How to Get an Agent After Querying

The silence after querying can be deafening. You’ve poured your heart into your manuscript, crafted a compelling query letter, and meticulously curated your submission packet. You hit send, then… crickets. Or worse, a string of form rejections. Don’t despair. The journey to securing literary representation often involves more than a single batch of queries. This isn’t about giving up; it’s about strategizing your next move. This definitive guide will illuminate the actionable path to landing an agent after your initial querying efforts, transforming frustration into a strategic advantage.

Understanding the Landscape: Why Your First Foray Might Not Have Worked

Before you dive into a new plan, an honest assessment is crucial. It’s not about self-flagellation, but about identifying areas for improvement. Agents are inundated with queries; standing out requires more than just a good story.

The Query Letter Conundrum: A Gateway, Not a Guarantee

Your query letter is your first, and often only, impression. It needs to be a hook, a tantalizing glimpse, not a plot summary. Many writers, in their eagerness, cram too much information in or fail to highlight the core appeal.

• Common Pitfalls:
  • Too Long/Too Short: An ideal query is 250-350 words. Too much overwhelms; too little leaves them wanting more, but not in a good way.
  • Genre Mismatch: Sending a gritty literary fiction to an agent specializing in rom-coms guarantees a quick pass. Did you truly research each agent’s wish list?
  • Lack of Voice: The query should subtly reflect the tone and voice of your manuscript. If your novel is whimsical, but your query is dry, it creates a disconnect.
  • Generic Opening/Closing: “I am writing to you today…” is wallpaper. Start with your hook. End with a professional, succinct sign-off.
  • Synopses Not Blurbs: A synopsis gives away the plot. A blurb hints at the conflict, stakes, and unique selling points. Your query needs a blurb.
• Self-Assessment Action: Reread your initial query letters. Now, read them aloud. Do they excite you? Would you want to read more based solely on that letter? Ask trusted, objective readers (not family) to critique your query specifically, separate from the manuscript.

The Manuscript Itself: Is It Ready for Prime Time?

This is the hardest truth to confront. Sometimes, the rejections aren’t about the query, but the material itself. “Ready” means commercially viable, polished, and compelling.

• Common Pitfalls:
  • Pacing Issues: Does the story drag in the beginning, middle, or end? Are there too many exposition dumps?
  • Weak Character Arcs: Do your characters evolve? Are their motivations clear and compelling? Do readers root for them or understand their struggles?
  • Lack of Unique Concept: Is your premise too similar to existing works without a fresh twist? What makes your story stand out in a crowded market?
  • Unpolished Prose: Typos, grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and inconsistent style are instant turn-offs. Even subtle issues can signal a lack of professionalism.
  • Genre Expectations Ignored: Every genre has conventions. Are you fulfilling reader expectations while still bringing something new to the table? A mystery needs clues; a romance needs satisfying emotional development.
• Self-Assessment Action: This demands an objective eye. Engage professional critique partners, beta readers experienced in your genre, or even a professional editor for a manuscript assessment. Their insights are invaluable. Be open to substantive revisions, even if it means reworking large sections.

Agent Research: The Foundation of Targeted Submissions

Shotgun querying is a waste of time and energy. Each agent has specific tastes, needs, and limitations.

• Common Pitfalls:
  • Insufficient Research: Not checking an agent’s current submission status, their recent deals, or their specific “wish list.”
  • Ignoring Agency Overlap: Some agencies have non-compete clauses among their agents. Sending to multiple agents within the same agency often results in an automatic pass from all of them.
  • Not Personalizing: A generic “Dear Agent” screams lack of effort. Referencing their specific interests or a deal they’ve made shows you’ve done your homework.
• Self-Assessment Action: Review your agent list. Did you identify why you selected each agent beyond just “they represent my genre”? Did you note their specific interests or the types of books they’d love to see? Rebuild your agent list with deeper specificity.

The Problem of Premature Querying: Launching Too Soon

Excitement can lead to haste. Submitting a manuscript that isn’t truly ready is a missed opportunity, as many agents have “zero tolerance” for resubmissions unless explicitly invited.

• Common Pitfalls:
  • First Draft Syndrome: Submitting a manuscript that hasn’t gone through multiple rounds of self-editing, beta reading, and potentially professional critique.
  • Ignoring Feedback: Receiving feedback but only making superficial changes, rather than addressing core issues.
• Self-Assessment Action: Be brutally honest: Was your manuscript the best it could be when you first queried? If the answer causes a moment of hesitation, it likely wasn’t.

The Strategic Pause: How to Leverage Your Querying Experience

Take a breath. Analyze. And then, recalibrate. This interim period is critical for growth and improvement.

Deep Dive into Rejection Types: Decoding the Signals

While most rejections are form letters, repeated rejections after a certain point (e.g., after the first 50 queries) can still indicate patterns.

• Partial Request Rejections: If you get requests for partials, but then rejections, it often points to a problem with the opening chapters. Is the hook strong enough? Is the pacing right? Does the voice hold up?
• Full Request Rejections: If agents read the full manuscript and pass, it suggests issues with the plot, character development, pacing, or the overall concept’s execution. This is the hardest feedback to interpret without specific notes, but it strongly implies the manuscript needs work, not just the query.
• No Requests (Form Rejections Only): This typically indicates the query letter, synopsis, or opening pages (often included in the initial query request) are not compelling enough. It’s the first hurdle, and if not cleared, the manuscript itself isn’t even being considered.

• Actionable Strategy: Categorize your rejections. Which stage did you consistently get rejected at? This pinpoints the area demanding the most attention.

The Power of the Pivot: Revising for Success

Based on your self-assessment and rejection analysis, it’s time for substantial revisions. This isn’t just about tweaking sentences; it’s about strengthening the core of your story.

• For Query/Synopsis Issues:
  • Hire a Query/Synopsis Professional: Many freelance editors specialize in this exact service. They can help you distil your manuscript into a compelling, professional package.
  • Study Successful Queries: Sites like QueryTracker (and others with agent directories) often feature successful query examples. Analyze their structure, word choice, and how they hint at the story without revealing too much.
  • Focus on the “So What?”: Every sentence in your query should serve a purpose. What are the stakes? Why should an agent (and future reader) care?
• For Manuscript Issues (Partial/Full Requests):
  • Start with the Big Picture: Don’t get lost in line edits initially. Focus on plot holes, character arcs, pacing, world-building consistency, and thematic depth. Use a reverse outline to check your story’s structure.
  • Beta Reader Feedback – The Next Level: If previous beta readers weren’t effective, seek out new ones. Target readers in your specific genre. Provide them with specific questions: “Did the character’s motivation feel believable here?” “Was the pacing too slow in chapters 5-7?”
  • Consider a Professional Manuscript Critique/Developmental Edit: This is an investment, but a good developmental editor can provide a detailed roadmap for revisions, identifying weaknesses you might never see yourself. They act as an objective, expert reader.
  • Read Broadly in Your Genre (and Beyond): Immerse yourself in recently acquired and published books in your genre. What are agents and publishers looking for now? How do successful authors handle plot, character, and voice?
  • Join a Critique Group: A dedicated, committed critique group with members willing to give and receive honest feedback can be invaluable for ongoing improvement.
• Actionable Strategy: Implement a structured revision plan. Don’t just “read through” it again. Set specific revision goals based on the identified weaknesses. Schedule dedicated revision time.

Entering the Second Cycle: The Refined Approach

Once you’ve revised your manuscript and query, you’re ready for your second (or third, or fourth) querying cycle. This isn’t a fresh start; it’s a smarter start.

Building a New, Targeted Agent List

This list will be smaller, but infinitely more effective.

• Go Beyond the Obvious: Instead of just searching “agents for [your genre],” delve into agent bios, agency websites, Publisher’s Marketplace deal announcements, and their social media (professional feeds, not personal).
• “MSWL” (Manuscript Wish List): Many agents use #MSWL on Twitter to broadcast specific interests. Search this hashtag for agents who align with your project. Be precise.
• Author Acknowledgements: Look at acknowledgments sections in books similar to yours. Authors often thank their agents by name. This is a direct line to agents who represent your kind of book.
• Conferences and Workshops: Attending reputable writing conferences (virtual or in-person) often provides opportunities to pitch agents directly or learn their preferences firsthand. This also broadens your network.
• The “Comp Title” Strategy: Identify recently published (within the last 3-5 years) successful books that share a similar tone, theme, or concept to yours. Research the agents who represent those authors. This is a powerful, targeted approach.
  • Example: Instead of “A fantasy novel,” try, “My book is X meets Y, with a dash of Z.” “X” and “Y” are your comp titles. This instantaneously tells the agent what to expect in terms of style and audience.
• Actionable Strategy: Create a spreadsheet for your new agent list. Include columns for: Agent Name, Agency, Genres Represented, Specific Interests (from their MSWL or interviews), Personalization Note (what you’ll mention in your query to them specifically), Submission Guidelines, Date Queried, Response, and Follow-up Date.

Crafting the Re-Query Letter: The Art of the Fresh Approach

You can query agents again with a substantially revised manuscript, but it must be different enough to warrant a second look. If you received a rejection from an agent, and your manuscript has undergone only minor edits, do not re-query them. Query new agents only. This section is about how to approach agents who haven’t seen your project yet, but with a new and improved package.

• The Power of Personalization: This cannot be overstated. “Dear [Agent’s Name], I saw on your MSWL you’re looking for [specific subgenre/trope], and I believe my manuscript, [Title], aligns perfectly with your interests.” Or, “I was particularly drawn to your recent acquisition of [Author’s Name]’s novel, [Book Title], and feel my project shares a similar [element – e.g., witty voice, complex world-building].”
• The Strongest Hook: Your opening paragraph must grab attention immediately. Lead with your compelling concept, character, or stakes.
  • Example Opening: Instead of “I am writing to you about my novel,” try: “On the sentient, mushroom-riddled planet of Mycelia, where memories are traded like currency, a grieving fungal empath discovers her dead father’s final thought was not a testament of love, but a warning of planetary genocide.” (Clearly, this needs a specific genre, but demonstrates a strong hook).
• The Polished Blurb: This is where you convey the heart of your story (character, conflict, stakes) in 2-3 concise sentences. Focus on the emotional core and unique selling points.
• Crisp Bio & Comp Titles: Your bio should be brief and professional. Highlight any relevant writing credentials. Your comp titles are crucial for positioning your book. Choose them carefully.
• Professional Closing: Thank them for their time and consideration. “Sincerely,” or “Best,” with your name and contact information.

• Actionable Strategy: Write a personalized query for each agent on your new list. Do not use a template and simply change the name. Each query should feel bespoke.

Synopses: The Necessary Evil

Many agents request a synopsis alongside the query. This is where you summarize your entire plot, including the ending, in 1-2 pages.

• Purpose: It shows the agent you can plot, conclude a narrative, and understand story structure. It’s a test of your narrative control.
• Key Elements:
  • Focus on major plot points and character arcs.
  • Show, don’t tell, your character’s motivations and transformations.
  • Clearly articulate the inciting incident, rising action, climax, and resolution.
  • Maintain the tone of your manuscript.
  • Be concise. Cut every unnecessary word.
• Actionable Strategy: If your previous synopsis was weak, rewrite it from scratch. Get feedback specifically on your synopsis from critique partners or a professional.

Opening Pages: First Impressions Beyond the Query

Most agents request the first 5, 10, or 25 pages with the query. These pages are your ultimate opportunity to showcase your voice, prose, and ability to hook a reader.

• Critique with a Magnifying Glass: Every word counts. Is the dialogue crisp? Is there enough intrigue? Does the character feel real immediately? Are you immediately establishing the world and the conflict?
• Eliminate Backstory Dumps: Weave in necessary background information naturally, through action or organic dialogue, not through large blocks of exposition.
• Start with Action or Intrigue: “Chapter One” should be a doorway into your world, not a waiting room.
• Proofread Relentlessly: Read these pages aloud. Have multiple sets of eyes proofread. Even one typo can signal carelessness.

• Actionable Strategy: Devote significant time to polishing your opening pages. They are a sample of your best work and must be flawless.

Navigating the New Querying Cycle: Patience and Persistence

You are now equipped with refined materials and a targeted strategy. But the waiting game remains.

The Art of the Follow-Up (and When Not To)

• Strict Adherence to Guidelines: Some agents explicitly state “no follow-ups” unless requested. Respect this.
• After Weeks/Months: If an agent’s guidelines state a 6-8 week response time, wait at least that long. Most allow a single, polite follow-up email after their stated response window has passed, just to confirm receipt or to nudge if you’ve received an offer of representation elsewhere.
• Offer of Representation: If you receive an offer from one agent, immediately inform all other agents who have your full manuscript. Give them a polite deadline (typically 1-2 weeks) to consider your project. This is the only time to aggressively follow up.

• Actionable Strategy: Include follow-up dates in your agent submission spreadsheet. Set calendar reminders.

The “No” and the “Yes”: What to Do When They Land

• Rejection as Redirection: A rejection isn’t a judgment on your worth as a writer, nor necessarily on your story itself. It’s a subjective industry. Learn what you can, send a polite “thank you” if appropriate, and move on to the next unique agent.

• The Call: Receiving an offer to speak with an agent is exciting. This isn’t an offer of representation yet; it’s a conversation.

  • Prepare Questions: Ask about their vision for your book, their editorial style, their communication preferences, their agency’s structure, their ideal timeline, and what they see as the next steps.
  • Research Them: Know their recent deals, their clients, and any interviews they’ve given.
  • Be Professional: Treat it like a job interview. It is.
  • Don’t Feel Pressured: It’s okay to say you’d like a few days to consider. It’s perfectly acceptable to inform other agents that you’ve received a call and will be making a decision soon.
• Actionable Strategy: For every rejection, take a deep breath. For every “yes” (or even a partial/full request), celebrate, then get back to work.

Staying Motivated: The Long Game

The querying process is a marathon, not a sprint. Long periods of waiting and rejection can be demoralizing.

• Start Your Next Project: The best way to detach from the anxiety of querying is to immerse yourself in a new creative endeavor. This keeps your skills sharp and provides a healthy distraction.
• Connect with Fellow Writers: Share your experiences, vent frustrations, and celebrate successes with a supportive community. You are not alone.
• Focus on the Craft: Continue to read, learn, and hone your writing skills. Every book, every workshop, every critique makes you a better writer.
• Success Stories Take Time: Research published authors’ journeys. Many faced years of rejections, multiple manuscripts, and countless revisions before breaking through. This is the norm, not the exception.

• Actionable Strategy: Build a peer support network. Set aside dedicated time each week for pure creative writing, separate from querying tasks.

Conclusion

Securing a literary agent after an initial round of queries is entirely possible, but it demands tenacity, introspection, and a commitment to continuous improvement. It’s a process of iterative refinement: analyze, revise, target, and persist. Your previous rejections are not failures; they are invaluable data points guiding you toward a stronger manuscript and a more precise approach. By embracing the strategic pause, implementing robust revisions, and relaunching your efforts with a highly targeted and personalized strategy, you significantly increase your chances of finding the right agent who champions your work and propels your writing career forward. The agent query is merely the first gate; often, it’s the renewed, refined effort that truly opens the door.