Inside Publishing: The Role of a Literary Agent

How to Find One and Why You Need One

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So, you’ve finished your manuscript (or are almost there) and are ready to share your work with the world. Congratulations! Now, unless you plan to self-publish, comes the next step: finding a literary agent to help get your book onto the shelves of major bookstores. But wait, do you even need a literary agent? What exactly do they do? And how on earth do you find the right one?

What Does a Literary Agent Actually Do?

In the simplest terms, a literary agent is like your personal advocate and business manager rolled into one. Their job is to find a publisher for your book, negotiate the best deal possible, and help guide your writing career long-term. Here are the main things a literary agent does for you:

• Manuscript Submission: A literary agent knows the ins and outs of the publishing world. They’ll submit your manuscript to the right editors at the right publishing houses. Think of them as your connection to all the big players in the book world.

• Negotiating Contracts: Publishers’ contracts can be a maze of legal jargon. A good agent makes sure you’re getting a fair deal — from advances and royalties to protecting your rights for things like film adaptations or international sales.

• Providing Feedback: Many agents offer editorial feedback to help polish your manuscript before sending it out. They know what sells and can give you the perspective you need to make your book shine.

• Career Guidance: Beyond just selling one book, a good literary agent helps you plan for the future. They’ll advise you on what direction to take next, whether you should stick with your genre, or branch out.

Do You Really Need a Literary Agent?

If you want to be traditionally published (especially by one of the “Big Five” publishers like Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, etc.), then yes, you almost definitely need a literary agent. Most of the big publishing houses don’t accept unagented submissions, meaning your book has to go through an agent to be considered.

However, if you’re going the self-publishing route, you don’t need an agent. But even in that case, some self-published authors find agents useful later on when negotiating foreign deals, film rights, or special projects.

How to Approach Finding a Literary Agent

Finding the right literary agent can feel a bit like dating: you’re looking for someone who understands your vision, believes in your work, and has the connections to make your dream a reality. Here’s how to get started:

1. Finish Your Manuscript

First things first — make sure your manuscript is finished. Agents want to see complete works, not half-written drafts or vague ideas. Polish your work, get feedback from beta readers, and be sure it’s as strong as possible before you start querying.

2. Research Agents

You wouldn’t send your thriller manuscript to an agent who only reps children’s books, right? Make sure you’re targeting agents who represent your genre. The Writers' & Artists' Yearbook and websites like QueryTracker and Publisher’s Marketplace are great places to find agents who are a good fit for your work. You can also check the acknowledgments sections of books similar to yours — authors often thank their agents there.

3. Write a Killer Query Letter

Your query letter is your first impression — so make it count! Think of it like a job application cover letter. You need a hook to grab their attention, a brief description of your book (including the genre, word count, and target audience), and a short bio. A good tip can be to say you recently enjoyed one of their client’s books and feel they would be a good fit for your work. Keep it professional but engaging, and don’t forget to follow each agent’s submission guidelines carefully (they often vary). They will usually ask for the first three chapters – make sure you have a really strong opening hook so they will be drawn in to read more. Books don’t need a linear timeline so, rather than building up to a major event in chapter seven, start with that event and then fill in the backstory.

4. Be Patient (And Persistent)

The query process can take time. Agents receive hundreds (sometimes thousands) of queries a month, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back right away. It’s normal to get rejections — even famous authors like J.K. Rowling and Jodi Taylor were rejected many times before finding the right agent. Keep querying, and keep improving your work based on feedback if you get any.

5. Attend Conferences and Workshops

Many writing conferences and workshops offer opportunities to pitch agents in person. This can be a fantastic way to make a personal connection and get real-time feedback on your pitch. Plus, it’s a great networking opportunity to meet other writers and industry pros. I have attended these events and can highly recommend this strategy.

What to Expect Once You Land an Agent

Once you find an agent who loves your work and offers to represent you, it’s time to pop the champagne (or at least take a deep breath and celebrate!). But there’s still a lot to do. Your agent will likely give you feedback on your manuscript, and once it’s in tip-top shape, they’ll start submitting it to publishers.

Expect to be in regular communication with your agent, but keep in mind that it can still take months (sometimes longer) to hear back from publishers. Patience is key! Your agent will be there to guide you through the process, negotiate contracts, and help you make decisions about your writing career.

A Few Final Tips

• Watch out for scams: Legitimate agents don’t charge upfront fees. They make money by taking a percentage of the deals they negotiate for you, usually around 15%. If an “agent” asks for reading fees or charges you for editing services, steer clear.

• Demonstrate your professionalism: Ensure you list any qualifications or personal history regarding your subject matter.

• Show you can sell yourself: Yes, these days, writing a book is not enough—you also need to help promote it and yourself through social media. Make sure you have a website set up and accounts on social platforms. Substack is a great forum for emerging writers.

• Don’t give up: The road to finding an agent can be long, but persistence is key. Keep querying, keep improving your manuscript, and stay open to feedback.

• Trust your gut: Finding the right agent isn’t just about finding someone who wants to represent you — it’s about finding someone who gets your work and has your best interests at heart. Don’t be afraid to turn down an offer if something doesn’t feel right.

Here’s a sample pitch letter:

Dear [Agent's Name],

I’m seeking representation for my 75,000-word historical romance novel, Goodbye Sweetheart, a love story set against the turbulent backdrop of World War II London. It’s a perfect fit for readers who love the heart-wrenching, emotionally charged narratives found in books by your client, Jojo Moyes.

Goodbye Sweetheart follows the lives of two lovers, Rose Bennett and Tom Harrington, who meet in the summer of 1940, as London braces itself for the Blitz. Rose, a talented singer performing in underground clubs to keep spirits high, dreams of escaping the city for a quieter life. Tom, a brave yet battle-weary RAF pilot, finds solace in Rose’s voice during his brief periods of leave. Despite the chaos around them, they begin a passionate, whirlwind romance.

But as Tom faces increasingly dangerous missions over the Channel and Rose becomes caught up in war work that puts her in harm’s way, the couple are torn apart. As bombs fall and letters go unanswered, Rose is forced to confront the possibility that Tom might not come back. Can love survive the devastation of war, or will they be forced to say goodbye forever?

I believe Goodbye Sweetheart will resonate deeply with fans of historical fiction and wartime romance, offering a moving tale of hope, heartache, and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss. The rich period setting and emotionally charged story would appeal to readers who enjoy the sweeping love stories in novels like The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes.

I am a passionate historian with a background in [your relevant qualifications or experiences, if any]. After years of research into WWII London’s wartime spirit, I wanted to create a story that captures the humanity and courage of those who lived and loved during such a perilous time.

I would be delighted to send you the full manuscript of Goodbye Sweetheart for your consideration. Thank you so much for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Website or Social Media]

Good luck with your search for an agent. I wish you every success with your search and writing career. I became Jodi’s agent when she moved from Accent Press to Headline—it’s a role that I love and feel incredibly privileged to have, as she’s enormous fun to work with.  I don’t take on other clients, so I don’t accept submissions.

Hazel Cushion and Jodi Taylor