Finding a literary agent

{{whyLabel}}: Agents only accept completed fiction manuscripts from debut authors to ensure you can actually finish a story.

{{howLabel}}:

• Write until you reach a logical conclusion.
• Aim for a word count between 70,000 and 100,000 words for most adult genres.
• Avoid sending unfinished work, as you only get one chance with most agents.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The word 'The End' is written on the final page of a full draft.

{{whyLabel}}: High-level structural issues like pacing or plot holes will lead to immediate rejection.

{{howLabel}}:

• Check that every scene moves the plot forward or reveals character.
• Ensure the protagonist has a clear goal and high stakes.
• Use tools like the 'Story Grid' method to map out your narrative arc.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The plot is cohesive and the pacing is consistent throughout.

{{whyLabel}}: Proper formatting signals that you are a professional who understands the industry's expectations.

{{howLabel}}:

• Use 12pt Times New Roman font and double-space all lines.
• Set 1-inch margins on all sides and indent paragraphs by 0.5 inches (do not use the Tab key).
• Create a title page with your contact info, word count (rounded to the nearest 1,000), and genre.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The document is a clean .docx file following 'Standard Manuscript Format'.

{{whyLabel}}: Comparison titles show agents where your book fits in the current market and who your target audience is.

{{howLabel}}:

• Select books published within the last 3 years in your specific genre.
• Avoid 'mega-bestsellers' like Harry Potter or Stephen King; choose mid-list successes instead.
• Use the formula: '[Title A] meets [Title B]' or 'For fans of [Author X]'.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Two specific, recent book titles are selected for your query.

{{whyLabel}}: This 150-300 word pitch is the most critical part of your query; it must 'sell' the story.

{{howLabel}}:

• Focus on the 'Hook, Book, and Cook' method.
• Introduce the protagonist, their inciting incident, the primary conflict, and the stakes.
• End on a cliffhanger that makes the agent want to read the pages.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A punchy, 3-paragraph story summary is written.

{{whyLabel}}: Agents use the synopsis to check if your plot holds together and if the ending is satisfying.

{{howLabel}}:

• Write a single-spaced summary of the entire plot, including the ending and all spoilers.
• Focus on the main narrative arc only; omit subplots and minor characters.
• Maintain a professional, narrative tone without 'teaser' language.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A one-page document covering the full story from start to finish.

{{whyLabel}}: QueryTracker is the gold-standard tool for finding agents and seeing real-time data on their response times.

{{howLabel}}:

• Sign up for a free account at QueryTracker.net.
• Use the 'Agent Search' filter to select your genre and 'Open to Queries' status.
• Read the 'Comments' section for each agent to see if they are currently active.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: An account is active and a project folder is created.

{{whyLabel}}: Agents use #MSWL to list specific tropes, themes, or voices they are 'hungry' for right now.

{{howLabel}}:

• Visit ManuscriptWishList.com and search for keywords related to your book (e.g., 'Gothic', 'Found Family').
• Cross-reference these agents with your QueryTracker list.
• Note down specific reasons why you are a match for their 'wish list'.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A list of at least 5 agents with specific 'wish list' matches.

{{whyLabel}}: Querying is a numbers game; having a balanced list of 'Dream', 'Mid-tier', and 'New' agents increases your odds.

{{howLabel}}:

• Tier 1: 10 'Dream' agents with major sales records (check Publishers Marketplace).
• Tier 2: 10 established agents at reputable agencies.
• Tier 3: 10 newer agents who are actively building their client lists.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A spreadsheet or QueryTracker list with 30 verified names.

{{whyLabel}}: Personalization proves you aren't 'spamming' and that you've done your homework on the agent's tastes.

{{howLabel}}:

• Mention a book they represented or a specific MSWL tweet in the first paragraph.
• Ensure you follow each agent's specific submission guidelines (e.g., some want 5 pages, others want 10).
• Double-check the spelling of the agent's name.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Eight personalized query letters are ready to send.

{{whyLabel}}: Tracking allows you to know when to 'nudge' or when to assume a 'no-response rejection'.

{{howLabel}}:

• Send the queries via the agent's preferred method (Email or QueryManager).
• Log the submission date and the agent's stated response time in your tracker.
• Set a reminder for 3 months out to follow up if you haven't heard back.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Eight queries are officially in the 'Sent' status.

{{whyLabel}}: If you get 100% rejections on your query, the pitch or the opening pages need revision before you burn through more agents.

{{howLabel}}:

• If you get 'Full Requests', your query works—keep going.
• If you get 'Form Rejections', revise your query blurb.
• If you get 'Personalized Rejections' mentioning the story, consider a minor manuscript edit.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A decision is made to either continue querying or revise the package.