How to Find a Literary Agent Who's Right for You

Have you been thinking of finding a literary agent?

Someone who will sell what you write?

It can be difficult finding an agent who will take you on.

That’s because every agent won’t want to sell what you write.

Instead, agents want to find authors who write what they know they can sell.

And different agents sell different types of manuscripts.

All this means is, you need to find the right literary agent for you and the types of things you write.

Here’s how to find that agent:

1. Make a list of recently published books that are similar to the types of things you write—the same genre and style (humorous picture books or YA fantasy novels, for example).

Next, find out who represents the authors of these books.

You can usually find out who an author’s agent is by looking at the acknowledgments page in the front or back of one of her books.

But if you can’t find an agent’s name that way, try google.

For example, if you’d like to know the agent for Suzanne Collins (author of The Hunger Games), just type in “Who is Suzanne Collins’ agent” – in the search box at google.

2. Once you have a list of agents you think are right for the type of things you write, look for their professional website—it will usually be for the agency they are part of, so look for that agency’s website.

Once you’ve found the website, look for a submissions page that let’s you know if the agency (and sometimes even that specific agent) are accepting queries, new clients, etc.

You should also see how these agents wish to be contacted. Most will want just a query before they want to see your complete manuscript, so follow their initial contact guidelines to the letter.

Tailor each query to each agent.

That is, let each agent know why you think she is the right agent for you and the types of things you write.

3. If an agent responds favorably to your query, you’ll need to send her your full manuscript or at least a few sample chapters and a synopsis.

Again, check out this agent’s submission guidelines to find out exactly what and how to submit your materials.

4. If one of the agents you query offers you a contract, find out as much as you can about this agent (and agency) before you sign it.

For example, find out if this agent will allow you to submit materials to editors on your own if you write something this agent doesn’t wish to represent.

Who knows? You might write something in the future that is much different from what this agent usually represents and she won’t want to market it.

You want to be sure you can still market it yourself (or find another agent for it), even if you’ve signed on with this particular agent or agency.

You also want an agent you feel comfortable with.

You might even ask how often he/she will want to see new material from you.

Both you and your agent want to make money from your writing, but you might be uncomfortable with an agent who expects to see new material from you too often.

Also, how well does this agent explain things to you?

Once your agent gets an offer for your manuscript there are many complicated details to work out.

You want an agent who will take the time to explain all these details to you without making you feel like you should already know his stuff.