How to Find a Literary Agent
You don’t HAVE to use a traditional publisher for your book. But if you want to, getting a literary agent is a must.
In this video, I break down my 10 years of querying experience into 4 basic steps.
[Transcript summary]
You don’t necessarily need an agent to publish a book. But many traditional publishers only take agented submissions. So, how do you find agents you can pitch your book to?
Step 1: Prepare your documents. Almost all agents are going to want to see 5, 10, 15, 25, or 50 pages of your manuscript. Save these samples as separate Word files. You’ll also need to prepare a basic query letter that summarizes what the book is about and what experience or expertise you have. If you’re submitting nonfiction, you’ll need a proposal package, as well. Agents can be specific about what to include and how to format the proposal based on their agency’s standards and processes, but most proposals will need an outline, sample chapters, market analysis with comparable titles, marketing plan, and an author bio. Finally, create a document with the information agents ask for in submission forms. Include elements like your query letter, bio, synopsis, a one-sentence hook, and a summary of your audience and comparable titles. If your agent wants submissions through tools like QueryTracker, you can copy and paste from this document and then customize the information where necessary to save tons of time.
Step 2: Go to QueryTracker. This is a online tool that allows you to search for agents. You can filter your search according to specific criteria, but QueryTracker also helps you to review elements like response times and read comments from others about the agents. The free version is sufficient for many authors, but the paid version, which is just $25 per year as of 2025, offers a lot of other nice features, such as timelines, email notifications, and project management that keeps query tracking separate for each book you have. If you don’t want to use QueryTracker, you can either Google to find agents specific to your genre or use resources like the print editions of Writer’s Market. With these methods, you’ll need to create a spreadsheet or other alternative to manually track your queries. This can be slower than using QueryTracker, but it allows you to track your queries in a highly customized way. You can also find agents that aren’t listed in QueryTracker because of preferences in how they like to work and receive submissions.
Step 3: Visit the agency website for each agent you want to submit to. Review the submission guidelines for the agency carefully. Then look at the profile for the agent you’re interested in to make sure they’re open to queries and are a good match for your book. Some agents also have their own preferences for submissions in addition to the agency guidelines, so don’t assume that if you’ve looked at the submissions page, you have all the information you need.
Step 4: Submit your queries in batches so that you have the chance to incorporate feedback as you go, and make sure each batch has high-priority or dream agents, mid-tier agents, and lower-priority agents.
Remember, you have the best chance of succeeding when you and your agent are truly comfortable with one another. So, if you get an offer of representation, take the time to get to know your agent a little before signing your contract.
Are you ready to start querying YOUR book? Leave me a note on LinkedIn!