How to Get an Agent for New Adult

The dream of holding your published New Adult novel in your hands often hinges on a crucial step: securing a literary agent. For many authors, navigating the treacherous waters of traditional publishing without an agent feels like trying to sail a ship without a compass. An agent isn’t just a gatekeeper; they’re your advocate, strategist, and business partner, negotiating contracts, managing rights, and championing your work. Yet, the path to finding that perfect literary match can seem shrouded in mystery, particularly within the burgeoning and sometimes misunderstood New Adult genre. This comprehensive guide will demystify the process, offering actionable steps and strategic insights to help you land the agent who will launch your New Adult career.

Understanding the New Adult Landscape

Before you even think about querying, you need to understand the unique characteristics of New Adult (NA) and where your story fits within it. NA isn’t just “YA for older teens” or “adult romance with younger protagonists.” It’s a distinct genre centered on protagonists typically aged 18-25, navigating pivotal life transitions such as college, first careers, independence, and intense self-discovery. Core themes often involve identity, burgeoning relationships (romantic or platonic), mental health struggles, finding your place in the world, and confronting adult responsibilities.

Key distinctions to consider:

• Protagonist Age: Strictly 18-25. This is non-negotiable for most agents actively seeking NA.
• Themes: While romance is prevalent, it’s not the only driving force. Focus is often on internal growth and coming-of-age in an adult context.
• Tone: Can range from light and humorous to intensely emotional and gritty, but generally possesses an evolving maturity mirroring the characters’ journeys.
• Content: Can delve into more mature situations than YA, including explicit language, sexual content, and darker themes, though this varies widely. Research what agents are specifically looking for in terms of content within NA.

Actionable Step:
Read widely within contemporary NA. Go beyond the bestsellers. Seek out debut NA authors. Analyze what makes their stories distinct from YA or general adult fiction. Can you confidently articulate why your book is NA and not something else? If not, you may need to reassess your project or your understanding of the genre.

The Foundation: Crafting an Irresistible Manuscript

An agent’s decision to represent you begins and ends with the quality of your manuscript. No amount of querying prowess will compensate for a story that isn’t polished, compelling, and ready for publication. This isn’t about perfection – no first draft is – but about demonstrable mastery of your craft.

1. The Hook: Your opening pages are paramount. Agents often read only the first few paragraphs, or at most the first chapter, before making a “pass” decision. Does your opening immediately immerse the reader, introduce your protagonist, hint at the central conflict, and establish your unique voice?

• Concrete Example: Instead of starting with a character waking up or describing a setting for pages, open with your protagonist facing an immediate challenge or making a pivotal decision that sets the stage for the story. “The summons arrived on my eighteenth birthday, wrapped in black velvet, a chilling invitation to a world I’d sworn to escape,” instantly establishes conflict, stakes, and intrigue for an NA fantasy.

2. Voice & Character: New Adult thrives on authentic, relatable characters with distinct voices. Your protagonist should feel real, flawed, and actively driving the narrative. Their internal struggles and growth must be palpable.

• Concrete Example: Show, don’t just tell, their internal conflict. If your character is struggling with imposter syndrome in a new college environment, instead of stating “She felt inadequate,” portray it through her actions and thoughts: “Every time the professor called on her, Maya’s throat seized, a phantom hand squeezing the words she knew she had, until only garbled whispers escaped, confirming her deepest fear: college had been a terrible mistake.”

3. Pacing & Plot: Does your story unfold with purpose, escalating tension, and meaningful progression? Are the stakes clear? Does the plot organically propel the characters forward? Avoid meandering narratives or stagnant middle sections.

• Concrete Example: Map out your plot points. Use a beat sheet or outline to ensure there are clear turning points, rising action, a compelling climax, and a satisfying resolution. Each scene should serve a purpose in advancing character or plot.

4. Polishing & Professionalism: This means rigorous self-editing, followed by objective beta reader feedback, and ideally, professional critique or developmental editing. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors are instant red flags signaling unprofessionalism. A rough manuscript suggests you haven’t yet taken your writing career seriously.

• Concrete Example: After completing your self-edits, engage at least two beta readers who understand the NA genre. Ask targeted questions: “Were the character motivations clear?” “Did the pacing drag in any section?” “Was the ending satisfying?” Incorporate their constructive feedback.

Actionable Step:
Dedicate significant time to refining your manuscript. Don’t rush this stage. A manuscript that isn’t ready will not only fail to attract an agent but could also sour your chances with that agent if you re-query them later with a more polished version.

The Agent Hunt: Strategic Research and Targeting

You wouldn’t send a fantasy novel to an agent who only represents cookbooks. The same specificity applies within genre fiction, especially NA. Agents have specific tastes, wish lists, and track records. Thorough research is not merely helpful; it’s essential.

1. Identify NA-Seeking Agents: Not all agents represent NA. Some consider it a niche, while others have built their careers on it. Start by using reputable resources to find agents actively looking for NA.

• Concrete Example: Utilize databases like Literary Agent Query, Publishers Marketplace (subscription required, but invaluable for seeing recent deals), or even simply searching “literary agent New Adult” on Google. Many literary agencies have “submission” or “agent” pages listing genres their agents represent.

2. Analyze Agent Wish Lists and Sales: Once you have a list of potential agents, dig deeper.
* Agency Websites: Check their bios and “MSWL” (Manuscript Wish List) pages. Do they specifically mention NA? What subgenres of NA are they interested in (e.g., contemporary NA, NA fantasy, NA romance)?
* Social Media (Twitter/Bluesky/Mastodon): Many agents use these platforms to share specific wish lists, publishing insights, and their personalities. Follow them to get a sense of their preferences.
* Publishers Marketplace: If you have access, search their deals to see what NA books they’ve recently sold. This is the strongest indicator of what they’re actively representing. Are they selling books similar in tone or theme to yours?

• Concrete Example: You find Agent A is looking for “gritty contemporary NA with strong emotional arcs” and Agent B is looking for “lighthearted, high-concept NA romance.” If your book is a dark campus thriller, Agent A is a strong match, Agent B is not. Don’t waste your query on Agent B.

3. Read Their Represented Authors: Read at least one book by an author an agent represents, especially if it’s NA. This gives you invaluable insight into their taste and the quality of work they acquire.

• Concrete Example: If an agent represents an NA author whose writing style, character depth, or thematic concerns resonate strongly with your own, you can genuinely say in your query that you admire their list and feel your book aligns. “I was particularly drawn to your representation of [Author Name]’s [Book Title] and believe [Your Book Title] shares a similar emotional depth in its exploration of…”

4. Prioritize Your List: Create a tiered list of agents.
* Tier 1 (Dream Agents): Agents who are a perfect fit based on their wish list, current sales, and represented authors.
* Tier 2 (Good Fit): Agents who represent NA generally and whose tastes seem to align.
* Tier 3 (Broader NA): Agents who represent NA but perhaps without strong thematic alignment, or if you’re casting a wider net later in the process.

Actionable Step:
Create a detailed spreadsheet to track agents, their subgenres of interest, previous sales, personal preferences (e.g., “no explicit content,” “loves banter”), submission guidelines, and notes on why they might be a good fit for your specific manuscript. This will be your querying bible.

Crafting the Compelling Query Packet

Your query packet is your professional introduction to an agent. It needs to be concise, compelling, and perfectly tailored to their specific requirements. Generally, a query packet consists of:

1. The Query Letter (approx. 250-350 words): This is your elevator pitch, your one shot to intrigue an agent.

• Salutation: Always address the agent by name. Double-check the spelling. “Dear Ms. Smith,”
• Opening (Personalization & Hook): Start with a sentence that shows you’ve done your homework and immediately introduces your book.
  • Concrete Example: “Having admired your work with authors like [Author Name] and noting your interest in diverse contemporary NA, I believe my 75,000-word New Adult contemporary novel, THE SILENT ROOMS, will resonate with your list.”
• The Synopsis (The Pitch): This is the core of your query. In 1-2 paragraphs, concisely introduce your protagonist, their world, the inciting incident, the central conflict (internal and external), what’s at stake, and how the plot moves forward (without giving away the entire ending, but hinting at the emotional core).
  • Concrete Example (NA Thriller): “Eliza’s scholarship to the prestigious Crestwood University is her only escape from a troubled past, but when her roommate vanishes and the campus dismisses it as a runaway, Eliza unearths a terrifying pattern of disappearances targeting high-achieving women. With her own grades plummeting and a mysterious senior watching her every move, Eliza must choose between keeping her head down for her future or risking everything to prove the disappearances are connected, before she becomes the next missing girl.”
• Comp Titles (Comparative Titles): This helps agents quickly categorize your book and understand its market potential. Select two recent (within the last 3-5 years) traditionally published books. One should be from the NA genre or a closely related genre in terms of tone/theme. The other can be from a different genre but share a core element. Avoid blockbusters if your book isn’t on that scale.
  • Concrete Example (NA Romance): “THE BREAKUP BOOK is a contemporary New Adult novel perfect for fans of Emily Henry’s witty banter in Book Lovers meets the profound emotional exploration of identity in Leah Johnson’s You Should See Me in a Crown.”
• Word Count: State your manuscript’s exact word count. For NA, aim for 70,000-90,000 words. Going significantly over or under can be a red flag.
• Author Bio/Platform: Keep it brief. Include any relevant writing credentials (e.g., awards, publications in literary magazines, participation in writing programs). If you have a significant platform (large social media following relevant to your book, an established blog, etc.), mention it concisely. If you don’t, that’s perfectly fine for debut authors.
  • Concrete Example: “I hold an MFA in Creative Writing from [University Name] and my short fiction has appeared in [Literary Magazine Name]. As a former college resident assistant, I drew on personal experiences for the campus setting.”
• Closing: Professional and brief. “Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.”
• Signature: Your full name and contact information.

2. The Synopsis (1-2 pages, for when requested): This is a more detailed, spoiler-inclusive summary of your entire book, from start to finish. It should demonstrate your plot structure, character arcs, and thematic development. Keep it engaging, but prioritize clarity and conciseness.

• Concrete Example: Start with character introduction, inciting incident, rising action, major plot points, climax, and resolution. Highlight key emotional beats. Make sure the agent understands what happens from beginning to end.

3. The Sample Pages (First 10-50 pages, as requested): This is where your manuscript’s quality shines (or falters). Ensure these pages are meticulously polished, represent your best writing, and are correctly formatted (standard manuscript format: 12pt Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins).

Actionable Step:
Draft your query letter. Get feedback on it from other writers or trusted beta readers. Refine it until every word serves a purpose. Do not send out queries until you are confident your packet is impeccable.

The Querying Process: Patience, Persistence, and Professionalism

Querying is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires resilience, organization, and a thick skin.

1. Follow Submission Guidelines to the Letter: This is non-negotiable. Every agency has specific instructions (e.g., “query via online form,” “email 10 pages as attachment,” “email query body only”). Deviating indicates you’re not details-oriented and disrespects their time.

• Concrete Example: If an agency specifies “no attachments,” sending one means your email goes straight to spam or is immediately deleted. If they ask for the first 10 pages in the body of the email, paste them directly; don’t attach a document.

2. Query in Batches: Don’t send 100 queries at once. Start with a small batch (5-10 agents) from your Tier 2 or 3 list. This allows you to test your query letter. If you receive consistent rejections on your first batch, the issue might be with your query or your manuscript, giving you a chance to revise before burning through your dream agents.

• Concrete Example: Send to 5 agents. If you get all rejections or no responses after 4-6 weeks, revisit your query letter and sample pages. Ask yourself: Is my hook strong enough? Is my voice coming through clearly? Is my synopsis compelling?

3. Track Everything: Use your spreadsheet to log:
* Agent name and agency
* Date queried
* Method of submission (email, form)
* What you sent (query, pages, synopsis)
* Response type (rejection, partial request, full request, no response)
* Response date
* Follow-up date (if applicable)

• Concrete Example: Your sheet might show: “Agent X, Queried 3/1/24, Rejection 3/15/24.” Or “Agent Y, Queried 3/5/24, Partial Req 3/20/24, Sent 3/21/24.”

4. Be Prepared for Rejection: Rejection is an inevitable part of the process. It’s rarely personal; it’s often about taste, market fit, or the agent’s current list. Don’t take it to heart. Learn from it, if there’s actionable feedback, but mostly, move on.

• Concrete Example: Instead of dwelling on a rejection, mentally check it off your list and shift your focus to the next agent you’re querying. Every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.”

5. Partial and Full Requests: These are positive signs! A partial request means the agent wants to see more pages (e.g., first 50 or 100). A full request means they want to read your entire manuscript.

• Actionable Step: Respond promptly and professionally. Always double-check which specific pages or files they’ve requested and send them exactly as asked.

6. The Revise and Resubmit (R&R): Occasionally, an agent might offer an R&R. This means they see potential but feel the manuscript needs significant revisions before they would offer representation. An R&R is a huge vote of confidence! It’s a second chance.

• Concrete Example: An agent might say, “I loved your voice and premise, but the middle section felt underdeveloped, and the antagonist’s motivations were unclear.” If you’re willing to make those changes, you’ll revise, notify them when ready, and resubmit. This is a very strong signal of interest.

Navigating the Offer: Choosing Your Champion

If your querying journey culminates in an offer of representation, congratulations! This is a significant milestone. However, the work isn’t over. You need to choose the right agent for you.

1. The “Call”: An agent interested in offering representation will often schedule a call. This is your opportunity to interview them. Be prepared with questions.

• Concrete Example:
  • “Why are you excited about my project?”
  • “What is your vision for this manuscript and my career?”
  • “What kind of revisions do you envision for the manuscript?”
  • “How often do you communicate with your clients?”
  • “What is your submission strategy for this book?”
  • “What’s your commission rate? What expenses do you charge back to the author?”
  • “What happens if the book doesn’t sell?”
  • “Can you provide references from current clients?”

2. Notify Other Agents: Once you have an offer, immediately notify any other agents who currently have your full manuscript or partials. Politely inform them you’ve received an offer and ask if they would like to expedite their reading. Give them a realistic deadline (usually 1-2 weeks).

• Concrete Example: “Dear [Agent Name], I’m writing to inform you that I’ve received an offer of representation for THE SILENT ROOMS. You currently have the full manuscript, and I was hoping you might have a chance to read it by [Date, usually 1-2 weeks from now] to let me know if you would also like to offer representation.”

3. Evaluate the Offer and the Agent: Consider more than just the offer itself.
* Agent’s Vision: Does their vision for your book align with yours?
* Communication Style: Do you feel comfortable and confident communicating with them?
* Track Record: Do they sell books in your genre? Do they have a good reputation? (Research on QueryTracker, Publisher’s Marketplace, or Writer Beware).
* Passion: Do they genuinely love your book? You want someone who will champion it fiercely.
* Contract: Request a sample of their agency agreement and have an attorney (or a trusted author friend with experience) review it. Pay attention to commission, term, termination clauses, and expenses.

4. Make Your Decision: Choose the agent you feel is the best partner for your long-term career, not just for this one book. Trust your gut feeling, but also base your decision on concrete information.

Actionable Step:
Don’t jump at the first offer. Take time to consider it fully, interview the agent thoroughly, and allow other interested agents to read your work. This is a business partnership, and careful consideration is key.

Beyond the Offer: The Agent-Author Partnership

Securing an agent is the beginning, not the end. The relationship is a partnership requiring trust, open communication, and shared goals.

1. Revision & Development: An agent will almost certainly have editorial notes and suggestions before submitting your manuscript to editors. Be open to constructive criticism and willing to revise. This shows professionalism and a commitment to making your book the best it can be.

• Concrete Example: Your agent might identify a sagging middle or a character motivation that feels thin. Work collaboratively to strengthen these areas. They have industry insight you don’t.

2. The Submission Process: Your agent will craft a submission list of editors and publishing houses they believe are the best fit for your book. This process can be slow, sometimes taking months. Be patient.

• Actionable Step: Focus on your next project while your agent is on submission. This keeps your momentum going and distracts you from the often lengthy waiting game.

3. Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your agent. Respond promptly to their emails and questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for updates, but don’t badger them. Trust that they are working for you.

4. Building Your Brand: While your agent focuses on the publishing side, you can work on building your author brand and platform (if applicable to your genre). This isn’t about selling books before they’re published, but about connecting with readers.

• Concrete Example: Engage with the NA community on social media, attend virtual writing conferences, or start a newsletter. This is about building connections and showing your passion for the genre.

Conclusion

The path to securing a literary agent for your New Adult novel is demanding, requiring immense dedication, relentless craft refinement, and strategic persistence. It’s a journey paved with learning, revision, and often, rejection. However, by understanding the genre, meticulously polishing your manuscript, conducting thorough agent research, crafting impeccable query materials, and approaching the process with professionalism, you significantly increase your chances of finding that invaluable advocate. An agent isn’t just a conduit to publication; they are your long-term champion, navigating the complexities of the publishing world so you can focus on what you do best: crafting compelling stories that resonate deeply with readers. Take these steps, prepare diligently, and embrace the process with resilience, for the reward of a thriving literary career—and seeing your New Adult story in the hands of readers—is immeasurably worth the effort.