The journey to publication is a structured process that involves finding the right partners to champion your book. This guide offers a clear path through the stages of traditional publishing, from securing professional representation and preparing your work for submission to understanding the road ahead.
Understanding the Role of a Literary Agent
For authors seeking to be published by major houses, a literary agent is an important partner. These professionals serve as the primary link between a writer and the publishing industry, advocating for their clients by leveraging their network of contacts. Agents identify the right editors for a manuscript, as many publishing houses do not review material sent directly by authors.
Once an editor expresses interest, the agent takes charge of negotiating the book deal. This includes securing a favorable advance against future royalties, defining territory and subsidiary rights (such as audio or film rights), and ensuring the contract terms are beneficial for the author. Agents are compensated with a commission, around 15 percent of the author’s earnings from the deal, which aligns their goals with the author’s success.
How to Find and Secure a Literary Agent
The search for a literary agent begins with targeted research to create a list of agents whose professional interests align with your work. It is important to find agents who represent your specific genre. For example, an agent who specializes in historical fiction is unlikely to consider a manuscript for a thriller.
Online resources have made this research more accessible than ever. Websites like Publishers Marketplace are a primary tool, offering a searchable database of agents, the deals they’ve made, and the publishers they work with. Another resource is QueryTracker, which helps authors find agents and track the queries they send. Many agents also participate in social media events like the #MSWL tag, which stands for “Manuscript Wish List,” where they post about the specific types of stories they are currently seeking.
Once you have a list of potential agents, vet them carefully by visiting their agency’s website to review their client list and submission guidelines. Reputable agents will have a clear digital presence and a history of sales to established publishers. Checking their recent sales can confirm they are actively selling books in your genre. Following their submission guidelines exactly is a mark of professionalism.
Prepare a professional and compelling query by personalizing each submission to the specific agent, briefly mentioning why you believe your manuscript is a good fit for their list. Some authors find success by looking at the acknowledgments pages of books similar to their own, where authors often thank their agents by name. This can be a direct way to identify an effective agent in your genre.
Preparing Your Submission Materials
The primary component of your submission package is the query letter, a one-page professional document designed to capture an agent’s interest. A successful query letter has three parts: a compelling hook that introduces the central conflict of your story, a brief synopsis of the plot, and a short author biography that highlights any relevant writing credits or expertise.
For fiction authors, the manuscript itself must be formatted to industry standards. This means using 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spacing the text, and using one-inch margins. Agents will specify in their submission guidelines how much of the manuscript they wish to see initially, which could be the first ten pages, the first three chapters, or the full document.
For non-fiction authors, the process is different, as you will submit a book proposal instead of a full manuscript. This document outlines the book’s concept, market, and structure to convince a publisher there is a ready market for your idea and that you are the right person to write it. A proposal includes:
- An overview
- A chapter-by-chapter outline
- An analysis of the target audience and competing books
- A section on the author’s platform and ability to help market the book
Approaching Publishers Directly
While securing a literary agent is the most common path to a major publisher, it is not the only one. Some authors find success by approaching smaller, independent, or university presses directly. Many of these publishers are open to unsolicited submissions, meaning they do not require an agent to review a manuscript. This route can be particularly suitable for:
- Niche genres
- Literary fiction
- Poetry
- Academic works
To find these publishers, start by identifying books that are similar to yours in tone and subject matter and noting who published them. Online databases and the websites of organizations like the Association of University Presses can provide lists of publishers and their specializations. It is important to carefully review each publisher’s website for their specific submission guidelines.
Your submission package should be tailored to the publisher’s stated requirements, which may include a query letter, a synopsis, and a portion of the manuscript. This path often requires more patience, as smaller presses may have fewer staff and longer response times. For the right manuscript, it can lead to a rewarding publishing partnership.
What to Expect After You Query
After sending out your queries, the waiting period begins. Response times from literary agents and publishers can vary from a few weeks to several months, requiring patience. During this time, it’s a good practice to continue working on other writing projects.
The responses you receive will fall into one of a few categories. A form rejection is the most common outcome and is a standard part of the industry. You might also receive a request for a partial or full manuscript, which indicates a higher level of interest, but this is not a guarantee of an offer.
The goal is to receive an offer of representation from an agent or a publishing contract from a press. If you receive an offer, you will have a phone call with the agent to discuss their vision for your book and to ensure you are a good fit. Rejection is a subjective part of the business and not necessarily a reflection on the quality of your work. Perseverance is a common trait among published authors.