How to Get a Literary Agent

[image error]Pexels.com","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"woman holding book","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="pexels-photo-1848731" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="

Photo by Rodolfo Quirós on Pexels.com

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc..." data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc..." decoding="async" width="660" height="990" src="https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc..." alt="woman holding book" class="wp-image-6154" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc... 867w, https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc... 200w, https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc... 683w, https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc... 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc... 181w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" data-recalc-dims="1" />Photo by Rodolfo Quirós on Pexels.com

On this day six years ago, two literary agents requested full manuscripts of my novel Moody Blue, which ended up being published by GenZ Publishing. That publication journey took at least five years and that should be a lesson in patience and perseverance for me, but I’m still impatient and rejection still stings.

I’ve sent 95 query letters to literary agents since March 6th and I’ve received 27 rejections.

And I think the real kicker is that I am so, so proud of Lightning Strikes. I honestly believe it’s the best thing I’ve ever written. So why am I having such a hard time finding an agent?

Besides the querying and publication process being mostly subjective,

According to MasterClass, the first step towards acquiring a literary agent is to do research. You want to make sure the agent represents the genre you’re writing in. You can check the agent’s listing on Publishers Marketplace, but I prefer to use QueryTracker. All the important information is clearly presented and easy to access. I usually access the agent’s website through the listing and the website typically lists the agent’s wish list and submission guidelines. Knowing those kinds of specifics can really help you personalize and expertly craft a query letter, which is essentially is your letter of introduction to the publishing industry.

So, in summation:

Do researchCheck listingsStart querying

I also found this website especially helpful. It was written by Gillian McAllister, and though it was written seven years ago, it’s still clever and all the information is still relevant and incredibly useful.

Make sure the book is finished — not perfect but ready for submission. At some point, a writer has to stop tinkering and get started on her publishing journey.Remember that your manuscript should be polished, but not perfect, because your agent should lead you to an editor or a publisher that will have some suggestions.Research the agents. Check: a) the genre the agent represents; b) the books the agent likes; c) the books the agent has representedWrite a synopsis … which is essentially every writer’s worst nightmare. McAllister writes, “I keep mine factual and I do spoil the ending in it. It’s a statement, really, of what actually happens in your book. You can include a note at the end stating that it includes themes of motherhood, or whatever, but what I think the synopsis should actually do is chart your main plot arc.” And have no fear: “Many agents say that they look at the query letter, and then the chapters, and the synopsis is only there for reassurance that your contemporary romance isn’t going to have vampires appearing halfway through, so don’t worry.“Write a query letter. My query letters have garnered a couple of requests, so I’m confident I can write a successful query letter. For my specific tips, you can check out this blog post.Most agents request the opening of the manuscript, anywhere from the first five pages to the first three chapters, so make sure the first three chapters are ready to go.Keep a spreadsheet so you’ll know what you sent, when you sent it, and to whom you sent it. This has been helpful because I’ve prioritized agents who were previously interested in my work.And lastly, always be professional.[image error]Pexels.com","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"adult blur books close up","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="pexels-photo-261909" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc..." data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc..." decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="660" height="471" src="https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc..." alt="adult blur books close up" class="wp-image-6156" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc... 1820w, https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc... 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc... 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc... 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc... 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc... 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc... 381w, https://i0.wp.com/mandibeanwriter.wpc... 1320w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" data-recalc-dims="1" />Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The post How to Get a Literary Agent appeared first on mandi bean: writer.