Publishing fiction: when do I start looking for an agent?
Asked by: Tina Wilson
When should you start looking for a literary agent?
The only time you need a literary agent on board is when you want to aim your collection at a large audience. In that case, a literary agent can submit your manuscript to big publishers.
When should an author get an agent?
Do You Need an Agent to Get Your Book Published? Technically, the answer is no. But if you want your book to be published by a traditional publishing house, you want a literary agent to represent you. Literary agents are invaluable in a traditional publishing scenario.
Should I finish my book before finding an agent?
Finish Writing Your Book
Please do not attempt to find a literary agent until you’ve finished writing your book. You’d be surprised how many writers send out a query with an incomplete manuscript and a bucket full of dreams. Many agents will ask for a sample from your manuscript.
Should I get an agent before a publisher?
If your manuscript has the potential for mass appeal or fits into a popular genre, such as young adult fiction, you probably want to work with a big-name publisher who can distribute your book widely. In these cases, you should get yourself a literary agent.
Should I get my book edited before sending it to an agent?
You don’t need to hire an editor before submitting to agents and publishers. Because many of the editorial stages would be provided for you in traditional publishing, you don’t need to hire an independent editor before you send your work out.
Is it hard to find a literary agent?
The Chances of Getting a Literary Agent
Your odds of getting a literary agent are 1 in 6,000. That does NOT mean 1 out of every 6,000 authors who try to get an agent will make it, and the other 5,999 will fail.
Do first-time authors need agents?
Through their training, experience and often long-running careers in the business, agents offer a level of industry expertise that’s an indispensable benefit for first-time authors. An agent’s knowledge will help you protect yourself as a writer and ensure your book gets the best deal possible.
Did JK Rowling have a literary agent?
Christopher Little, who ran the agency, also managed Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling from and has been credited with single-handedly managing Rowling’s career and turning the Harry Potter franchise into a multi-million pound industry.
Who is the best literary agent for new authors?
Best Literary Agents for New Writers | 25 Top Book Agents for First-Time Authors and Debut Authors
- Marly Rusoff (Marly Rusoff & Associates)
- Jenny Bent (The Bent Agency)
- Susan Golomb (Writers House)
- Dorian Karchmar (William Morris Endeavor)
- Daniel Lazar (Writers House)
- Bill Clegg (The Clegg Agency)
Should I hire an agent to publish my book?
It’s possible to get published as a new author without the help of literary agents – just like anything in the world is possible. However, if you want to increase your chances of getting a book deal and topping the New York Times Bestsellers list, hiring a literary agent is your best bet.
Can you publish a book without an agent?
Some writers may also prefer to work without an agent for the experience of dealing directly with publishers, avoiding paying a percentage on any advances, and having a more direct immersion in the publishing process.
How much do literary agents cost?
Agents generally are paid a fee of between 10 and 20 percent of sales that they help negotiate on behalf of the writer they represent.
How do I reach out to a literary agent?
Here are some ways you can find a literary agent of your own:
- Do research. Before you reach out to any literary agencies, research them thoroughly and create a wish list of the ones you think would be the best fit for you. …
- Check agent listings. …
- Start querying. …
- Try self-publishing.
What should you do before you approach a literary agent?
Before you approach an agent to represent you, make sure that your manuscript is ready for prime time. It should be professionally edited and formatted. Your query letter should be free of typos because it acts as an advertisement for your writing ability.
Who is the best literary agent for new authors?
Best Literary Agents for New Writers | 25 Top Book Agents for First-Time Authors and Debut Authors
- Marly Rusoff (Marly Rusoff & Associates)
- Jenny Bent (The Bent Agency)
- Susan Golomb (Writers House)
- Dorian Karchmar (William Morris Endeavor)
- Daniel Lazar (Writers House)
- Bill Clegg (The Clegg Agency)
How much does it cost to hire a literary agent?
Agents generally are paid a fee of between 10 and 20 percent of sales that they help negotiate on behalf of the writer they represent.
Did JK Rowling have a literary agent?
Christopher Little, who ran the agency, also managed Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling from and has been credited with single-handedly managing Rowling’s career and turning the Harry Potter franchise into a multi-million pound industry.
How many copies make a bestseller?
The category and window of your release all significantly impact the number of copies required to hit the NYT bestseller list, but 5,000 copies during any one-week period is the minimum.