Completing a manuscript is a major achievement, but it begins the journey to publication. For many authors, the central question is whether securing a literary agent is a necessary step. The publishing landscape is complex, and understanding an agent’s role is the first step in navigating it.
What a Literary Agent Does
A literary agent serves as an author’s advocate and business partner. Their main function is to sell a manuscript to a suitable publisher by identifying fitting editors and publishing houses and submitting the work. Agents also act as a filter for publishers, vetting manuscripts for quality before they reach an editor’s desk.
Beyond the initial submission, an agent’s responsibilities extend to contract negotiation. They work to secure the best possible terms for their client, covering the financial advance, royalty rates, and publication timelines. An agent also manages subsidiary rights, such as foreign translations, audiobooks, and film adaptations, creating additional revenue streams for the author.
The Benefits of Having a Literary Agent
The primary benefits of agent representation are access and expertise. Many of the largest publishing houses do not accept unsolicited manuscripts, meaning they only consider submissions from a literary agent. An agent’s established relationships with editors can get a manuscript noticed in a crowded market and provide credibility.
An agent’s negotiation power is another benefit. They possess a deep understanding of publishing contracts and market trends, which they leverage to secure more favorable deals. This can include a larger advance, better royalty percentages, and clauses that protect the author’s interests, as they navigate the contract’s legal language.
An agent also acts as a career manager. They can provide editorial feedback to strengthen a manuscript and offer strategic advice on future projects to help build a sustainable career. By handling the business side of publishing, from chasing payments to mediating disputes, the agent acts as a buffer, freeing the author to focus on writing.
When You Might Not Need a Literary Agent
There are situations where an author can pursue publication without an agent. The most prominent alternative is self-publishing, where the author handles all responsibilities, including editing, design, marketing, and distribution. This path offers complete creative control and higher royalties but requires a significant investment of time and money.
Authors writing for academic or specialized niche markets can often approach publishers directly. Many university presses and small independent publishers focusing on specific subjects are open to unsolicited submissions. These presses have a different business model and work directly with experts in a field.
A public figure or a recognized expert with a large platform may be able to secure a book deal without an agent. Their built-in audience reduces the publisher’s marketing risk. Even in these cases, it is recommended to hire an agent or a literary lawyer to negotiate the contract and ensure fair terms.
How to Find and Query an Agent
If you decide an agent is the right path, begin with targeted research to find agents who represent your genre. Online databases like QueryTracker and Publishers Marketplace allow you to search for agents based on the books they sell. Another method is to check the acknowledgments pages of books similar to yours, as authors often thank their agents.
Once you have a list of potential agents, craft a query letter, which is a one-page professional pitch. A standard query includes a hook, a short summary of your book’s plot or argument, and a brief author biography. Your biography should highlight relevant credentials or previous publications.
Along with the query letter, agents request additional materials, such as a synopsis and the first few chapters of your manuscript. A synopsis is a one- to two-page summary of your entire story. It is important to follow each agent’s submission guidelines precisely, as failure to do so is a common reason for rejection.
What Agents Look For in a Submission
When reviewing a submission, an agent assesses if the project fits their list and the market. They look for a professional, polished submission package. The query letter should be personalized, well-written, and free of errors, demonstrating the author has done their research.
The book’s concept must be compelling. Agents look for a strong hook, such as a fresh idea or a unique take on a familiar genre that will stand out. The author must also demonstrate an awareness of their genre and where their book fits within the current literary landscape, showing they understand their target audience.
The quality of the writing is a primary factor. The sample pages must showcase a strong voice, skilled prose, and an engaging narrative. An agent needs to be passionate about a manuscript to champion it to publishers. A submission combining a professional approach, a marketable concept, and strong writing is most likely to capture an agent’s interest.