the agent likes what they read, they’ll then request your full book.
Take note that your manuscript will need to be polished and in publishable shape before you even start trying to find a literary agent. Sending out an unedited manuscript is not only unprofessional, but it hugely decreases your chances of landing a good agent. Some agents don’t like to receive too many emails from the same author, so it’s important to try to get it right first time. This is why it’s important to edit your book multiple times before you even query. If possible, get a fresh set of eyes on it by giving it to critique partners. You can also consider hiring a professional book editor.
If they like your full manuscript, they’ll likely offer your representation. This usually involves signing a contract in which you agree the rates your agent will earn if they successfully secure a publishing contract. See “How much does a literary agent cost?” for more.
Once you’ve signed with a literary agent, they will pitch your manuscript to publishing houses. Think of it as a querying process for agents. They’ll write up a pitch letter and send it and your manuscript to a variety of editors who have an interest in your type of book.
Do I need an agent?
Whether or not you need to find a literary agent depends on what type of publication you choose, the type of books you write, and the type of career you’re seeking.
You DON’T need an agent if:
- You’re planning to self-publish your book.
- You’re pitching to small, indie publishers. There are some smaller indie publishers that don’t require you to have an agent. These will accept pitches directly from authors.
- You’re writing a non-commercial work. Publishing is a business, and most literary agents aim to work with authors who will have some sort of commercial appeal. Of course, there are always exceptions, so make sure to research agents thoroughly before you pitch to them. Some book agents are willing to take a leap on less commercial projects.
- Your book is incredibly niche. It can be difficult to land an agent to sell a book on a very niche topic. So, if you’ve written a book titled How to Care for Your Dwarf Hamster, it might not have wide appeal. Therefore, it could be better suited to a smaller indie publisher or for self-publishing.
You DO need an agent if:
- You want to go the traditional publishing route, especially with the mid to large publishing houses.
- You are writing commercial fiction, a children’s book, or non-fiction that appeals to a wide audience (i.e., not too niche).
What to look for in a good agent
There are plenty of agents out there, but not every single one will make a good match for you. Do your research on each agent before submitting. This way, you avoid querying the wrong type of agent or submitting a query package that goes against the agent’s personal guidelines. Here are a few things to look for in a good book agent:
- Someone who is well-versed and passionate about your genre.
- Someone who has a good track record of selling to publishing houses. Ideally, you want someone who has represented books published in your genre inside the last two years.
- However, if you come across a new agent, this doesn’t mean you can’t query them. Check that they work at a reputable agency with a great track record as this will mean they have access to experienced agents as mentors.
- Someone who has connections and good relationships with editors and other publishing professionals. Contacts matter!
How to find a literary agent
There is a booming writing community and plethora of resources online which make finding great literary agents a breeze. Google is your friend. Sometimes, the most straightforward approach is to do an online search of the top literary agencies and go from there.
You can also look up which agents represent recently published authors in your genre and check to see if they’re accepting queries. Check out your genre on Amazon, find authors with similar works to yours, then google them to see if you can find the name of their agent. Many authors also thank their agents in their books, so check the front and back pages of your favourite novels.
Social media is your friend, too! More and more literary agents are using social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with writers. Hashtags like #WritingCommunity #MSWL can be a great way to meet other querying writers and learn more about agents.
Below are a few other excellent resources for finding literary agents:
MSWL (Manuscript Wish List) — Book agents use this platform to keep querying authors up to date on their submission guidelines. You can also find out what genres and types of books they’re looking for.
QueryTracker — Not only can you source literary agents open to queries, but you can read comments by other writers about their experiences. This way you know what to expect when querying a literary agent.
Publishers Marketplace — Although you have to pay a subscription fee to access it, Publishers Marketplace is an invaluable platform for all things publishing. You can keep up to date on book agents open to querying, recent book deals, and tips and tricks on all things related to publishing.
How much does a literary agent cost?
The answer to this is simple: nothing. You should NEVER pay a literary agent up front—whether it’s to read your manuscript or pitch it to editors. If a book agent charges a fee, then it’s very likely to be a scam.
Book agents get paid through commissions. This means that once they sell your book to a publishing house, they take a cut from your publishing deal. The industry standard is around 10-15% for domestic sales and 20% for overseas sales. When you sign a contract with your book agent, you’ll see these numbers reflected in the document.
Still feeling like you’re in over your head? Our author coaching can help! The Open Book Editor experts have extensive industry knowledge and are here to walk you through each stage of the process—whether you’ve just started editing your book or are preparing to query it. So, contact us to find out more about how we can help you build the confidence and know-how to take on the publishing world.
