The Complete Guide to Literary Agents and How to Land One (+ Alternatives that Work)

Discover how to find and work with literary agents and explore smart, actionable paths to publication in this empowering guide for authors.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• What is a literary agent?
• What does a literary agent do?
• Do you need a literary agent?
• How to get a literary agent: 4 key steps
• Author-agent fit and shifting the power dynamic
• Getting published without an agent 

What is a literary agent? 

A literary agent is a publishing industry professional who represents authors and their work to publishers. Writers often think of agents as gatekeepers, given that they serve as the primary point of access to many traditional publishers, especially the larger houses that do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. But they are much more than gatekeepers. Landing an agent means you've recruited a champion for your work, someone who'll use their industry expertise and networks to advocate for your story in a competitive marketplace.

You can also think of literary agents as business partners. They understand both the creative and commercial aspects of publishing, and they serve as a vital bridge between the writer’s artistic vision and the business-driven goals of editors and publishing houses. While authors focus on storytelling, agents focus on how that story can find its ideal home and audience within the publishing ecosystem.

The role of a literary agent is deeply relational. To succeed together, you and your agent must align on a publishing vision and collaborate productively on many aspects of getting your book into readers' hands.

What does a literary agent do?

A literary agent’s job begins long before a book hits shelves. From the moment they receive your pitch or manuscript, their role is to evaluate the quality of your writing, the market viability of the project, and whether it aligns with their taste, expertise, and professional network.

If an agent is intrigued by your pitch, they may request a full manuscript (for memoir and fiction) or a formal book proposal (for nonfiction). Then, if they see real potential in your work, they may offer representation.

Once you sign with an agent, the relationship becomes a collaborative one. Your agent will likely offer editorial feedback or extensive developmental notes on your manuscript to give it its best shot at a traditional book deal. While not all agents are hands-on editors, many help refine a book’s pacing, structure, or positioning before sending it out to publishers.

From there, agents take on the critical business-side tasks. They create a submission list tailored to the project, identifying editors at publishing houses who are a good fit based on taste, experience, and current market needs. The agent handles all communications with these editors, tracks responses, navigates rejections, and negotiates offers when they arrive.

Agents are also responsible for negotiating the publishing contract. This includes the advance (the money the publisher pays an author up front), royalty rates, subsidiary rights (like film, audio, foreign rights), and more. Their job is to secure the best possible deal and protect your long-term interests. In return, agents earn a commission, typically 15 percent of your earnings from the advance, royalties, and any sub rights they help sell.

Even after a deal is signed, a good agent remains involved. They stay in contact with the publisher and likely advise you on your next book and writing career at large, including pivots into new genres or formats.

One reason literary agents hold so much influence is that most traditional publishers, especially the Big Five and their imprints, don’t accept submissions without agent representation. This isn’t meant to exclude writers, but to streamline the acquisition process. Editors rely on agents to filter and vet manuscripts, ensuring that what lands in their inbox is polished, professional, and ready to consider.

As you can see, a literary agent wears many hats: editor, matchmaker, negotiator, advocate, and career advisor. If you're aiming for traditional publishing, partnering with the right agent can open doors that would otherwise stay shut and give your work its strongest shot at a book deal.

Do you need a literary agent?

Review this quick self-assessment to decide whether to pursue agent representation:

• I want to publish with one of the Big Five publishers (Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Hachette, Simon & Schuster) or their imprints.

• I want a professional advocate who can negotiate contracts, sell subrights, and guide my long-term career.

• I'm willing to revise my manuscript based on professional feedback—before and after signing with an agent.

• I am prepared to pitch multiple agents and handle rejection as part of the process.

• I want my book to reach the widest possible audience with support from a traditional publishing team.

• I write in a genre that’s well-suited to the traditional publishing market (e.g., upmarket fiction, YA, thrillers, memoir).

• I want someone experienced to champion my work to editors and help me break into the industry.

• I’m not in a rush. I understand that getting an agent and a book deal can take time.

• I want help navigating publishing contracts, advances, and the business side of being an author.

• I value collaboration and want a business partner to help shape my publishing journey.

If fewer than half of these resonate with you, you might explore other publishing paths, like small presses, hybrid publishing, or self-publishing. No path is better, just different based on what you want and need as a writer. 

How to get a literary agent: 4 key steps

If you reviewed the checklist above and felt that more than half of the statements apply to you, finding a literary agent is likely a smart move. In this section, we’ll walk through the key steps to finding, connecting with, and pitching the right agents for your work. The steps below can help you secure representation, as well as position you for a rewarding and sustainable publishing career.

1. Connect to your story.

Before you begin researching agents or drafting your query letter, it’s essential to reconnect with your story and understand its place in the market. Use the following prompts to reflect on your book’s unique qualities and reader appeal:

• What’s your book’s genre and subgenre? Use industry terms like literary fiction, upmarket fiction, contemporary romance, and self-help or motivational nonfiction. Where would your book be shelved in a bookstore?

• What recent books in your category have you read? How does your book compare? What trends are emerging? What’s already out there and how does your story offer something fresh?

• What makes your story unique? Think about your characters, plot, setting, and emotional journey. What’s memorable or surprising? What can only be told in your voice?

• What universal themes or timeless truths does your story explore? Even if your themes or topics are contemporary, what makes them resonate across time and space?

• Who are your ideal readers? Picture them. What are they drawn to in a book? What do they need, crave, or escape from when they read?

• What kind of feedback are readers giving on similar books? Read reviews on platforms like Goodreads, StoryGraph, or Amazon. What do readers love? What frustrates them?

• How does your book meet, or subvert, reader expectations in your genre? Are you delivering on key elements while offering a fresh twist?

Answering these questions will help clarify your book’s identity and lay the foundation for agent research, pitching, and eventual marketing. The more clearly you can see your book’s value and readership, the better you'll equip yourself to find an agent who sees it too.

2. Research literary agents.

Once you’ve reconnected to your story and its readers, the next step is to find agents who could be a good fit for your work. Researching agents can be one of the most time-consuming parts of the process, but it’s also one of the most important. A well-researched agent list gives you the best chance of finding someone loves your story and has the tools to sell it.

Here's how you can conduct your search:

Use literary agent databases.

With so many agents out there, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are several searchable databases that make it easier to locate agents by genre, category, and query status:

• Manuscript Wish List (MSWL): A platform where agents share exactly what they’re looking for in submissions.
• QueryTracker: A free and paid tool for organizing, tracking, and researching literary agents, complete with user-submitted data.
• Publisher’s Marketplace: A subscription-based site that shows agents’ recent deals, clients, and genres of interest.

These platforms often include links to agent websites and clear submission guidelines. Still, this isn’t a box-ticking task. It’s an exercise in discernment. Take time to review what books an agent has represented, who their clients are, and why they might be a good match for your manuscript.

Mindset shift: Agent research doesn’t just reduce rejections. It opens doors. Think of this step as expanding your possibilities, not just narrowing your list.

Create a targeted agent list.

Keep it simple. A Google Doc or spreadsheet is more than enough to build a personalized submission tracker. Include:

• Agent name and agency

• Website or submission link

• Why you think they’re a good fit

• Notes on what to include in your query (e.g., just a letter or sample pages too)

• Optional: A “tier” system, identifying which agents are "dream agents," "strong matches," or "worth considering." 

This running list can help you stay organized and avoid duplicate submissions, while giving you a bird’s-eye view of your outreach strategy.

Consider hiring a query coach or consultant.

If you’re feeling stuck, consider working with professionals who specialize in helping writers get agent representation. Sites like Get a Book Deal 101 and Book Clinic offer strategic feedback and insider expertise. While this is more of an investment, these services often have proven track records of success. Follow these and other query experts on social media and subscribe to their emails. Many share valuable tips even before you’re ready to book a session.

3. Build an author platform.

You may have heard that only nonfiction writers, especially in the prescriptive or self-help categories, need a platform, but times have changed. Memoirists and novelists increasingly benefit from having one too. A strong platform signals to agents and publishers that you’re invested in connecting with readers and are prepared to help promote your work.

But what is an author platform, exactly? Let's go over what it is and isn't.

Your author platform is the total presence you have as a writer in the world, both online and offline. It’s how you show up for readers and the literary community, how you share your voice, build trust, and cultivate an audience for your work.

It’s not always about becoming an influencer or trying to be active on every single social media tool there is. You certainly don't have to use your platform to “sell” yourself in a way that feels off-brand. A healthy author platform is authentic, aligned with your values, and focused on community and storytelling.

Here are the elements your author platform can include:

• Your author website, even a simple one-page site with a bio, book summary, and contact info.
• Your presence on social media as a writer or reader.
• Your engagement in the literary world, including events, workshops, book clubs, and writing communities.
• Any email list, blog, or newsletter you maintain.
• Your publication history, such as short stories, essays, or articles.

Not sure where to start? Focus on where your passion for books overlaps with how you naturally communicate. Your platform doesn’t need to be flashy. It needs to be you and something you actually enjoy building. 

Here are some reader-centered ways to start building your presence:

• Review books in your genre on #Bookstagram or #BookTok and become a trusted voice among ideal readers. 

• Engage in online writing groups or local book clubs to meet readers and writers alike.

• Attend literary events, such as conferences, virtual workshops, bookstore readings, and connect with other attendees

• Write and share blog posts about your writing journey, behind-the-scenes looks at your writing process, or your creative philosophy. 

• Guest post for literary websites, medium publications, or fellow writers’ newsletters.

• Guest speak on literary podcasts or at bookish events. 

The more genuinely you participate in the conversation around books, the more likely you are to draw in the kinds of readers (and industry professionals) who resonate with your voice.

How does your platform affect your agents search? A thoughtful platform can enhance your agent outreach in several ways. While your manuscript will always be the main attraction, a strong platform:

• Demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to your career.

• Reassures agents that you’re prepared to engage with readers and help promote your book.

• Opens up opportunities to connect with agents at conferences, panels, or through mutual networks.

In short: your platform won’t replace a great book, but it can help a great book go further.

4. Prepare to pitch.

Once your manuscript is ready and you’ve built a strategic list of agents to query, it’s time to plan out how you’ll approach them. There are two main paths to connecting with literary agents:

1. Face-to-face pitches at online or in-person events
2. Cold queries sent via email or online submission forms

Each approach has its benefits and challenges. The key is to understand your options, get organized, and lay the groundwork for a successful outreach.

Pitching at conferences or events:

Attending a writers' conference with agent pitching sessions can be an exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) opportunity. These events often cost around $200 to $600 to attend, but provide a rare chance to speak directly with agents, make a memorable impression, and potentially fast-track the submission process.

Pros: 

• Have a real-time conversation and get a feel for the agent’s personality

• Receive immediate feedback on your pitch

• Leave with a personal invitation to query or submit pages (if it goes well!)

Cons:

• Cost of attendance (including travel and lodging, if in-person)
• Limited time, often just 5–10 minutes per pitch
• High-pressure environment that can be stressful, especially for introverts

When pitching in person, be ready to deliver a clear, concise description of your book (a 1–2 sentence hook and a quick overview of genre, word count, and themes) and listen attentively to feedback, even if it’s a “no.” Ask smart questions (if time allows), such as:

• What do you look for in an author besides strong writing?
• What’s a recent deal you’re proud of?
• How involved are you in the editorial process with your clients?

If an agent says no, politely thank them and ask: Is there something you’d suggest to strengthen my pitch or project?

If they say yes, ask for the exact details of how to submit (email address, materials requested, subject line instructions, etc.)

Cold querying:

Cold querying remains the most common and accessible way to reach literary agents and it works! While it lacks the face-to-face interaction, it allows you to reach agents from anywhere in the world and tailor each query to their preferences. 

When cold querying, follow agents' submission guidelines carefully. These are usually listed on an agent’s website or agency page. Track your submissions with a spreadsheet (or tools like QueryTracker) so you can follow up professionally and avoid duplicate queries.  

Whether you pitch in person or online, the goal is the same: to present yourself and your work with clarity, professionalism, and passion. Choose the approach that best suits your style and resources and build a plan that supports your long-term goals.

Strengthening your query letter 

There’s no shortage of advice on how to write a query letter ... and for good reason. It’s often the first impression you make on an agent, and a well-crafted query can open the door to a request for pages or even a publishing deal down the line. The standard query includes five core components:

1. A personalized greeting using the agent’s name and a sentence or two about why you chose to query them
2. A compelling hook
3. A brief summary of your book
4. A short author bio
5. A confident closing

While your manuscript might dazzle with a distinctive voice or experimental structure, your query letter needs to strike a more traditional tone. Think professional, clear, and assured. This isn’t the place to be overly quirky or informal. Instead, show that you’re someone who understands both the business side of publishing and the expectations of literary professionals.

Beyond these basics, agents really want to get a true sense of your story’s heart and reader appeal.

• Can you encompass everything your book is about in a few punchy, well-chosen sentences?
• Does your hook spark curiosity or an emotional response?
• Does your summary do more than just say what the book is about? Can it capture the core conflict, themes, or character journey?

Choosing the right comp titles can also help your query stand out. Aim for recently published books (ideally within the last 3–5 years) in the same category or with a similar tone, theme, or readership. Avoid mega-bestsellers unless your work truly shares a clear, compelling connection. Comps help agents quickly place your book in the market and signal where it might fit on a publisher’s list.

Your bio doesn’t need to be long. Think of this as a chance to make it clear why you are perfectly suited to write this book. If you’ve published short fiction or nonfiction, mention where. If you’re active in a writing group, have relevant academic credentials, or work in a field that enriches your book’s subject, feel free to include that. But even if you have no previous writing credentials, that’s okay. Keep the bio brief and mention any personal experience that inspired your book.

Finally, be aware of common mistakes. A few big ones include:

• Addressing your query to “Dear Agent."
• Making the letter too long.
• Focusing too much on your personal journey and not enough on the book.
• Being vague about plot or stakes
• Using overly dramatic language to hype your work.

Clarity and confidence go much further than gimmicks.

Think of your query as a professional handshake: a clear, compelling introduction that shows an agent you're serious, capable, and ready for the next step.

What to do after pitching an agent

Once you’ve sent out a batch of queries or delivered your pitch in person, the next step is often the hardest: waiting. Agent response times can vary dramatically. Some agents reply within a few weeks; others may take several months. During this period, it’s important to stay grounded and not let the silence speak louder than it should. Remember that most agents are juggling dozens—sometimes hundreds—of queries on top of their client work, and a slow response isn’t necessarily a bad sign. Many agents only respond if they’re interested, so make sure you’ve read their guidelines carefully and know what to expect.

Embrace rejection as part of the process.

Every author faces rejection. A pass from one or twenty agents doesn’t mean your work isn’t valuable. Even seasoned authors with multiple books under their belts continue to face rejection. Sometimes it simply comes down to timing, personal taste, or market conditions.

If you receive a form rejection, try not to read into it too deeply. But if you get a personalized note—even a brief one—that’s a good sign your work made an impression. If an agent says no but offers feedback or points to areas that didn’t quite land for them, take time to reflect. You don’t need to follow every suggestion, but patterns in the feedback may signal an opportunity to revise.

Deciding whether to revise or move on can be tricky. If you feel in your gut that something in your query or manuscript needs tightening, give yourself permission to pause and rework it. On the other hand, if the feedback you’re getting is vague, mixed, or sparse, it may make more sense to keep querying without making any changes. 

Keep building your body of work. 

One of the best things you can do after pitching is keep writing. Agents are always excited by writers who have more than one idea or project in the pipeline. It shows you’re building a long-term career beyond the book you are currently pitching.

Start drafting your next novel, outlining a companion piece, or experimenting with short stories or essays, each project helps you grow and signals creative momentum.

Hone your craft. 

This is also a perfect time to improve your writing skills and learn new techniques. Seek out feedback from trusted readers, critique partners, or professional editors. Take workshops and courses, attend conferences, and read deeply in your genre. Your goals are to polish the manuscript you’ve already written and become a stronger storyteller, better equipped for your next book, and the one after that.

Refine your author platform.

Alongside the creative work, consider refining your author platform. Look at what’s already working, whether it’s a blog post that got traction, an Instagram series that readers engaged with, or a Substack that’s steadily growing. Lean into those strengths to build visibility. Show up consistently, find your rhythm, and make it easy for future readers—and agents—to connect with your story.

Author-agent fit and shifting the power dynamic

When pitching, it's easy to feel like all the power rests with the agent, that you’re simply waiting to be chosen. After all, you’re the one doing the pitching, sending your carefully crafted query letter into the void, or sitting across from an agent at a conference, hoping for a yes.

But here’s the truth: agent representation is a two-way decision. The agent is evaluating whether your book aligns with their list and market goals. And you are evaluating whether they’re the right fit for your creative vision and professional future.

Shifting into that mindset can do wonders for your confidence. It reframes the querying process from a one-sided audition into a mutual search for alignment. You start to see an agent as more than gatekeeper. They're a business partner, an advocate, and someone who will be in your corner for years to come. That’s why it’s essential to choose someone who doesn’t just “say yes,” but truly gets your work, communicates transparently, and is ready to support the kind of career you’re building—not just the book you’re pitching now.

So how do you know when it’s the right fit? Below, we’ll walk through key questions to ask before signing, traits that distinguish great agents, how to research their background and reputation, and what red flags to watch for. Getting clear on your own values and needs helps you show up to this relationship as a full creative and professional equal ... because that’s exactly what you are.

Ask yourself …

• Does this agent have a strong track record in my genre or are they just dabbling in it?

• Have they represented books that feel similar in tone, audience, or theme to mine?

• Do they seem genuinely excited about my work, or just mildly interested?

• Are they clear and professional in their communication or vague and hard to pin down?

• Do I understand how they approach submissions, feedback, and long-term career planning?

• Have I seen verifiable sales, deals, or publishing relationships in their background?

• Have I looked into their current client list and do any of those authors seem like peers I’d be proud to stand beside?

• Do I feel comfortable asking them questions and voicing concerns?

• Does their energy feel aligned with mine or am I brushing off a weird gut feeling?

• Are they the kind of person I’d want to partner with not just for this book, but for my writing life ahead?

Getting published without an agent

Getting traditionally published with a literary agent isn’t the only path to success. And for many writers, it may not even be the best one. Authors are building vibrant careers, loyal readerships, and meaningful impact through small presses, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing models. Thanks to today’s technologies and platforms, it’s more possible than ever to achieve your publishing goals on your own terms.

Whether you’re actively pitching agents or just starting to explore the industry, understanding these alternative routes will help you make informed, confident choices that align with your voice, your vision, and the stories you’re here to tell.

Small presses that accept submissions without agent representation

Many independent and boutique publishers welcome direct submissions from authors, especially in specific genres like literary fiction, poetry, memoir, or niche nonfiction. For example, Graywolf Press is a highly respected small publisher known for championing literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Presses like these often offer more creative freedom and a more personal editorial experience, making them an ideal match for authors seeking a collaborative and mission-driven publishing relationship.

Self-publishing

With tools like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you can take full creative control over your work and sell directly to your readers. With the right strategy, design, and marketing, authors reach wide audiences while retaining higher royalties and greater rights over their work. It’s a path that rewards the entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to craft.

Hybrid publishing

Hybrid publishing combines elements of both traditional and self-publishing. For example, She Writes Press is a hybrid publisher known for editorial excellence and distribution through Simon & Schuster. In the hybrid model, you contribute financially, but in return you receive professional services like editing, cover design, and sometimes distribution through online retailers, print-on-demand platforms, or traditional publishers. While marketing support is typically more limited, you retain more creative control and earn a larger share of royalties than in traditional deals.

Community-powered publishing

This option is an emerging path that places connection and collaboration at the heart of the publishing process. Whether through crowdfunding platforms, reader collectives, or author-led initiatives, this model invites readers to become early supporters and participants in bringing a book to life. For example, Bindery Books is a community-based platform where readers fund and support books they believe in. It's not just about bypassing gatekeepers—it’s about creating a shared experience around storytelling, one that values creative freedom, mutual investment, and meaningful community.

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