Submit your work to a literary agent: a step-by-step guide

Create a compelling submission that’s hard for literary agents to ignore.

Last post, I wrote about submitting work to Australian publishers (see here!). While some authors go directly to publishers, many (especially first-timers) approach a literary agent to make the connection for them. Years before I became a Melbourne copywriter, I wrote my first book and was lucky enough to have it picked up by an agent. Like approaching publishers, there are steps you can take to help your manuscript get noticed. Want to know more? Read on …

But first, let's look at what a literary agent is and what they can do for you.

In short, literary agents represent authors and their written works to publishers. A good agent will act as your advocate — they’ll represent your interests, secure publishing deals, negotiate contracts, and manage royalties and intellectual property rights.

Before approaching publishers on your behalf, agents will often provide valuable feedback on your manuscript so you can refine and improve it before submission. Agents understand the publishing landscape and will leverage their networks to identify the right publishers for your work. Some will also provide long-term career guidance and advice on branding, marketing, and expanding your reach in the industry.

Literary agents generally earn a commission from an author's earnings — usually 15 to 20 per cent of the advances and royalties received from publishers. This structure means they’re invested in your manuscript doing well.

Having an agent can significantly increase your chances of getting published. Saying this, like publishers, they’re in hot demand. Not only do they represent an existing list of authors, but they also receive hundreds of unpublished manuscripts to consider each year.

To help your manuscript get a look-in, check out the following tips.

Research and create a list of literary agents who successfully represent your genre. The Australian Literary Agents’ Association (ALAA) is a great place to start.

Read each agent’s submission guidelines. Like publishers, they usually have specific format and content requirements. Follow them to a tee.

Prepare your submission.

Depending on what the agent asks for, this might include:

Query letter: Write a concise (up to one page) and compelling letter of introduction that summarises your work and explains why the agent is a good fit for your manuscript. Personalise each letter. No one likes a cut-and-paste job!

Synopsis: Write a summary of your story (no more than one page), revealing the main plot and protagonist’s character arc.

Sample chapters: If required, include three SUPER polished chapters. Agents may request anything from a few chapters to the full manuscript, so check, check, check their guidelines.

Format: Again, follow the agent's instructions. Pay attention to the font, spacing, margins, file format and name they ask for. If in doubt, the standard is Times New Roman or Arial, double-spacing, and 1-inch margins.

Proofread and edit: Ensure your submission is error-free. Check spelling and grammar. Consider seeking feedback too from a trusted reader.

Submission: Follow the agent's preferred submission method. Most ask for email submissions with attachments, but the odd one prefers old-fashioned snail mail.

Keep track of your submissions. Record the agents you've contacted, the date of submission, and any response received. This helps keep track of correspondance and makes follow-up easier.

As with publishers, hearing back from agents is a waiting game … be patient and try not to take rejections to heart (I know how hard this is, trust me). View any feedback you receive as a win. Agents will only provide it if they see potential. Use feedback to further develop your manuscript before submitting it to another agent or publisher. And remember, agents can take weeks or even months to respond. Sometimes, disappointingly, they may not respond at all …

And that’s my two cents worth on how to nab a literary agent. Best of luck!

If you’d like help developing your agent or publisher submission, drop me a line via my Contact page. For manuscript assessments, editing and proofreading, or creative mentoring do the same.

Melbourne Copywriting

Are you after top-shelf SEO website copywriting, marketing support, proofreading and editing, a new LinkedIn profile, mentoring, creative copy, and loads more? Check out my services at Copywriter Melbourne, or Contact me for more information.

Learn more about my books, Hello, Goodbye and Small Blessings at Allen and Unwin.