Writer's Guide on How to Find a Literary Agent

Submitting Manuscripts to Authors’ Agents to Get a Book Published

Apr 25, 2009 Rachel Shirley

Can an author afford to do without a literary agent, and if not, how can the writer find a good one?

A literary agent is a middleman between the author and the publisher. But the role of such a person is many and varied.

What does the Author's Agent Do?

No two literary agencies are the same, and there are no set rules that stipulate what a typical literary agent does. But the basic things an author can expect from an agent is:

• To sell the author’s work
• Negotiate the best deal from publisher on the author’s behalf
• Understand the book market intimately
• Understand the jargon within contracts and advise the author accordingly
• To keep the accounts in order and up to date
• And sometimes offer creative support

It would be conceivably difficult for a writer to have the time to do these things and write a novel. Most writers would opt to find an agent and let them undertake these duties.

Getting a Literary Agent

Many large publishing houses will not accept unsolicited manuscripts. This means that they will consider an author’s work only if it has come through a literary agent. Many publishers view the agent as a sifter of material for the cream. If an agent decides to take a book on, this will show a seal of approval in the publishing world. Because of this, a good agent is essential to the author.

Opportunities for writers

An author must never part with money to have their work seen. The agent makes their money from commission on sales once the book has been published. Usually, this will be between fifteen to twenty percent, which means that the agent will only take on authors who show commercial potential and keep their business afloat.

How to Find a Good Literary Agent

The difference between a publisher and an agent is that the publisher deals with books. An agent looks after the author. For this reason, it is vital that the agent and the author get on. If the writer has any doubts, for instance, if the agent does not seem to be working hard on the author’s behalf, it might be wise to shop around for another agent. A good novel will always find alternative representation.

It is also important to do some research before submitting the novel. The Artist and Writer’s Yearbook is an invaluable resource of information on which literary agent to choose.

Submitting a Manuscript to a Literary Agent

Some agencies consist of separate departments dedicated to film rights, non-fiction, fiction and so forth. Sending the book to the correct department is important. Most agents require the first three chapters of the novel along with a synopsis and a covering letter including the author’s contact details. Since some agents receive hundreds of unsolicited manuscripts a week, a reply might take a month or more.

Unless the author feels confident enough to go it alone, the literary agent is crucial if the author is to find a publisher. The role of the agent takes away all the hassle of selling, negotiating, discussing contracts and keeping the accounts in order. This ensures the author’s time is dedicated to what they do best: the writing.

The copyright of the article Writer's Guide on How to Find a Literary Agent in Book Publishing is owned by Rachel Shirley. Permission to republish Writer's Guide on How to Find a Literary Agent in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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