I know this will help you to find an agent!
Last week I sat down with three Literary Agents to discuss what they look for from writers. It really opened my eyes. For me, it was a great situation to get inside their heads. If you’ve ever submitted a query letter and have been rejected you probably felt terrible about the whole process.
I want to tell you, “Literary agents WANT you to succeed!”
They were candid and open and each of them provided me with
great advice to help you. Without too much disagreement they
were able to decide on the top 5 things that cause them to
choose one writer’s work over another and also to rank them in
order of importance.
Here’s what they told me are the 5 Keys to Getting Published:
1. Great Query Letter.
It all begins with your query letter. All of the agents said they
would not even consider an author’s submission if they did not
submit an excellent query letter. They agreed that query letters
should be no more than 2 pages and should use a standard format.
2. Terrific Writing.
Nothing moves an agent more like coming across great writing. For
fiction, one agent said, “I love a good page turner that can keep
me awake at night”. They all agreed your writing should have a
strong, assured narrative voice and good character development. A
great plot is an absolute must. If you are writing non-fiction it
should be clear and well organized. Great writers make the dullest
subjects come alive.
3. Strong Media Connections.
This is very important for non-fiction writers but also becoming
equally important for fiction writers. All the agents wanted
authors who regularly did speaking engagements or wrote in a
syndicated newspaper column. They were looking for solid media
credentials because they felt the marketing of the book is key
to its success.
4. Understanding the Genre.
All of the agents were dumbfounded that first time writers don’t
read deeply in their genre to understand what sells and what
doesn’t. They recommend you should read at least 20-50 books
from your competition.
5. Willing to be Collaborative.
Some agents love to provide editorial input before your work goes
to a publisher. You have to be willing and open to accept
criticism and feedback to make changes that will make your
work marketable.
photo credit: Dain Sandoval
14 comments ↓
Inspirational! I’m still searching for an agent.
Escaping Islam is my book. I am looking for an agent and publisher. Unfortunately, because of the content of my book being timely and provocative, I have a hard time to find the agent and publisher brave enough to accept my book.
Thanks so much for this valuable and helpful information. It is always good to know the inside thoughts of those who are searching the great writers and how to be one of the greatest writers. . .
All this rigmarole is not of any help to some one who wants to find an agent.Why can’t you list the names of the really approachable agents’ names and emails right away.
I wasted my time which I could have used to write!!!!
K.N.Sharma,
I do provide a list of agent names. If you scroll to the top left hand corner of this web page. You will see that I provide a full list of legitimate agents. This “rigmarole” may help you out when you get the list. (or maybe you know everything and don’t need further help?)
Hi there
I am reading two opinions on fiction and nonfiction manuscripts. Is it your position that a fiction manuscript does not have to be completed before you begin to query agents? You mentioned having the first three chapters completed.
Non fiction manuscripts do not have to be completed before contacting agents. With nonfiction you send a book proposal which is a little more involved than a query letter.
For fiction, you are usually sending 1-3 chapters to the agent, if they like your query letter or if the submission guidelines request it up front.
If your agent loves your work after reading those chapters they will request the full manuscript. So, you need to have the full manuscript completed or close to being completed when you contact an agent.
Thanks for your valuable assistance. I purchased a download of Essential English; however, I’m wondering, is there a software grammar checker that you would recommend? Also, how do I begin to build a platform of followers, when I have no publication under my belt?
This page was helpful. (All pages with similiar themes are), but I, just as anyone who reads these posts, wishes there were some sacred formula or animal sacrifice that may expidite or turn the tides in their favor just this one time. So what do say, bub. Is there a pact-with-the dark-lord kind of contract out there. Come on, you can tell me…I won’t tell a soul. I know, I know. It’s just that waiting to hear back about the query sucks asterisk.
I digress. Sorry, Sydney. I think all this stuff is just the flies eyes; you’re awesome. Keep it coming.
Gerry Johnston
Hey Sydney,
All of this is great info and extremely helpful. I have a completed non-fiction book, and I have a query letter ready to send to numerous agents from your free list (THANK YOU!!). However, I do not yet fully understand the proposal that the agents request (you also refer to it in response #7 above). Surely agents get submissions from published AND not-yet-published authors, so the content of the query letter & proposal would be different if you are published or not.
What is the difference of content between a published author and a not-yet-published author??
Also, about 40 percent of the agents on your free list accept email and every agent has specific criteria for each submission. A couple fellow new authors say that emails are not the “proper” way and are much less likely to get any response at all.
Is it in fact better to snail mail query letters and proposals in this modern electronic age?
Thanks again for your help!
Mark McRude
Hi there,
I need your help regarding find an agent in Vancouver ,BC to publish and permote my book.
regards,
Sclanta
In regards to the permotin’ of Sclanta’s book—needy much?
Um, as a Canadian, please let me assure you that not all of us can afford a dictionary. (I, myself, have two parents on the welfare and can afford one.)
Psst, Sclants. The world already thinks we’re all wimps. Do you want them to also believe us to to be stoopid?
As for finding representation, contrary to popular belief, agents and publishers are not hurting so bad for books to publish that they would actively seek you out. That said, there is a book you could purchase—a very informative one—that may be helpful to you. The book is called: “The Canadian Writer’s Market”. In it, you’ll find the contact info for agents and publishers, their submission guidelines, as well as what genres they represent.
Okay, you’ve written a book. Get over yourself and go get this writer’s guide.
p.s. spelling blunders like your “permote” are a big no-no as well. Even if, and that’s a big freaking if, an agent was to see what you’ve written here, they would move on without a second thought.
Take my statements however you will, but expect more of the same from “them” if you approach their agency with the same mind set, eh.
RE: Mark McRude
“What is the difference of content between a published author and a not-yet-published author??
Also, about 40 percent of the agents on your free list accept email and every agent has specific criteria for each submission. A couple fellow new authors say that emails are not the “proper” way and are much less likely to get any response at all.
Is it in fact better to snail mail query letters and proposals in this modern electronic age?”
There is no difference in the content of a query letter or proposal for a non-published author vs. published author. To the agent a published author is more desirable because they have a proven track record. Think of it like a resume it is a difference between a resume with no work history as opposed to one with a solid list of previous jobs.
There is not a right answer as to snail mail vs. email. When we say one is better than the other it is a generalization. Every agent is different. Some agents will NEVER EVER accept a snail mail query some refuse to accept email queries. You need to visit each agent’s website to see their submission requirements.
I’ve got 3-5K for the agent with the right credintials to read my book. If it’s good enough for a producer to read and inspire me….why not take a shot with the next God Father….. I liked the God Father…I like Miller Mike more!
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