Finding an Agent for Your Novel, Part V Querying Agents
Dear Writer,
This is likely the last entry in our agent search blog series. I think I’ve covered what I know. If you want to go back over the series so far, start here: https://blog.joinoneroom.com/youve-drafted-your-book-to-the-point-of-submission-now-what-e8396c3f2d16.
Querying agents. Oh boy. If you’re like me, this is the most intimidating part. Also, if you’re like me, you have a whole plan that will go out the window once you get starting. Maybe you were going to submit to three of your top agents. And you were sure who was the ideal choice. And then you changed your mind because of signs (say, you read a story collection that another agent represented and you’re now sure it’s that agent that would totally get your work). Whatever your initial plan or inclination, be ready to adjust as you hear back and talk with agents.
As a general rule, send your query to your top ten agent choices. These decisions may feel a bit arbitrary. Remember, you’ve done your research. It’s time to pitch.
Be sure to tailor each letter to the agent you’re approaching: what do you like about his/her catalog of writers? For example, maybe the editor represents up and coming writers, historical fiction masters you admire, literary writers with slow-burn careers, writers concerned with the same themes as you. This is where your notes come in handy. Use Google, read about the person. They want to know you are pitching them for a considered reason.
Each agency will have different requirements for initial submission. As mentioned in the previous post, some agents ask for a letter and 50 pages of the novel manuscript, some only a letter. Double check name spellings and the letter before hitting send.
Send.
If the agent or agency doesn’t state a timeline for expecting a response, give them four weeks to respond before following up with them.
You will start to hear back, quickly or slowly. Expect rejection. This is a competitive process. Take your time. It took you this long to draft a finished manuscript to send out. A positive response will likely be a request for the full manuscript. Very selective agencies may ask for exclusive consideration of the manuscript.
Rejections will come in. And it’s great if you receive feedback on the manuscript, but don’t take it as gospel. As with all feedback, take the advice that seems right and make edits to your book. With either positive or negative feedback, relax, breathe, pause before responding to agents and/or assistants. Be very kind to assistants. They make the business run and get very little money and too much work as thanks. These are people who love books so much that they make books their life’s work.
If you haven’t found an agent in the first round of ten submissions, keep going. There are plenty of writers who approached dozens of agents before finding the right one. You are looking for the person who believes in and understands your book.
If you receive an offer, get on the phone with the agent. Talk to them about their plans for the book as well as your hopes for your future work. When it comes to making decisions, remember, it will all come down to the relationship you establish with the agent. Select the agent who is excited about your book and understands your goals as a writer.
Best of luck! Let me know how it goes.
Laura
