How to Get an Agent: What to Know

by

The dream of publication often hinges on a crucial gatekeeper: the literary agent. For many writers, the path to a book deal feels shrouded in mystery, an elaborate secret handshake only the initiated understand. Yet, securing an agent isn’t about luck or innate genius alone; it’s a strategic, methodical process demanding meticulous preparation, unwavering professionalism, and a profound understanding of the publishing landscape. This guide peels back the layers, offering a definitive roadmap for writers aiming to successfully navigate the agent search, transforming ambition into a signed representation agreement.

Deconstructing the Agent’s Role: More Than Just a Go-Between

Before you embark on the hunt, grasp what an agent does and why you need one. An agent isn’t merely a mail carrier for your manuscript. They are your business partner, advocate, and strategist within the complex world of publishing.

What an Agent Does for You:

  • Market Understanding: Agents possess an intimate knowledge of the current publishing market, including what editors are actively acquiring, what trends are emerging, and which houses specialize in specific genres. They know who to pitch and precisely how to position your work to resonate.
  • Editor Connections: Established agents have pre-existing relationships with editors across various publishing houses. This network is invaluable. An editor is far more likely to consider a submission from a trusted agent than an unsolicited query from a new writer.
  • Submission Strategy: They craft a compelling submission strategy, targeting specific editors and imprints they believe are the best fit for your manuscript. This isn’t a shotgun approach; it’s a sniper shot.
  • Negotiation Prowess: Publishers rarely offer new writers a deal straight off the bat. An agent negotiates advances, royalty rates, subsidiary rights (film, foreign, audio), and critical contractual clauses that protect your interests. This is where their 15-20% commission earns its keep.
  • Career Guidance: Beyond the first book, an agent advises on your long-term career, helping you brainstorm new projects, navigate industry shifts, and build a sustainable author brand.
  • Problem Solving: When issues arise—contractual disputes, marketing missteps, or creative differences—your agent is your first line of defense and trusted counsel.

Why You Need One: For most major publishing houses, an agent is the only entry point for fiction and narrative non-fiction. Publishers prefer agents because they vet manuscripts, ensure professionalism, and understand industry standards. Attempting to go it alone against an in-house legal team is a rookie mistake.

The Foundation: Your Manuscript Must Be Unassailable

This is non-negotiable. No amount of query letter brilliance or networking savvy will compensate for an unfinished, unpolished, or uncompelling manuscript. Before you even think about querying, your manuscript must be in its absolute best possible form.

Key Elements of a Submission-Ready Manuscript:

  1. Completion: The entire manuscript must be finished. Agents do not sign unwritten books (with very rare exceptions for established non-fiction authors pre-selling a concept where the author is the primary selling point).
  2. Professional Editing: This doesn’t mean a quick once-over. It means multiple rounds of self-editing (macro and micro), followed by critique partner feedback, beta reader input, and ideally, a professional developmental edit and/or copy edit. Your manuscript should be clean, free of grammatical errors, typos, and structural issues.
    • Example: A fantasy novelist spends months refining her magic system, character arcs, and world-building after critique partner feedback, then hires an editor to catch plot holes and tighten prose before even thinking about agents.
  3. Compelling Narrative/Concept: Does your story grip a reader from page one? Is your non-fiction concept fresh, timely, and does it solve a problem or fulfill a desire for the reader?
    • Example: A memoirist ensures his opening chapter isn’t just recounting events, but immediately establishing stakes, voice, and a compelling hook that makes the reader need to know what happens next.
  4. Genre Fit & Market Awareness: Understand where your book fits within existing literary categories. Read widely in your genre. Can you articulate your book’s comps (comparable titles)?
    • Example: A thriller writer can confidently state her book is “If Gone Girl met The Silent Patient,” demonstrating she understands its market positioning. She’s read both and can articulate the similarities and differences, highlighting her unique spin.
  5. Adherence to Best Practices: This includes proper formatting (double-spaced, 12pt standard font like Times New Roman, ample margins), consistent voice, and strong pacing.

Strategic Research: Finding the Right Agent, Not Just Any Agent

Querying blindly is a waste of time and energy. The most crucial part of your agent search is highly targeted, meticulous research. You’re looking for a partner, not just someone with an agent title.

Deep Dive into Agent Research:

  1. Identify Your Genre/Niche: This is your starting point. Are you writing Young Adult fantasy? Literary fiction? A cookbook? A business book? Your genre dictates which agents are relevant.
  2. Utilize Industry Databases & Resources:
    • AgentQuery.com: A free, searchable database of literary agents, often with submission guidelines and genres listed.
    • QueryTracker.net: Another excellent free resource, allowing you to track your queries and see others’ experiences (though take individual experiences with a grain of salt).
    • Publishers Marketplace (Paid): Invaluable for seeing actual book deals. Search by genre or author. If an agent consistently sells books you admire or that are similar to yours, they are worth investigating.
    • Manuscript Wish List (#MSWL): A Twitter hashtag and website where agents express specific things they are looking for in submissions. Follow agents you’re interested in on Twitter to see their #MSWL posts.
    • Literary Agency Websites: Every legitimate agency has a website listing their agents and their respective submission guidelines.
    • Writer’s Market Deluxe/Guide to Literary Agents: Annual print guides, though online resources are often more current.
  3. Read Agent Interviews & Blogs: Many agents maintain blogs or are interviewed by writing websites. This offers insight into their personality, their taste, and what they’re looking for.
    • Example: You discover an agent who frequently discusses their passion for quirky character-driven narratives, which aligns perfectly with your own novel.
  4. Identify “Comps” & Their Agents: Look at published books in your genre that you feel are similar to yours in tone, style, or subject matter. Go to the acknowledgments section – many authors thank their agents by name. This is a direct line to agents who are already selling books like yours.
    • Example: Your contemporary romance has a similar humor and emotional depth to a recently published novel. You find that author’s agent and add them to your research list.
  5. Check Agency Submission Guidelines: This is critical. Every agency and every agent has specific submission requirements. Some want only a query, some want a query and the first five pages, others want a query and the first three chapters. Deviate at your peril.
    • Example: Agent A asks for a query and the first three pages pasted into the email. Agent B asks for a query and the first fifty pages attached as a Word document. You must adhere to both precisely.
  6. “Personalize” Your Research (Not the Query… Yet): For each agent on your longlist (20-30 viable candidates), make notes:
    • What genres do they acquire?
    • What books have they sold recently (check PM)?
    • Do they have any anti-wishlist items (e.g., “no more dystopian YA”)?
    • Do they represent authors whose work you admire?
    • What are their specific submission guidelines?
    • Why do you think they would be a good fit for your project? (This becomes the basis for your personalized query opener).
    • Example: For Agent Smith, you note: “Represents upmarket thrillers with psychological depth; recently sold ‘The Silent Witness,’ similar to my book’s focus on unreliable narration; prefers email queries with first 10 pages.”

The Query Letter: Your Single-Page Sales Machine

The query letter is your primary tool for securing an agent. It’s a professional business letter, no more than one page, designed to hook an agent and persuade them to request your manuscript. It is NOT a synopsis. It is a sales pitch.

Mastering the Query Letter Structure:

  1. The Hook/Personalized Opener (1-2 sentences): This is where your research shines. Start with a direct, intriguing statement about your book, or a personalized line showing you’ve specifically chosen that agent.
    • Weak Example: “I have written a novel called [TITLE] and hope you will like it.”
    • Strong Example (Personalized): “Having followed your #MSWL for high-concept thrillers, I believe my 78,000-word novel, The Shadow Cipher, a psychological suspense with a locked-room mystery twist, would resonate with your interests.”
    • Strong Example (Hook First): “The key to solving the murder wasn’t in who died, but who lived. But the only witness is in a coma, their secrets locked deep inside a mind teetering on the brink of death. My 85,000-word contemporary thriller, Coma Witness, will appeal to readers of Riley Sager and Ruth Ware.”
  2. The Pitch/Logline (1-2 sentences): A concise, compelling summary of your story, often including the protagonist, the inciting incident, and the central conflict. Think of it as the back cover blurb.
    • Example (Fiction): “When a disillusioned archeologist unearths a device that can rewrite history, she must outwit a secret society determined to control time itself, or risk unraveling the very fabric of existence.”
    • Example (Non-Fiction): “In The Mind’s Labyrinth, a neuroscientist explores the surprising ways our brains misremember crucial events, offering practical strategies to improve memory and perception based on cutting-edge research.”
  3. The Body Paragraph(s) (1-2 paragraphs): Expand slightly on the pitch, introducing the main character, the central conflict, and what’s at stake. Do not summarize the entire plot. Leave them wanting more. Avoid revealing spoilers (especially the ending).
    • Example (Fiction Body): “Haunted by the disappearance of her sister years ago, Detective Anya Sharma believes finding answers for her case lies within the perplexing suicide of a renowned linguist. But as Anya delves into the linguist’s cryptic final notes, she uncovers a secret society operating within the city’s elite, a group that deals in dangerous knowledge and holds the key not only to the linguist’s death, but also to Anya’s sister’s disappearance. Now, with the society’s enforcers on her trail, Anya must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to uncover the truth, knowing the wrong move could cost her life.”
  4. The Housekeeping Paragraph (1-2 sentences): State your word count (round to the nearest thousand), your genre, and relevant comparable titles (comps). Comps should be recently published (within the last 3-5 years) and indicate your book’s market.
    • Example: “My 92,000-word contemporary fantasy novel, The Gilded Cage, will appeal to readers who enjoyed the intricate world-building of Jade City by Fonda Lee and the found family dynamics of The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune.”
    • For Non-Fiction: Include your platform (your unique expertise, audience, and ability to promote the book).
      • Example (Non-Fiction Platform): “As a certified financial planner with a popular blog reaching 50,000 monthly unique visitors and a regular contributor to Forbes Finance, my platform provides direct access to the target audience for Smart Wealth: A Millennial’s Guide to Financial Freedom.”
  5. The Closing (1 sentence): Professional and polite. Simply state your availability to send the full manuscript. “Thank you for your time and consideration.” or “I look forward to hearing from you.”
  6. Signature: Your name, email, phone number, and website/social media links (if professional and relevant).

Crucial Query Letter Considerations:

  • Word Count Precision: State it accurately.
  • Genre Accuracy: Don’t call your book “women’s fiction” if it’s clearly romance.
  • Personalization: Address the agent by name. Reference something specific (a book they sold, a #MSWL tweet, an interview comment). Do not be ingratiating or creepy. A simple “I enjoyed X book you represented” or “I saw your #MSWL for [specific item] and thought of my project” is enough.
  • Proofread Religiously: One typo can send your query to the rejection pile.
  • Follow Guidelines: If they ask for content pasted into the email, do it. If they ask for an attachment, attach it (in the specified format).
  • Conciseness: Every word must earn its place.
  • No Gimmicks: No glitter, no self-addressed stamped envelopes (SASEs are obsolete), no oversized packages.

The Synopsis: A Plot Summary, Not a Sales Pitch

If an agent requests a synopsis, they want a concise, blow-by-blow summary of your entire plot, including spoilers and the ending. It’s a factual overview, not a marketing document like the query.

Synposis Best Practices:

  • Length: Typically 1-2 pages, though some agents request more or fewer. Adhere to their specifications.
  • Third Person, Present Tense: Standard for synopses, even if your novel is past tense.
  • Key Plot Points: Hit all the major beats: inciting incident, rising action, climax, and resolution.
  • Character Arcs: Briefly describe how your main characters change and grow.
  • Voice (Subtly): While factual, a hint of your novel’s voice can shine through.
  • No Ambiguity: Tell them exactly what happens.
  • Proofread: No less important than the query letter.

Tips for Writing a Synopsis:

  • Outline Your Book: Before writing, create a detailed outline of every chapter and plot point.
  • Focus on Cause and Effect: Why does something happen? What consequence does it have?
  • Avoid Excessive Detail: Don’t include every minor character or subplot. Focus on the core narrative.
  • Practice Shortening: Write a longer one, then ruthlessly cut it down.

The Platform: Especially Critical for Non-Fiction (But Helpful for All)

For non-fiction, platform is paramount. It demonstrates your expertise, credibility, and ability to reach a target audience. For fiction, a platform (like a strong social media presence or relevant life experience) can be a bonus, but the story is still king.

Elements of a Strong Platform:

  • Expertise/Credentials: Are you a recognized authority in your field? Do you have degrees, certifications, or professional experience directly related to your book’s topic?
  • Audience/Reach: Do you have a significant following?
    • Social Media: Large, engaged following on relevant platforms (not just friends and family).
    • Blog/Website: Established website with regular traffic.
    • Email List: A substantial, engaged subscriber list.
    • Speaking Engagements: Regular speaking gigs at conferences, workshops, or events.
    • Media Appearances: History of being quoted in articles, appearing on podcasts, radio, or TV.
    • Publications: Previously published articles, essays, or books (even self-published ones if successful).
  • Unique Perspective: Do you offer a fresh take on a common topic, or do you have a unique anecdote that lends credibility?

Building Your Platform (Long-Term Strategy):

  • Start Early: Platform building is not a quick fix.
  • Identify Your Niche: What specific area of expertise do you want to dominate?
  • Create Valuable Content: Consistently publish high-quality content (blog posts, articles, videos, podcasts) related to your book’s topic.
  • Engage Your Audience: Respond to comments, participate in discussions, build a community.
  • Network: Connect with other experts and thought leaders in your field.
  • Seek Speaking Opportunities: Even small local events can build confidence and visibility.
  • Be Strategic with Social Media: Don’t just post; engage and add value.

The Submission Process: Patience, Professionalism, Persistence

Once your materials are polished, your research complete, and your target list refined, it’s time to query.

Key Steps and Considerations:

  1. Batching: Send queries in small batches (5-10 at a time). This allows you to evaluate your query’s effectiveness.
    • Example: You send 7 queries. If all 7 receive quick rejections, your query likely needs revision. If you get requests for partials/fulls, keep going.
  2. Tracking: Use a spreadsheet or QueryTracker.net to log every query:
    • Agent name, Agency name
    • Date Sent
    • Manuscript Title
    • Materials Sent (Query, 10 pages, synopsis, etc.)
    • Response (Rejection, Partial Request, Full Request, Offer)
    • Date of Response
    • Notes (e.g., “personalized well,” “form rejection”)
    • Example: Your spreadsheet shows: “Agent X, AgentCorp, 1/15/24, MY NOVEL, Query+10 pages, Full Request, 1/28/24, Requested after 2 weeks, follow up in 6 weeks if no news.”
  3. Grace Period: Most agents state their response time (e.g., “If you haven’t heard within 6-8 weeks, assume it’s a pass”). Respect this.
    • Do Not Nag: Do not send follow-up emails before the stated response time. Do not call. Ever.
    • Form Rejections are Common: Most rejections will be form letters. It’s not personal. Move on.
  4. The Nudge (After a Full Request): If an agent has your full manuscript and another agent offers representation, it’s appropriate to “nudge” the agents with your full.
    • Nudge Protocol: Email the agents who have your full and politely inform them you’ve received an offer of representation and are giving them X days (typically 1-2 weeks) to consider your manuscript. This lights a fire under them.
    • Example: “Dear [Agent Name], I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to inform you that I recently received an offer of representation for [Manuscript Title]. I deeply value your consideration of my manuscript and wanted to provide you with an opportunity to review it. I plan to make my decision by [Date – e.g., two weeks from now]. Thank you again for your time and prompt attention.”
  5. Rejection Management: Rejection is an integral part of the process. It’s often not a reflection of your writing ability, but a subjective pass or simply a bad fit for that agent’s list.
    • Develop a Thick Skin: Detach emotionally. Learn from specific feedback if you receive it, but don’t dwell on form rejections.
    • See It as Progress: Each rejection moves you closer to the right “yes.”

The Agent Offer: What to Ask, What to Know

The “yes” is thrilling, but it’s also the beginning of critical due diligence. Do not sign the first offer you receive without careful consideration. An offer of representation is a business proposal.

Questions to Ask the Offering Agent:

  1. What attracted you to my manuscript/project? Understand their vision for your book.
  2. What’s your vision for this project? Do they see it selling to a Big Five publisher, an independent, or is it a smaller niche?
  3. What kind of editorial feedback do you envision for the manuscript? Will they ask for revisions before submission, or will they submit it as is? Be prepared for this.
  4. Which editors/houses do you plan to submit to? Test their knowledge of the market and their proposed strategy.
  5. How do you typically communicate with your clients? (Email, phone calls, frequency?)
  6. What are your typical response times for client queries?
  7. What is your approach to subsidiary rights (film, foreign, audio)? Do they handle it in-house or with sub-agents?
  8. What’s your commission rate? (Standard is 15% for domestic, 20% for foreign/film).
  9. What’s the typical length of your agency agreement? (Often 1-2 years, with termination clauses).
  10. Can you provide references from other authors you represent? Contact these authors privately. Ask about communication, editorial input, negotiation skills, and general satisfaction.
  11. How many clients do you actively represent? (A huge roster might mean less individual attention; a tiny one might mean less experience).
  12. What happens if the book doesn’t sell? What’s the plan for future projects?

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Charging Any Fees Upfront: Legitimate literary agents only get paid when you do, through commission on your book deal. Never pay for “reading fees,” “editorial services,” or “marketing packages.” This is the number one biggest red flag.
  • Guaranteeing a Book Deal: No agent can guarantee a book deal. The market is unpredictable.
  • Massive Edits Before Signing: While some agents offer editorial suggestions, a legitimate agent usually signs you first, then works on significant edits. Be wary of extensive, unpaid editorial demands prior to signing.
  • Demanding Exclusive Submission: Before you’ve even signed, this is unusual.
  • Vague Answers to Questions: If they can’t clearly articulate their strategy or answer your due diligence questions.
  • No References or Evasiveness: A legitimate agent should have happy clients.

The Agent Contract: Demystifying the Fine Print

Once you’ve chosen an agent, they will send you a representation agreement. Read it carefully. If you have any doubts, consider discussing it with an attorney specializing in publishing contracts.

Key Elements of a Standard Agency Agreement:

  • Parties Involved: You and the agency.
  • Term: How long the agreement lasts (e.g., one year, two years, or “until terminated”).
  • Termination Clause: How either party can end the agreement (e.g., 30 or 60 days written notice). Look for a “reasonable royalty protection” clause, meaning the agent still earns commission on deals initiated during your representation, even if they close after termination.
  • Commission Rates: Typically 15% for domestic sales, 20% for foreign/film rights (sometimes 15% to the agent and 5% to the sub-agent).
  • Scope of Representation: What materials are covered (a single book, all your literary works)? It’s usually project-specific for new authors.
  • Expenses: How are expenses (mailing, international calls, photocopying) handled? Most reputable agencies cover minor expenses. Avoid agreements that pass significant costs onto you.
  • Payments: How will you receive payments? Agents receive checks from publishers, deduct their commission, and then send the balance to you.
  • Out-of-Print Clause: What happens if your book goes out of print?
  • Governing Law: Which state’s laws govern the contract.

Don’t Rush to Sign: Take your time to review the contract, ask questions, and ensure you understand every clause. This is a significant business partnership.

Beyond the Contract: Building a Productive Agent-Author Relationship

Signing with an agent is not the end of the journey; it’s the beginning of a long-term professional relationship. Cultivating a positive, productive dynamic with your agent is crucial for your career.

Nurturing the Relationship:

  • Communicate Clearly and Respectfully: Address concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Respond Promptly: When your agent asks for something (revisions, decision on an offer, a new pitch), respond in a timely manner.
  • Be Open to Feedback: Your agent is your first line of editorial defense. Be receptive to their suggestions, even if challenging.
  • Trust Their Expertise: They know the market. Trust their judgment on which editors to approach and how to position your work.
  • Be Patient: Publishing moves slowly. Submissions, negotiations, and publication itself can take years.
  • Be Professional: Meet deadlines, deliver clean manuscripts, and conduct yourself professionally with editors and other publishing professionals your agent introduces you to.
  • Understand Their Role: They are not your publicist (they can advise, but their core job is to sell rights), your therapist, or your editor for constant drafts.
  • Appreciate Them: A simple “thank you” goes a long way. This is a partnership.

Concluding Thoughts: The Long Game of Literary Ambition

Securing a literary agent is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands diligent preparation, strategic execution, unflappable tenacity, and a deep understanding of the publishing ecosystem. From crafting an unassailable manuscript to meticulously researching potential advocates, every step is a brick in the foundation of your authorial career. Embrace the learning curve, weather the rejections, and approach each interaction with professionalism and patience. The right agent is not just a connector; they are a career-long champion, ready to navigate the complexities of the literary world by your side. With this knowledge and a commitment to excellence, you are well-equipped to embark on your journey toward securing the representation your writing deserves.