Finding an Agent for Your Book

Navigating the publishing world can be challenging, especially when it comes to submitting your work. It’s important to note that most publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. This means that in most cases, you’ll need to secure an agent to represent your book. Here’s a brief guide to help you get your work into the right hands.

Finding An Agent

To get started, use online resources like Agent Query, Agent Tracker, and Publishers Marketplace to research potential agents. Focus on agents who represent your genre or similar works. This will increase your chances of finding someone who understands your vision and can advocate for your book. Create a list of agents that seem like a good fit, and then begin preparing your submission materials.

For fiction and narrative nonfiction, most agents require a short query letter. This is a one-page “pitch” that introduces you and your book, highlights your qualifications, and provides a snapshot of your story. This often includes comp titles (books that are similar to yours) as well. Be sure to personalize your query letter to each agent, explaining why you are reaching out to them specifically. Demonstrating that you’ve researched the agent and understand what they represent can make your submission stand out.

A well-crafted query letter includes a brief introduction to you and your book, a concise summary of your manuscript, your writing credentials, and why you think the agent is a good fit for your work. Helpful resources like Reedsy’s query letter examples, Writer’s Digest’s guide, and Jane Friedman’s tips can provide insight into what works and how to structure your query letter.

If your query resonates, an agent might request a sample chapter and a brief synopsis of your manuscript. Make sure these are polished before sending your query.

Poetry and Nonfiction Submissions

Nonfiction writers typically need to submit a book proposal instead. This proposal is often submitted before the manuscript is fully written. A book proposal outlines your book’s concept, marketability, and your qualifications as an author. It should include details on the target audience, a marketing plan, and a sample chapter. Polishing this proposal is key to showcasing your work’s potential.

Poetry submissions follow a different path. While most publishers in fiction and nonfiction require an agent, poetry submissions can often be sent directly to publishers, particularly those that focus on first books, chapbooks, or open submission periods. You might have to include a cover letter, but it doesn’t have a strict format like a query letter.

Pay close attention to what presses ask for, particularly in regard to page count, as they likely won’t read your work if it doesn’t follow their guidelines. If you don’t have prior publications, submitting your work to literary magazines can help you build a portfolio and improve your chances of acceptance for a larger manuscript. Just make sure to familiarize yourself with what they publish before you submit. You can find presses accepting poetry manuscripts through sites like Duotrope, Chill Subs, Submittable, New Pages, and The John Fox.

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If you need assistance with finding an agent or refining your query materials, feel free to reach out. Best of luck with your submission process, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions.