How to Succeed In Your
Literary Agent Search
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
As an aspiring writer, you know how important it is to have a literary agent to represent your work. A literary agent can help you navigate the publishing industry, negotiate a book deal, and ultimately help you achieve your dream of becoming a published author. However, the literary agent search can be a daunting and often overwhelming task. In this comprehensive article, I will walk you through all the steps of a literary agent search, from researching potential targets to putting together an appealing submission package to knowing if and when to follow up in case you are faced with writing rejection https://kidlit.com/writing-rejection. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!
Literary Agent Search Step 1: Research
The first step in the literary agent search is to research potential targets. This involves looking at agents who have represented books similar to yours, checking out their submission guidelines, and making a list of agents who seem like a good fit for your work. You can start by searching online, digging into publishing industry databases like Publishers Marketplace, using trackers like QueryTracker and AgentQuery, and talking to other published authors who have been through the process.
Literary Agent Search Step 2: The Query Letter
Once you have a list of potential targets, the next step is to craft a stellar query letter. Your query letter is your chance to make a great first impression, so it’s important to take the time to make it as engaging and compelling as possible. Your letter should include a brief synopsis of your book (sometimes called a pitch), your author bio, comparative titles https://kidlit.com/comparative-titles, and any other relevant information the agent needs to know. Keep it short, concise, and professional.
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Literary Agent Search Step 3: The Submission Package
If you’re lucky enough to get a request for a full or partial manuscript, the next step in the literary agent search is to assemble a strong submission package. This typically includes the synopsis of your book and the first few chapters of your manuscript, or the complete manuscript, if you’ve gotten a full request. Make sure your submission is polished and error-free, and consider hiring a professional editor or proofreader if you have any doubts. (Ideally, you will have done this ahead of time, so you can fulfill any agent request right away. You only have one chance to make a first impression.)
Literary Agent Search Step 4: Collect Data and Follow Up
After you’ve submitted your work, it’s important to follow up with the agents you’ve queried. But be careful not to be too pushy or pestering. Most agents receive hundreds of submissions a week, so it’s important to be patient and respectful. If you receive a writing rejection, don’t take it personally. Instead, use it as an opportunity to improve your work and keep submitting to other agents. Every time you hear back from a literary agent, take this as a data point. You won’t know how your submission round went until about four months out from starting your literary agent search. If someone says they will respond in 6-8 weeks in their submission guidelines and you don’t hear back within that time frame, it’s okay to send a quick follow-up email.
Literary Agent Search Step 5: Keep Trying
Finally, remember that the literary agent search is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a highly competitive field, and rejection is just part of the process. But if you’re persistent and keep improving your writing craft, you will eventually find the right agent who believes in your work and can help you achieve your publishing dreams.
The literary agent search can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating process, but it’s also an essential step in the publishing journey. By following these steps, researching potential targets, crafting a stellar query letter, assembling a strong submission package, following up (but not being a pest), and committing to try (no matter what), you’ll be well on your way to finding the right agent for your work. So, keep your chin up, keep writing, and remember that writing success is just around the corner.