So, you’ve written a book – congratulations! Seriously, that’s a big deal. You’ve battled procrastination, self-doubt, and probably way too many cups of coffee to make it happen. Now comes the next step on how to find a literary agent to help get your masterpiece published.
It might feel like trying to find a date on a dating app—swiping through profiles, hoping someone swipes back. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate the process with confidence (and a little humor).
Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Understand What a Literary Agent Does (and Why You Need One)
Before we dive in, let’s get clear on what a literary agent is. Think of them as your book’s talent agent, like Ari Gold from Entourage (but less shouty). Their job is to pitch your book to publishers, negotiate contracts, and generally make sure you’re not signing away your firstborn in the fine print.
Without a literary agent, getting your book traditionally published is tough. Most big publishers don’t accept “unsolicited manuscripts.” That’s a fancy way of saying, “Don’t call us; we’ll call you… through your agent.”
Pro tip: If your dream is to see your book on the shelves of Barnes & Noble (or trending on TikTok), a literary agent is your golden ticket.
Step 2: Know If You’re Ready for an Agent
Here’s the deal: agents want polished, ready-to-go manuscripts. You wouldn’t show up to a job interview in your pajamas, right? (Okay, maybe on Zoom, but still.) Your manuscript needs to be as professional as possible.
For fiction writers, this means a completed manuscript. Not half a book. Not “just the first few chapters, but I promise I’ll finish it later.” Nope. Finished, polished, and proofread.
Nonfiction writers? Lucky you. You don’t need to have the whole book written. Instead, you’ll need a killer book proposal—basically a business plan for your book. This includes sample chapters, an outline, and proof that people will want to read it. (Spoiler: a big social media following doesn’t hurt.)
Step 3: Research Literary Agents (Like, a Lot)
Finding the right agent is like shopping for jeans: the perfect fit exists, but it takes time to find. And trying to squeeze into the wrong size? Painful.
Start by making a list of agents who represent your genre. For example, if you’ve written a swoon-worthy romance novel, you’ll want an agent who knows their way around love triangles and steamy scenes. If you’ve written a gritty true-crime exposé, find someone who eats legal thrillers for breakfast.
Here’s where to look:
- Agent directories: Websites like QueryTracker or AgentQuery are gold mines.
- Acknowledgments in books you love: Authors often thank their agents, so grab a pen next time you’re reading.
- X (Twitter): Yes, really. Many agents post their preferences under hashtags like #MSWL (Manuscript Wish List).
Keep track of their submission guidelines. Every agent has their quirks, and following their instructions is crucial. Think of it as your first test: if you can’t follow the rules, why would they trust you to deliver a whole book?
Step 4: Perfect Your Query Letter
Ah, the query letter. It’s like a first date—short, sweet, and designed to leave them wanting more. Except this date is a one-page pitch for your book, and it determines whether the agent swipes right or ghosted forever.
Here’s the secret to a great query letter: Keep it simple, professional, and to the point. No one wants to read your entire life story. Save that for your memoir.
A strong query letter has three main parts:
1. The Hook
Start with something that grabs attention. Think of it as your elevator pitch. One or two sentences max. What makes your book unique? Is it a dystopian novel where plants have taken over the world? A cozy mystery about a cat-solving crimes? Whatever it is, make it intriguing.
For example:
“What would you do if you woke up to find your hometown overrun by giant, man-eating begonias? In my 80,000-word science fiction novel, Bloom, the answer is run—and fast.”
2. The Summary
This is where you dive a little deeper into your story. Give a brief synopsis that covers the main character, the conflict, and what’s at stake. Avoid spoilers, though—no one wants to know the ending before they’ve even started.
3. The Bio
Finally, wrap it up with a short paragraph about yourself. Mention any writing credentials, awards, or relevant experience. If you don’t have any, don’t panic. Just keep it light and professional. Something like:
“When I’m not writing, I spend my time trying (and failing) to keep my houseplants alive.”
Pro tip: Be polite and professional throughout. No gimmicks, no begging, and definitely no glitter bombs in the envelope. (Yes, agents still talk about that one.)
Step 5: Follow Submission Guidelines (Seriously)
Here’s a hard truth: Agents are busy. Like, really busy. They’re fielding hundreds of submissions a week, juggling clients, and probably trying to squeeze in lunch between meetings. So if you don’t follow their submission guidelines, they’re not going to make an exception for you.
Think of it like a recipe. If the agent asks for a query letter and the first five pages, don’t send the entire manuscript. If they request a PDF, don’t send a Word doc. And for the love of all things literary, spell their name correctly. It’s not “Dear Agent,” it’s “Dear [Their Actual Name].”
Double-check everything before you hit send. Typos or sloppy formatting? That’s like showing up to a job interview with mustard on your shirt.
Step 6: Submit and Wait (Patiently… Kind Of)
Once you’ve sent your query, it’s time to play the waiting game. This part is hard, no doubt about it. It’s like waiting for a text after a first date, except instead of hours, it can take weeks—or months.
Most agents will list their expected response times on their websites. If it says “6-8 weeks,” resist the urge to follow up after three days. Trust me, agents hate that.
If you do need to check in, keep it polite. Something like:
“Hi [Agent’s Name], I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my query for [Book Title], sent on [Date]. Thank you so much for your time!”
And if you don’t hear back at all? Don’t take it personally. Agents receive hundreds of queries, and sometimes silence just means, “Not for me.” It’s not the end of the world. Dust yourself off and send your query to the next agent on your list.
Step 7: Handle Rejections Like a Pro (Because They’re Coming)
Here’s the truth: Rejections are part of the game. Even J.K. Rowling got rejected before Harry Potter became a cultural phenomenon. (Imagine being the editor who said “Nah, hard pass” on Hogwarts.)
Personal insight: Rachel Aaron, one of my mentors in the world of fiction writing and book sales success, started off in the traditional publishing world before she moved to self-publishing. I’d always thought she must’ve been different but I discovered that, like almost all trad publishing stories I’d heard, she’d also had countless rejections before landing her first publishing deal with Orbit.
Key takeaway: Rejections really are just part of the journey.
When the “Thanks, but no thanks” emails roll in, don’t take it personally. This isn’t about you as a human being. It’s about your book, and sometimes, it’s just not the right fit. Agents have specific tastes, workloads, and preferences. Your romantic comedy might be delightful, but if the agent only reps horror, it’s not a match.
Pro tip: Avoid responding to rejections. Definitely don’t send a salty email like, “Your loss, pal!” Just move on gracefully. Think of it like online dating: no one likes the person who can’t take “no” for an answer.
Step 8: Keep Querying (And Keep Improving)
Rejection isn’t the end. It’s an opportunity. Each “no” gets you closer to a “yes.” Use the downtime to sharpen your craft.
Take another look at your query letter. Could it be stronger? Get feedback from trusted writer friends, critique groups, or online forums like Absolute Write or QueryTracker. Sometimes a small tweak—like rephrasing your hook—can make a big difference.
While you’re at it, polish your manuscript. Even if you think it’s perfect, there’s always room for improvement. Consider hiring a professional editor if you can swing it. A fresh pair of eyes might catch something you’ve overlooked.
And don’t stop querying. There are tons of agents out there. Cast a wide net, but make sure it’s a thoughtful one. Sending your fantasy epic to an agent who only reps cookbooks? That’s a waste of everyone’s time.
Step 9: Celebrate the Small Wins
This journey can feel like a grind, so it’s important to celebrate along the way. Did an agent request your full manuscript? That’s huge! Even if they ultimately pass, it means your query and sample pages caught their attention.
Got personalized feedback in a rejection? That’s rare and valuable. It means the agent saw potential in your work and took the time to give you pointers. Print it out, tape it to your fridge, and call it a win.
Remember, every small step forward is progress. The publishing world moves slowly, but persistence pays off.
Step 10: What to Do When You Get an Offer (Cue Happy Dance)
When an agent offers representation, it’s time to celebrate. But don’t pop the champagne just yet—there’s still some work to do.
First, ask questions. A lot of them. This is a partnership, so you want to make sure you’re on the same page. Some good ones include:
- “What’s your vision for my book?”
- “How often do you communicate with clients?”
- “What publishers do you see this book being pitched to?”
Take your time to consider the offer. If you’ve got queries out with other agents, it’s professional courtesy to let them know. Something like:
“Hi [Agent’s Name], I wanted to follow up on my query for [Book Title]. I’ve received an offer of representation and wanted to check if you’d still like to consider it.”
Give them a deadline (a week or two is standard) to respond. This ensures everyone has a fair chance.
Step 11: Pop the Champagne (Finally!)
Once you’ve signed with an agent, it’s official—you’ve made it to the next level! Your agent will help you polish your manuscript, craft a submission plan, and pitch your book to publishers.
Getting an agent is just the beginning of your publishing journey, but it’s a huge milestone. Take a moment to soak it in. Post a celebratory tweet. Do a happy dance in your kitchen. Reward yourself with a giant cookie (or two).
Wrapping It All Up: Your Path to Landing a Literary Agent
Congratulations—you’ve made it through the gauntlet of querying, waiting, tweaking, and (hopefully) celebrating! Landing a literary agent is no small feat, but now you’re one giant step closer to achieving your publishing dreams. Let’s bring this all together with some final thoughts and motivation to keep you going.
Rejection Is a Detour, Not a Dead End
Even the most successful authors faced rejection. Stephen King famously hung his rejection slips on a nail until the weight of them pulled it from the wall. The takeaway? Rejections aren’t the end of your journey; they’re just part of the map.
Each “no” you receive means you’re trying. You’re putting yourself out there, and that’s brave. Every email you send is another chance to connect with the agent who’s perfect for you.
Remember: You only need one “yes.”
Keep Your Eyes on the Big Picture
It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of querying. The waiting. The self-doubt. The obsessive email refreshing. (We see you.) But don’t lose sight of why you started this journey in the first place: You wrote a book, and you want to share it with the world.
Publishing is a marathon, not a sprint. Your goal isn’t just to get an agent—it’s to create a career as an author. So be patient with the process, trust your hard work, and keep moving forward.
The Power of Community
Don’t go through this journey alone. Writing can feel like a solitary activity, but the writing community is full of support. Join a critique group. Connect with other writers on X (Twitter) or in online forums. Share your highs, your lows, and your favorite memes about rejection letters.
Having people who understand what you’re going through makes all the difference. Plus, you might pick up some great advice along the way. (Or, at the very least, a few funny stories about glitter-filled query letters.)
Celebrate Your Progress
Landing a literary agent isn’t something that happens overnight. But every step you take gets you closer. Celebrate the progress you’ve made, whether it’s finishing your manuscript, sending out your first query, or getting a request for pages.
Even if the journey feels slow, you’re moving forward. And that’s worth celebrating.
One Final Piece of Advice: Never Stop Writing
Here’s the golden rule of publishing: While you’re waiting for agents to respond, keep writing. Start your next project. Experiment with new ideas. The more you write, the better you’ll get, and the more opportunities you’ll create for yourself.
Plus, when an agent finally calls and says, “What else are you working on?” you’ll be ready.
You’ve Got This
Landing a literary agent isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible. With persistence, patience, and a polished query letter, you’re on the right path. Every email you send, every revision you make, and every story you write brings you closer to your dream.
So take a deep breath, trust the process, and keep going. The right agent is out there, waiting to champion your work.
And when you finally get that “yes”? You’ll look back on this journey and realize it was all worth it.
Now go out there, send those queries, and show the world what you’ve got. The literary world is waiting for your story. Good luck—you’ve got this! 🎉
