Tips On How To Find A Literary Agent

You’ve written your book, now what?

Throughout my writing career, I’ve always heard the saying “No agent is better than a bad agent.”

And I firmly believe those words. The agent/author relationship is like a marriage. And no one wants to stay with a spouse who doesn’t listen, makes them angry and who has a completely different view of the world.

Finding the right agent takes time, energy, determination and perseverance.

When I first started writing, I bought the Writer’s Handbook each year and searched through it for agents and publishers.

I found which agents represented my genre and would read books by those authors, comparing their style to mine. After finding agents that seemed like a good fit for me, I sent off the manuscript by snail mail along with an self addressed stamped envelope (SASE.)

And then I’d wait. And wait. And wait. And check the mailbox every hour.

The world of publishing has rotated 180 degrees since those days.

Today one can find an agent on the internet, send out a query letter and get a response, often within minutes. (That has happened to me)

But that doesn’t meant the writer should forego the research. In fact, quite the opposite. Even more research is needed because agents receive so many queries these days, that some only respond if interested.

Important things to remember when querying an agent:

1. Do your research.
2. Follow the agent’s instruction on their website.
3. Wait at least a month before sending a follow-up emai.l
4. Never pay an agent up front. No reputable agent will charge a fee.

How to find that perfect agent:

There are many websites which list agents. Here are just a few which I’ve found helpful in the past.

The Manuscript Wish List — This website lists agents by genre. You can also find them Twitter by using #MSWL

Poets & Writers:

You have to pay to belong to Publishers Marketplace, but it’s worth the price.

Pitch events:

There are websites such as Savvy Authors, which hold regular pitch events. I found my last agent through this means. So, I can vouch for that fact that they do work.

For those who write Women’s Fiction, there is the Women’s Fiction Writers’ Association. They hold an annual pitch event with a workshop prior to the event to prepare you.

And then my favorite, Pitmad.

Pitmad is a Twitter event which takes place 4 times a year. The next event is March 5, 2020. Users post a 240 character pitch using the hashtag #Pitmad along with the hashtag describing the genre of the story: #PB, #WF, #SciFI, #Adult, etc.

Agents and editors read the tweets and if LIKE the pitch if they want to see more. There is a lot of activity during a Pitmad event. It’s a good time to read the pitches which get the most likes and see what agents are looking for.

It may seem like your Tweet can get lost, but I recently sold a picture book by participating in last years #Pitmad.

So, I’m living proof that it does work.

Remember — It takes time and patience.

Good luck in your search!