Five ways to find a literary agent

June 28, 2009 by Cressida Downing (Editorial Consultant)
Filed under: Literary Agents 

You’ve written your manuscript. It’s as good as it’s going to be. It’s time to get it out into the real world – and you need an agent.

Many mainstream publishers no longer read work that isn’t represented, which is where the literary agent comes in. Find yourself a good agent and they’ll use their experience to match your work with the best publishing house, and push to get the best deal for you.

If you’re new to the writing game, these are my five pointers, based on my experiences of the industry (others will have their own tips but these are mine and I’m sticking to them) – for finding yourself an agent:

  1. Know your writing
    By this I mean, consider what you have written. What genre is it? Which other authors’ work do you admire? Try to match your title to an agent who is known for the sort of work you are aiming to get published.
  2. Be as original as can be
    You’ll need your own voice if you want to be taken on by an agent, so don’t try too hard to emulate works already on their list. There’s a fine line between drawing inspiration from published authors and a lack of originality! – and it can be frustrating for an agency to receive imitations of the style and tone of their bestsellers.
  3. Speed read the thank-yous
    A quick way to track down an author’s agent is to look at the dedication and thanks pages in their books – they normally mention their agent (particularly if theirs is a solid working relationship!)
  4. Choose your preferred style
    Agencies vary in size, location and personal style. Although agents work happily with clients at any distance, consider how easy it would be to get to their offices. Would you rather be represented by a larger agency who has more services ‘inhouse’ – such as the ability to sell your work abroad, or a one person band, where you might develop a closer relationship?
  5. Refer to the experts
    Use the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook as a source of agents to approach (it carries a complete listing of all the UK agents you could hope for) as well as further advice from Philippa Milnes-Smith on ‘How to Get an Agent’.

Finally, remember that if you sign up with an agency they should never ask you for money (read our post on vanity publishing vs self-publishing). But they may well suggest your work needs some editorial help, and will either make their own suggestions or recommend a professional who you would pay directly.

Good luck!

Yours, Cressida

(Freelance editorial consultant)

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Comments

52 Comments on Five ways to find a literary agent

  1. lawrenceez on Jun 28, 2009 at 11:18am

    2. That’s good to know. An agent has read my novel twice and has recommended an editor. The agent will only look at the book again if I work with this editor. Problem is, I can’t afford an editor at the moment. I have no idea what to do, but the whole thing is affecting me a lot. I’ve also got my family making negative comments about the book. Any advice??

  2. lawrenceez on Jul 11, 2009 at 10:29am

    3. update – I finally withdrew the cash and paid the editor.

    btw – this looks like an excellent website!!!

  3. Samuel M. Bull on Jul 11, 2009 at 13:11pm

    4. I have taken the time to write an Autobiography of my life from age 5 in 1938 until I retired in 1986. I was involved in three areas, firstly in shipping, secondly about 15 years in the most failed industry in any country, i.e. the Building Industry and finally by great effort, luck joined by accident the Insurance and Investment Industry in 1969. I went from not being able to buy a coffee to retiring within a period of 5 years and have been retired now since 1986. I am also on my second book, all about my travels around the world during retirement and of course my marriages. Some pretty strong stuff, which is meant to inspire others in the current climate NEVER NEVER give up as success will come as long as you keep trying and never give in, work very heard to achieve your objective.

  4. Samuel M. Bull on Jul 11, 2009 at 13:21pm

    5. If published Book 2 will cover from the period 1986 to date as long as I live long enough to finish as I am only in 1997 so I still have some 12 or 13 years to cover. Retirement is not exactly paradise and I am outlining all the failings and problems that one can encounter as well as all the joy retirement can bring with success in business. I now have to remember,many of the incidents, however if I put in everything it would end up longer than “Gone with the Wind”, I am therefore not sure how many chapters it will cover, both short and long, until it is finished.

  5. Koboles on Jul 13, 2009 at 10:21am

    6. Here in Kenya, we just hear of literary agents. They do not exist here. I have published five childrens books without using one.
    But now that I want to get published either in the US or Britain I see it is difficult to do so without one.
    I have completed a manuscript of around 18,000 words suitable for both teenagers and grownups. The manuscript had been serialised in the Standard on Sunday newspaper in Kenya.
    But now the problem is – how do I get a literary agent in the UK or US to help get my work published in a book form there?
    I have tried to look for a copy of the Writers and Artists Yeabook 2010. It seems not availabe in bookshops in Kenya.
    How am I supposed to go about it?

  6. mistry on Jul 13, 2009 at 13:44pm

    7. I have just written a script and would like it published and I am looking for a literary agent , this is my second book after 10 year break non -fiction so I am getting back in the swing of getting my work published. I will be writing more non-fiction…….

  7. Claire Fogg (Publisher, Yearbooks) on Jul 14, 2009 at 14:34pm

    8. Dear Koboles,

    You can order a copy of the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook from our online shop at A&C Black. Just click through on the link below:

    http://www.acblack.com/catalogue/details.asp?isbn=9781408111277

    Best wishes,
    Claire

  8. Roland Brunner on Jul 15, 2009 at 08:11am

    9. I have only browsed through this website and already love it. I have written a book called “Dont mentschen ze var – a German on his search for the cucumber sandwich” and I am writing about my life in the UK and my experience with the Brits. 43,000 words so far, but growing as I am editing it myself before I have someone else look at it.

    Anyway, time to get the yearbook I guess….

  9. hughch on Jul 16, 2009 at 19:15pm

    10. I had an idea for a triology 18 months ago, but only got vaguely seriously down to writing the first book last week. So far I have written 8000 words farily easily as the plot/storyline is fairly well mapped out in my mind. My objective is probably to write the whole first book (circa 120,000 words I suspect but possibly more), summarise the plot for the other 2 books then find an appropriate agent (the book is fiction based around vampires but with a heavy dose of realism to make their existence, and thereby the plot, plausible (yes I know that night sound funny!)).

    My question is whether this seems a sensible approach?

  10. francesca sforza on Jul 17, 2009 at 11:59am

    11. Dear everybody writing on this site,
    it is lovely to see that any of us working on writing has same problems. I wrote a book about women, a ironic one, not against men.
    I also made together with it a fashion collection. I need an editor in England, need it soon ( I live in Italy, I could stay here only one more week till the 25th July)!!! Does anybody know specialized agents for women books or fashion books in London??? I am looking for an international distribution…
    Thank you for helping me!
    Francesca

  11. Claire Fogg (Publisher, Yearbooks) on Jul 17, 2009 at 12:08pm

    12. Hi Francesca,

    Firstly, congratulations on getting to the stage where you are looking for an agent to pick up your work. We can’t recommend a particular agent as your book will be unique to you and each case is so very different. You’ll want to find an agent that best meets your needs.

    You can do this by searching our list of literary agents here on the site, and then deciding on the ones you want to approach.

    Just go to the Quick Search on the left of the site, and you can choose Literary Agents from the dropdown menu next to Category.

    Best wishes,
    Claire

  12. lawrenceez on Jul 19, 2009 at 12:22pm

    13. Hi Samuel,

    Your autobiography sounds really interesting. All the best with it.

  13. Lou Simpson on Jul 20, 2009 at 03:25am

    14. I live in the US and have two children’s books ready to present to a literary agent. Is is practical to seek an agent in the UK, as well as in the US?

  14. Cressida Downing (editorial consultant) on Jul 20, 2009 at 09:55am

    15. hughch – your approach sounds good – you don’t need to have written all parts of a trilogy before approaching agents.

    Lou Simpson – It would make more sense to concentrate your efforts on finding a US agent. Once a US agent has picked up your work, they have contacts with UK publishers and agents, and will market your work to them.

    Good luck to everyone working on their projects!

  15. Oiza on Jul 21, 2009 at 18:14pm

    16. I have always had writing ideas in my head, sometimes they feel like converstaions between people I have never met. Anyway I am thinking of getting serous now publishing some of my stories. i live in Nigeria and am interested in finding a UK publisher . My style is fiction, I am interested in doing an autobiography but I might be a bit naive thinking that you have to be famous before anyone would be interested to read about your life?…….maybe I’m wrong.

  16. Baubles on Jul 22, 2009 at 13:46pm

    17. I can’t decide whether to market my quartet of contemporary fantasy books just for 10+ year olds or whether to try and attract an agent’s attention by marketing it as a crossover novel. There are elements in the book that would appeal to adults, but on the surface it looks like a children’s book. I’m at the stage now where my manuscript is finished and ready to send out – in fact, I’ve already had two rejections – and what I’m finding really difficult (not to mention annoying) is getting the synopsis right. It’s a minefield out there. Any thoughts would be useful. Thanks.

  17. Cressida Downing (editorial consultant) on Jul 22, 2009 at 16:30pm

    18. A blog post on writing your synopsis is coming soon – so look out for that Baubles!

    Oiza – the question is – who would like to read about your life and why? If you feel you can answer that question convincingly – then go ahead.

  18. Marsh on Jul 24, 2009 at 11:36am

    19. My book “Social Kissing, Gifts & Bribes – how to get on with people worldwide” (ISBN 9781906710897) has been published and launched. My website: http://www.socialkissing.com is being looked at.
    I now want to find an eBook publisher, as my publisher is only interested in publishing in print format. – There are plenty of eBook publishers but they only publish ‘their own’ printed books. – Has anyone found a ‘respectable / sound UK eBook pubisher.

  19. satyen on Jul 29, 2009 at 09:04am

    20. Hi!! Is there any way that an author residing in a country outside US or UK can seek representation from a literary agency based in these two countries? Can you please guide me? Thanks.

  20. Cressida Downing (editorial consultant) on Jul 29, 2009 at 19:55pm

    21. Marsh – I’m sorry – I don’t know much about e-book publishing – hopefully someone else on here can help?

    satyen – just contact the agents in question (see the Yearbook for how to find one) and some will take on overseas clients. The question a UK or US agent will always ask though – is why aren’t you targeting your own country first? A good agent will have international links so should be able to help to get you published throughout the world.

  21. Jo Herbert (Editor, Writers' & Artists' Yearbook) on Jul 30, 2009 at 11:05am

    22. Hi, I’ll post more info about ebooks very soon! Jo

  22. Remnata on Jul 30, 2009 at 19:39pm

    23. Hi. I’m a 17 year-old doing my education in Bangladesh, I’ve just finished writing my first book/manuscript. It’s a bit sci-fi and aimed at young adults like myself.

    I’ve been surfing the web trying to figure out how to send in a manuscript, unsolicited works aren’t accepted, so I’m looking for an agent. And truth be told I have no clue on how to contact one, all of my attempts have been fruitless. I can’t really get the yearbook, because my parents live in Rome.

    Can anyone give me any advice?

  23. lawrenceez on Jul 31, 2009 at 18:27pm

    24. I’d be very interesting in learning more about e-books. First, though, I want to go down the conventional publishing route. I haven’t heard back from the editor.

  24. Akay on Jul 31, 2009 at 18:35pm

    25. I live in Nigeria and there is a shortage of literary agents here. I would like one from the UK or South Africa to help me with my collection of short stories. How do I go about getting one? thank you

  25. nick_gabrichidze on Aug 10, 2009 at 17:13pm

    26. It used to be a listing of publishers and agents here at this website. Have they removed it?

    Nick Gabrichidze
    http://the-simple-stories.blogspot.com/

  26. Claire Fogg (Publisher, Yearbooks) on Aug 10, 2009 at 17:25pm

    27. We do have a list of agents here on the site, which is a great place for any author to start their search. Just go to either the Quick Search or the Advanced Search.

    Best wishes,
    Claire

  27. bestseller on Aug 11, 2009 at 20:43pm

    28. Having spent lots of time getting details of agents from different sources like the yearbook and other writing sites, I researched each one by looking at their websites and looking at the clients that they were agents for. I also looked at how successful they had been for the client and then emailed several with a query and all have replied very positively to say they would take a look at the manuscript.

    Recently I read an interview with an agent who talked about what they were looking for and the current trends which I believed was my work in progress, so once again I sent an email query and several days later came the reply that she would most certainly like to see it when it is ready. I can honestly say this gave me the most fantastic boost and I think if you at least do your research then you have nothing to lose sending an email query.

  28. denisaf on Aug 20, 2009 at 06:07am

    29. I have a book being published by a vanity publisher as POD. It is a long, technical treatise for thinking youngsters across the globe who wondering what is happening to our civilization. It provides understanding of the fundamentals of what went wrong. I settled for a vanity publisher as this is my first book and it is most unlikely to sell well in the near future. I had tried to interest mainstream publishers without any success. A literary agent pointed me to this publisher. I now know that I will have to arrange promotion/marketing to supplement what the publisher will be doing. I am an Australian and the publisher is in the US. However, the book is intended for a global audience. I expect that in due course there will be a significant market in countries like China and India. I would welcome suggestions about marketing/promotion for this type of book. My finances are limited but they can probably stretch into this area if necessary.

  29. Rachel Limon on Aug 21, 2009 at 13:25pm

    30. I have just finished the third draft of a children’s story poem. It is my first real attempt at writing with the objective of getting published, however, I am really pleased with the results and feel ready to approach some agents.

    My problem is not knowing the exact age range it would be suitable for. I have written it in such a way that a young child of 4-6 years would enjoy it, but it may be too hard for them to read it alone and therefore, an adult reading along with them may be best. However, children of 6-9 years plus, may enjoy reading it alone. How on earth do I explain this to an agent?

    I have also noticed that most of the advice for writing a cover letter suggests having a Unique Selling Point and making the agent want to read on … is there ever ANYTHING absolutely unique about a story after thousands of years of literature has been produced?! How can I REALLY REALLY grab an agent’s attention when they receive so MANY letters and manuscripts?! I absolutely believe my work is as good as or better than some of the stuff I have encountered on my research missions to the library, but I have so little experience in selling myself!!! HELP!!

  30. Rachel Limon on Aug 21, 2009 at 13:35pm

    31. Also, are there any specific agents/publishers you can recommend for the children’s story poem genre? My style is similar to Roald Dahl’s (although I am not professing to be the genius that he was, God rest his soul!)

  31. gbarnes182 on Aug 29, 2009 at 01:25am

    32. I am a first time author and have written a short childrens story and would like to send it off to an agent to get a professional opinion on how my story looks. I have found a few agnets which welcome childrens stories, but i am unsure whether my story will be worth sending in. It has just over 850 words and no chapters or great structure. It is intended for young children and, in an ideal world, I can see it having some colourful pictures on the pages. I was just wondering if anyone could give me any advice on whether you think my story will be worth sending in, without reading it obviously. I am confident that the story itself is good enough for children to read, but the quantity may not be up to standards.

  32. mark sanders on Sep 3, 2009 at 17:51pm

    33. i have written a childrens novel and have managed to secure a usa agent could they represent me to uk publishers such as bloomsbury.

  33. matjackson on Sep 3, 2009 at 18:33pm

    34. It seems odd that agents prefer exclusivity, given that most don’t reply for months. I have found several lately who ask for exclusivity and, trying be true to my word, waited weeks to get back an unopened MS pack.

    My book – we’re all innocent in prison, right!? – will be a best seller and I just need someone in the industry to read it. This seems to be an impossible task…

  34. esllou on Sep 10, 2009 at 14:48pm

    35. I’ve read quite a few negative things on here about short stories – by negative, I mean people expressing the opinion that it’s fiercely difficult to get publishers and agents to look at short story collections. I have a complete collection of 50 stories that myself and ten friends have put together. We’ve put together a sample manuscript and a covering letter and are ready to go – just that it seems our options are limited by the number of publishers and/or agents that will consider short stories. Are we going to have difficulty?

  35. Störungsquelle on Sep 16, 2009 at 21:37pm

    36. I just look after a publisher and an agent. In your post weren’t so many advises for finding them (that’s rather advices for authors how to write than how to find an agent) and now I don’t know further where to start with. Anyway it was entertaining to read it.

  36. dave briggs on Sep 17, 2009 at 18:38pm

    37. HI
    Can anyone point me in the right direction for an agent that deal with HIV/AIDS books. I have just finished writing a book with a well known Professor but need an agent to tap into the overseas market. We a bit backwards here in Africa!!
    Regards
    Dave

  37. Kurt on Sep 22, 2009 at 11:51am

    38. Where can I find a list of literary agents that cover English children’s books for the INDIAN market?

  38. colin1964 on Sep 23, 2009 at 13:57pm

    39. hi been trying to find a list of agents so i can try to have my poetry looked at and hopefully published,but its not as easy as i thought.
    can anyone help.
    must warn my poetry seem to make most women cry as it comes from life feelings!

  39. Laura K on Sep 23, 2009 at 14:56pm

    40. Ooh goody, give us a blast then! (I’ll go get my hankies)

  40. colin1964 on Sep 24, 2009 at 09:29am

    41. Ok but dont blame me lol.
    The first one is the very first one i put on paper,and the second is
    now of the top of my head.
    Maybe life, maybe lie
    Maybe die, maybe cry.
    Maybe one, maybe both.
    Maybe life, maybe die.

    Like a raging bull.
    Like an exploding volcano.
    Like a feirce flash river flood, running into a
    soft stream.
    flowing into a meadow of long grass.
    Blowing in the breaze.
    As butterflys glide by.
    This is how i feel when you go by.

  41. Laura K on Sep 24, 2009 at 12:20pm

    42. Lovely…..very moving Colin, deep and meaningful if you’ll pardon the cliche, but I would be proud of those if I were you. Does she / he know how you feel incidentally? I would tell ‘em if not!

  42. Marsh on Sep 24, 2009 at 12:54pm

    43. I wrote on 24 July 2009 that I had written a book: Social Kissing, Gifts & Bribes – how to get on with people worldwide. -ISBN 9781906710897.
    My website http://www.socialkissing.com has been most useful in promoting the book which was launches at Waterstone’s Putney Exchange, London.
    I asked for help with finding an eBook publisher, as unfortunately I could not find any eBook publishers via my copy of Writers & Artists Yearbook 2008. I have now found an excellent firm: Shiel & Denver Publishing Ltd who are publishing it in eBook format with the same title but a new ISBN 9781849030199. It willnow be available worldwide.
    I am also increasing awareness of my (printed) book via hospital radio stations.

  43. colin1964 on Sep 24, 2009 at 14:08pm

    44. Yes laura she knows.
    But started writing down on paper before we meet.
    At the moment try to find an agent, but you what they say
    try, try and try again.

  44. Laura K on Oct 12, 2009 at 17:00pm

    45. Just had my first rejection! But there was a hand-written note attached which said they ‘thought there was some very good writing’ but not taking on new authors. Grateful for the comments though suspect common practise when letting someone down gently! Never mind though, onwards and upwards, one down more to go!!

  45. Claire Fogg (Publisher, Yearbooks) on Oct 15, 2009 at 16:20pm

    46. You could always look upon the first rejection as a rite-of-passage. Have you seen what author Emma Bowd has to say on the subject in How to Deal with Rejection Letters? I think her words are very encouraging. I also rather like the idea that there are similarities between writing and farming!

  46. Anna on Oct 22, 2009 at 19:44pm

    47. I’m in a slightly different position as a ‘mid career’ writer, having published six books before 2002, taken a break for kids, and now finding it difficult to break back in, despite the enthusiasm and support of an agent. Any one know of a support group?! I’m reluctant to try the self publishing route…

  47. Laura K on Oct 30, 2009 at 15:30pm

    48. Ouch, just had another rejection, which not at all unexpected, just seemed a bit harder to take than the other few I’ve had so far – don’t really know why, think it was really just their choice of words and I feel a bit daft to have allowed my spirits to sink so low!!

    It included the lines ‘We take on new clients very sparingly and we have to feel that something is very special indeed. Having considered your enquiry we’re afraid we are not confident we could find you a publisher….’

    It’s a completely reasonable and logical statement but why does it feel so…..final?
    Oh well, the battle rages on (picks self up, brushes self down, moves on).

    Anyway, as a soon-to-be-discovered brilliant novelist, the chance are they wouldn’t have been able to handle the overwhelming attention and demands my work would have placed on them…(whistles a happy tune…)

  48. Claire Fogg (Publisher, Yearbooks) on Oct 30, 2009 at 16:40pm

    49. Oh dear, yes, rejection is all part of the job of being a writer. Don’t let it feel final – because it isn’t. Take a look at Mohana’s post Check Your Ego at the Door and do add your feelings on that thread if you like. Be good to start sharing some experiences.

  49. nsundar on Nov 4, 2009 at 11:34am

    50. I would like to echo Kurt’s question posted on Sep 22:
    Where can I find a list of literary agents that cover English children’s books for the INDIAN market?

  50. Claire Fogg (Publisher, Yearbooks) on Nov 4, 2009 at 12:47pm

    51. Well, the best way to find literary agents here on our site is to try the Advanced Search option, which you can do straight away so long as you are a registered user.

    Just go to Advanced Search, key in your choice of ‘keyword’ in the Full Text Search field and pick All Literary Agents or Literary Agents Overseas from the dropdown menu under Category.

    Most UK and US agents will sell work into the Indian market, but only as a sub-right of the work that they are promoting in their home territories. Hope that helps!

  51. Anne on Nov 5, 2009 at 17:43pm

    52. While being featured on TLC, I was approached by a producer to turn one of my Y/A fictional novels into a film. My heart aches for publication, but film is icing on my imagination cake. We are in final contract negotiations for the film, but I’m afraid to sign without an agent. Even with a potential film deal, I’m finding it difficult to find a reputable agent. I cannot afford an attorney at the present time, can anyone offer advice? The producer is also interested in a dark humor novel I’ve written. My genre is quite ecclectic, does this hinder my ability in getting published?

  52. Cressida Downing (Editorial Consultant) on Nov 18, 2009 at 13:54pm

    53. Anne – can I suggest you try contacting the Society of Authors? They should be able to advise you before you sign a contract.

    Congratulations by the way!
    Cressida

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