Literary Agents and Where to Find Them

Query Quest continues...

So, what is a literary agent?

The whole idea can seem like institutionalized gatekeeping, and I am sure it can and has been used that way. But a good literary agent is a professional idea seller. They take the idea — your story — and use their connections with editors and publishers to move that idea into the next phase: a working book.

I say working book, because once an editor picks up your story, you have a lot of work to do. But that’s later in the process. For now, I am in the querying phase.

Queries are basically advertisements showcasing your story idea. They are almost exclusively done by email or online form these days. You have the unenviable task to write a pitch that makes you and your book sound amazing and destined for best-seller acclaim. It always sounds hokey and stilted.

But before you can send out these query letters, you have to find the agents that want to look at your work. There are a few options:

• Internet search - just stick ‘literary agent’ in your search bar and you’ll get hits.

• Something like QueryTracker, which I just started using. I like it so far, but it does have limited agents and agencies listed.

• Go to a database, like Poets and Writers, or other literary websites.

• Conferences - many times agents will be available at conferences for a small paid ‘pitch session.’

• Word of mouth - maybe you know an author and they’ll introduce you to their agent.

Things to remember:

• Certain agents only do certain genres or topics. Double-check their genre and read their preferences!

• Someone you’d like to work with may not be open to submissions just then. Check back later.

• Be sure to follow their instructions for submissions. You don’t want to get passed over because you didn’t give them what they needed to make a decision.

• An agent ‘rejecting’ you is not a reflection on your work. They might just not be looking for a gas-lamp fantasy at that time. Markets drive decisions.

Wish me luck following my own advice. I’ve written a query letter and sent out a few to test things out. More updates next week!

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My first book, Archer 887, was a 2022 Indies Today Awards Contest Finalist, and is on sale now through online book retailers. Pick up a copy, leave a review, and let me know what you think!

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