How to Get a Literary Agent - 4 Steps to Finding One

An agent can help a writer by getting publishers interested in your book, so learning how agents work is not only beneficial for you but for your book too. There must be a genuine relationship between the author and the agent. Otherwise your two heads will butt and your purposes will be different. Make sure before choosing an agent that both of you clearly discuss the goals behind the work of publishing your book. 
 
Some agents will work with the author through suggestions and changes to make the book more appealing to publishers. You should always know what is being done to your story, which is why it is important to communicate consistently with them. A literary agent, Clare Wallace, stated it best: “An author should never edit something or change something if they don’t understand why, or see how it could improve or strengthen the narrative.” They should make sure your manuscript is “right for the market,” but they should not do anything without your approval or last word (Writers & Artists).

Since we know a little more about an agent, let’s break down how to effectively find one:

1. Make Sure Your Book is in the Best Shape Possible: Once you start the process of selling your book, it better be completely finished. There are plenty of professionals ready to help you in the areas of completing your book (such as D&R WordSmiths, which helps you get the book ready for printing through final edits and proofreading). But, never go to any professional who doesn’t communicate with you and have a final say on your book.
   
2. Do Your Research: This is possibly the most important step, because it will determine whether you make it or break it. Ask various publishing houses that have published books tailored to the same genre that your book is and make a list of all the literary agents they have (Poets & Writers). Don't just pursue the first name that pops up on Google's basic search. Make sure you know they are legitimate.
   
3. Don't be Fooled by Scammers: Our world is full of scammers you must watch out for. The last thing you want to worry about is paying for something that should be free - or worse, sending your copy to someone, and they run off with your life's work. If they tack on fees and require “investment accounts” before doing any work, don’t take the bait. "Real agents won’t advertise, don’t charge fees upfront, they work with legitimate publishers, and they should never make you set up a budget for them to work with - they are trying to sell your book, not spend for it" (SFWA). Look in the back of novels and find out the agent who helped sell that book. Some authors will give credit to the agent for his or her help on their websites or in the back of their books. This also shows a good relationship between the writer and the agent. Research agents with good backgrounds, have a history of publishing novels, what kinds of novels they have helped publish and how well they’ve worked with writers. Ask other fellow authors, or even your local library, to see if they can offer any good leads.  
   
4. Make a Good Pitch for an Agent: You have to grab the agent’s attention. They may be trying selling your book to publishers, but first you have to try and sell your book to them, because they don't get a dime until they sell your book. Have an effective query letter that quickly, but efficiently, explains your novel and captures the action or key moments in a story. And don't get too disappointed if the first agent you try to sell to doesn't take your pitch. Just keep digging!
   
5. Get to Know Your Agent: Once you’ve gotten an agent who is interested in representing your book, get to know them before you move any further. They have to believe in your work and you, and you have to trust them with your work. Don't be scared to have a good, personal conversation with them. You may not can sit down and have a cup of tea, but you can certainly talk to them over the phone. Get to know how they operate and what their goals are for your book. 
   

Agents can help your book reach a great potential with publishers that it might not have reached otherwise. But, making smart choices before settling for an agent can save you a lot of heartache and frustration down the road.  


Sources:

"Literary Agents." Literary Agents. Poets & Writers, Web. 15 May 2017.

McAllister, Gilly. "10 Steps to Getting a Literary Agent." How to Find a Literary Agent. Writers & Artists,  Web. 15 May 2017.

Crispin, A.C. "HOW TO FIND A (REAL!) LITERARY AGENT." SFWA. Web. 15 May 2017.