Finding the right literary agent is often described as a form of professional matchmaking. It is not just about finding "an" agent, but finding the "right" agent—someone who loves your work, understands the market for it, and has the connections to sell it to the right editors.
This guide breaks down the practical steps to building a targeted submission list and verifying the legitimacy of the agents you find.
Step 1: Identify your genre and category
Before you look for an agent, you must be able to define exactly where your book sits in a bookshop. Agents specialise. An agent who handles "Upmarket Women’s Fiction" may not have the right contacts for a "Hard Sci-Fi" novel.
Be specific. Is it "Middle Grade Fantasy" or "YA Dystopian"? Is it "Narrative Non-fiction" or a "How-to Business Guide"? Knowing your category allows you to filter out hundreds of agents who simply don’t represent your type of work.
Step 2: Research representation lists
There are several established ways to find which agents represent which authors.
- Acknowledgements: This is the "secret weapon." Authors almost always thank their agent in the back of their book. Find 10 books published in the last three years that are similar to yours and check the acknowledgements.
- Agency Websites: Once you have a name, go to the agency’s website. Look at their "Authors" or "Clients" page to see if your work fits the vibe of their list.
- Industry Directories: In the UK, the *Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook* is the gold standard. In the US, *Writer’s Market* or *Poets & Writers* are key resources.
- Online Databases: Websites like QueryTracker or AgentQuery allow you to filter by genre and see recent response times.
Step 4: Check submission requirements
Never send a manuscript until you have read the agent’s specific submission guidelines. These change frequently. Some agents want a query letter and the first three chapters; others want a synopsis and the first 10 pages.
If an agent’s profile says "Closed to submissions," do not send your work. It will be deleted unread and may mark you as someone who cannot follow instructions.
Step 5: Personalise your approach
A query letter should feel like a letter, not a form. Mention why you are querying them specifically. "I am approaching you because you represent [Author Name], whose work shares the same [theme/tone] as my manuscript" is a professional and effective opening.
How to verify an agent is legitimate
Unfortunately, the publishing world has its share of "scam" agents or "Schmagents"—people who act like agents but have no industry connections or track record.
Warning signs of a fake agent
- They ask for money upfront (reading fees, admin fees, or marketing fees).
- They pressure you to use their "affiliated" paid editing service.
- Their website has no list of clients or recent sales to recognisable publishers.
- They are not members of professional bodies like the Association of Authors’ Agents (UK) or the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA).
- They promise you a publishing deal or a specific advance amount.
Tracking your queries
Keep a simple spreadsheet. Track the agent name, agency, date sent, what was sent (e.g., "Full MS" vs "Sample"), and the response. Most agents take 6–12 weeks to respond. If their guidelines say "If you haven’t heard in 8 weeks, please assume we have passed," respect that and move on.
Common mistakes
- Mass BCC querying. Sending one email to 50 agents at once is the fastest way to get 50 rejections. It looks unprofessional and lazy.
- Querying an unfinished manuscript. With the exception of non-fiction, never query an agent until your manuscript is finished, polished, and ready for immediate review.
- Stalking agents on social media. Keep it professional. Do not DM agents on Twitter or Instagram to ask about your submission unless they have specifically invited interaction there.
- Ignoring the "wish list". Many agents post #MSWL (Manuscript Wish List) on social media. If you ignore these, you might miss an agent actively looking for exactly what you’ve written.
Frequently asked questions
Can I query more than one agent at the same agency?
Usually, no. The standard rule is "a pass from one is a pass from the agency." Choose the agent who best fits your genre. If they think a colleague is a better fit, they will often pass it over internally.
What is a "simultaneous submission"?
This is when you query multiple agents at different agencies at the same time. This is standard practice, but you should mention in your query that it is a simultaneous submission.
Should I follow up if I don’t hear back?
Check the guidelines. If they say follow up after 3 months, do so with a brief, polite email. If they say they don’t respond to all queries, do not follow up.