kn literary arts
2525 arapahoe ave suite e4-438
boulder, co 80302
917-757-3466
[email protected]
How to Find an Agent
Step 1: Draft a clear, one-page query letter that you will tailor to fit the specific requests
of each agent you contact. The query letter should contain three paragraphs and a
closing—no more, no less:
 Paragraph 1: A 1-2 sentence “elevator pitch” describing your book. For fiction,
it’s a description of the “hook” of the novel—the most tantalizing plot points,
leaving the listener on the edge of her seat. For nonfiction, the pitch should
communicate what the book is about, who it’s written for, and what they’ll get
out of reading it.
 Paragraph 2: A 150-word synopsis of the content of the book. If you’re writing
fiction or memoir, it should explain the beginning, middle and end of the book. If
you’re writing nonfiction, it should explain what the reader’s life is like before
they encounter your work, what you’ll teach them, and how their lives will be
different afterwards.
 Paragraph 3: A 75-word bio that explains why you’re the right person to write
this book, including any writing or book-relevant credentials and any significant
life experience you have that makes you particularly appropriate to write this
book. Do not include details of your career, family or hobbies unless they directly
show why you’re qualified to be writing this book.
 Closing: One-two sentences thanking the agent for their time and letting them
know that either a full manuscript (for fiction) or a book proposal or table of
contents and sample chapter (for nonfiction) are available at their request.
Feel free to google “literary agent query examples”—there are many resources on the
web to help you. Whatever you do, keep your letter to no more than one page, 12-point
font, with normal margins—400 words max!!! A longer letter will not serve you.
Step 2: Research agents who would be appropriate for your book.
 Go to bookstores and find books that are similar to yours. Look in the
acknowledgments section to see if the author named their agent. Then look that
agent up on the web and find their submission guidelines.
 Look at resources like PublishersMarketplace.com, EveryoneWhosAnyone.com,
and WritersMarket.com. Find agents who work with the genre you’re writing
and then look them up on the web to find their submission guidelines.
 If you have friends who are represented, ask them how they found their agent
and/or whether they think their agent might be interested in receiving a
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kn literary arts
2525 arapahoe ave suite e4-438
boulder, co 80302
917-757-3466
[email protected]
submission from you. If so, look their agent up on the web and find their
submission guidelines.
Step 3: Tailor your query to the specific agent you’re contacting.
 Review the submission guidelines for each agent you want to contact and follow
them to the letter—this is not the time for originality or cute gimmicks! If they
say “no calls,” don’t call them unless you want to take yourself out of
consideration.
 Tailor your query letter to each agent you are submitting to, and begin to send
them out per their guidelines.
 If the agent you’re querying requests exclusive submissions, let them know they
have it exclusively. If you are querying agents who allow multiple submissions,
be sure to let them know you’re submitting elsewhere.
Step 4: Wait to hear back…tick, tick, tick….
Step 5: If your first round of submissions does not result in a contract, try again!
Miscellaneous Notes:
 Some authors (relatively few, but still) have luck meeting agents at literary
conferences. Check to see if there are any in your area, and then sign up for an
interview with an agent if they’re offered.
 Agents are very busy, but they’re also always on the lookout for saleable new
projects. If your first few attempts aren’t received, keep trying. Finding an agent
is quick and easy for some, but it’s a long haul for most authors.
 Don’t give up if you can’t find an agent. If you’re committed to getting your book
out there, and you have the time/energy to promote it, consider self-publishing.
If you can sell 5000 copies in your first 18 months of publication, you will find an
agent who will pick up the book.
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