Tips from a Literary Agency: How to Query Better

The “Now What?” Months continue, and we’re shifting our focus to the wide world of publishing! Today, Danielle Barthel and Jaida Temperly of New Leaf Literary share their views from the inside on everything from deciding which project to start submitting to agents, to dealing with multiple-offer scenarios.

Also, join our tweet-chat with the agents of New Leaf Literary on Thursday, February 19 at 1 PM PST using the hashtag #NaNoNewLeaf!

Say you’ve finished your manuscript, your beta readers have read it and given you notes, and you’ve read and edited it yourself so many times that you could recite it in your sleep. You’re ready to start querying—but what are the dos? What are the don’ts? Here are a few thoughts to make your transition into the publishing industry a smooth one:

First, choose the perfect project to send out. It’s okay if you have more than one novel completed when you start querying—but focus on sending out one at a time, and choose your strongest for this purpose…

If you’re querying the first book in a series, say exactly that: “This is a standalone with series potential.” In the same way that you can’t guarantee who’ll love your project, you can’t guarantee that if you go on submission and get an offer that it will be for multiple books. 

While we can only speak for New Leaf, every query we receive is read, and if we’re interested in the project you query, we’ll touch base and ask to set up a phone call. During that call, we’ll probably ask you about what else you’re working on—this is the perfect time to mention your other projects and ideas you have for future books.

Remember, it’s important to do your research. The benefits that will stem from this advice cannot be overstated. It will be one of the best tools in your query-belt. 

To start, decide the genre and age group of your manuscript, and then query agents who actively represent your type of book. And query a set number of agents, too—choose a number you’re comfortable with and start with your ‘group A’. While we don’t wish this on writers, it’s a tough market and if none of your first round agents request your manuscript, you’ll want another round (at least) to send out to. Being prepared will make this a much easier step to take. 

Before you continue querying, consider making some revisions if you’ve received feedback. It’s never a bad thing to jump back into your world to continue making it the best it can be.

If you’ve gotten far enough to have your manuscript requested, and you have a great conversation with an agent, you might get an offer of representation (yay!). Before committing to anyone, make sure to give other agents who might have your project a courtesy heads up. Give them time to get to your project if they haven’t yet (usually about two weeks is appropriate), because chances are good that it’s only because of time constraints that they haven’t read it before that point. 

No matter who you end up going with in a multiple-offer scenario, agents will always appreciate being looped in, and this is a fact that will continue even after you’re agented. From there, it’s all you—make sure you feel comfortable and happy with the offering agent. It’s a close relationship, and you’ll want to know you’re in good hands.

Hopefully these ideas from industry insiders are helpful for your querying process. Best of luck!

Danielle Barthel began interning at Writers House following her completion of the Denver Publishing Institute. While there, she realized she wanted to put her English degree and love of the written word to work at a literary agency. She worked as a full-time assistant for three years, and continues to help keep the New Leaf offices running smoothly in her role of Coordinator of Team and Client Services.

Jaida Temperly moved from Wisconsin to NYC to intern at Writers House. Before that, she had a brief stint in medical school and milked cows on her family’s dairy farm. Jaida is currently an assistant to Joanna Volpe but in her down time, you can find her practicing yoga, downing coffee, or searching for the city’s secret bars and cemeteries.

Top photo by Flickr user -Snugg-