Finding an Agent: A Guide to Setting Realistic Expectations and Crafting Your Strategy
Pursuing a literary agent can be one of the most exciting—and challenging—steps in your writing journey. The truth is, finding an agent and landing a traditional publishing deal is a long-term process that requires patience, openness to feedback, and a willingness to invest in yourself and your work. So if you’re set on working with an agent, it’s essential to approach the process with clear goals, a strategic mindset, and an understanding of what it truly entails.
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Before diving into the querying process, take a step back and consider what you hope to achieve with your book. Are you aiming for mainstream visibility, hoping to see your book on bookstore shelves? Or is your primary goal to connect with a niche audience and have more creative control? Defining your goals upfront will help you decide if the traditional path, which includes finding an agent, is the right fit.
If you’re unsure, consider the process of working with an agent and traditional publisher:
- Substantial Revisions: Once an agent accepts your work, they may suggest edits before submitting it to publishers. Publishers will likely request even more changes after acquisition.
- The Waiting Game: The traditional publishing process is often long. Beyond the query process, expect delays while agents review submissions, publishers consider the manuscript, and, if accepted, the book moves through the publication pipeline, which can take a year or longer.
- Clear Game Plan: Agents are not only looking for talented writers but also for writers with a vision. Your goals and long-term commitment to the book will show agents you’re serious and give them confidence in your work.
If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, traditional publishing might be for you. But if your goals don’t align with the demands of this process, you might explore alternative publishing routes such as self-publishing, where you’ll have more control and faster timelines.
Step 2: Perfect Your Manuscript
The quality of your manuscript is the single most critical factor in getting an agent’s attention. While it may be tempting to rush into querying as soon as your book is finished, taking extra time for revision is crucial.
- Invest in Professional Editing: Many successful authors work with a freelance editor before querying. An editor can help you see areas for improvement that you might have missed, whether it’s a weak opening, underdeveloped characters, or structural issues. This investment can significantly elevate your manuscript and improve your chances of standing out.
- Beta Readers & Feedback: Another helpful step is to share your manuscript with beta readers. Choose people who read widely in your genre, and ask for honest feedback. Hearing how different readers respond to your work can highlight strengths and areas for improvement, especially when multiple readers notice the same things.
- Be Open to Changes: Revising your manuscript can be a humbling experience. Be open to making substantial changes, even if it means cutting scenes or rewriting sections. The more polished your book is, the better your chances are of capturing an agent’s attention.
If you want to learn more about the editing process or why substantial changes might be needed, check out our “Why Substantial Changes Are Essential to a Stronger Story”
Step 3: Create a Standout Query Strategy
Agents receive hundreds of queries a week, so you need to approach your submission with a clear, strategic angle. Here’s how to make your query stand out:
- Position Your Book Uniquely: Think of your book not only as a story but also as a product in the market. What sets your book apart from others in your genre? This could be your unique perspective, an untapped topic, or a new twist on a familiar theme. Try approaching it from a business perspective—how can you make your book seem both unique and necessary?
- Highlight Your Unique Voice: Agents are drawn to books that bring something fresh to the table. In your query, emphasize what makes your voice distinctive, whether it’s your humor, depth, or perspective on your subject matter. Craft your query in a way that showcases the tone and energy of your book.
- Show You’re Worth the Investment: Agents are ultimately looking for writers they can invest in long-term. Think about how your book fits within your career as a writer. If you’re planning more books or have expertise in your book’s subject, let that be known. Show the agent you have a vision beyond just one book, as this is appealing to agents who want to represent clients with lasting potential.
Step 4: Manage Expectations and Embrace the Waiting Game
The traditional publishing route is notoriously slow, so it’s crucial to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the waiting involved:
- Expect Delays in Querying: Agents often have long response times. It’s normal for queries to take weeks or even months to receive a response. Be patient, and avoid rushing to follow up. Use this waiting time to work on other projects, or start building your author platform.
- Embrace the Submission Process: After signing with an agent, the process doesn’t speed up. Publishers take their time reviewing manuscripts, and you may experience rejections even at this stage. Know that each rejection brings you one step closer to finding the right fit.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Every step forward is a win, whether it’s receiving a positive note from an agent or completing a round of edits. Celebrating these milestones will keep you motivated during what can sometimes be a long process.
Step 5: Listen, Learn, and Adapt
No matter where you are in the process, staying informed and open to learning will give you a significant advantage. There are some fantastic resources for writers navigating this path, but one I highly recommend is the podcast The Shit No One Tells You About Writing. I am NOT one to cuss, and I know the title is blunt, but the content is an incredibly insightful look at the realities of querying, finding an agent, and the entire publishing journey. The hosts and guests are industry professionals who provide honest, actionable advice without sugarcoating the process. If you want to learn what agents and publishers really look for, this is one resource you’ll find valuable.
2023 Looks
2022 Looks
amber@burdhousemedia.com