Ask a literary agent your question about how to get a publishing agent here. You’ll also find answers to questions other authors have posted. This article is part of our free 15-Part Guide About How to Get a Book Agent. It was created by, and is curated by, a former literary agent who’s now helped hundreds of authors get book agents as an author coach and consultant. See successful authors at How I Got My Literary Agent.
ASK A Literary Agent – FAQ
This Ask a Literary Agent FAQ answers questions about: the definition and role of a book agent, who publishing agents are, when you should query literary agents, how much representation costs, the best way to find book agents looking for authors, submissions to literary agents, how to handle an offer for representation, what happens after you get a book agent, and more.
Author Representative definition and role
When you Should Get An Author Representative
How Much An Author Representative Costs
Finding An Author Representative
- How to find a literary agent?
- How to research book agents?
- Who are the best publishing agents?
- Who are the top 10 book agents?
- How to find publishing agents near me?
- Licensed book agents?
- Established publishing agents?
- New book agents?
- Publishing agents to avoid?
- Book agents seeking submissions?
- How to do a publishing agent search?
- Find a list of book agents?
- Publishing agent database?
- Book of literary agents?
- Where to meet publishing agents?
- Book agent events?
- How to Pitch a Literary Agent at a Conference?
Submitting To An Author Representative
- Literary agent submissions?
- How to contact a publishing agent?
- What to submit to a book agent?
- How to write a publishing agent query letter?
- How to write a synopsis for a book agent?
- How to write a publishing agent proposal?
- How to submit a book to a literary agent?
- How many publishing agents should you query?
- Best time to submit to book agents?
- How long to hear back from publishing agents?
- Book agent response time full manuscript?
- What happens when a publishing agent requests your full manuscript?
- Book agent not responding?
- How to follow up with a publishing agent?
- Book agent rejection letters?
- Revise and resubmit to a publishing agent?
Representation Offer From a Book Agent
- Getting an offer of representation from a literary agent?
- First meeting with a book agent?
- Questions a book agent will ask?
- Questions to ask a publishing agent?
- Multiple offers from publishing agents?
- Choosing a book agent?
- Literary agent contract?
- Standard book agent contract?
- Publishing agent contract terms?
- Book agent contract red flags?
- Publishing agent lawyer?
What Happens After You Get An Author Representative
Mark has helped hundreds of authors get offers from literary agents and/or traditional publishers. Writers of all Book Genres have used our Literary Agent Advice coaching/consulting to get Top Literary Agents at the Best Literary Agencies on our List of Book Agents.
Ask a Literary Agent
Due to time constraints, we can’t answer questions that have already been answered. Please make your question clear, and concise, since the submission form below is limited to 500 characters.
If you want to remain anonymous, type “Anonymous” in the name field. You’ll receive an email when a reply has been posted (usually within 48 hours). We look forward to helping you get a book agent.
Good morning
I am nearing the end of my drafts. I am using the tag code switching procedure throughout my novel. Dolce sweet charming Italiano words mixing with english. I figure after the new year will start my search for a literary agent. Will use your platform leading me.
Thank you
Ronnette Burns
Hi Ronnette,
Glad to hear it, happy holidays, and I hope the new year is good to both of us!
Here are my resources for getting a literary agent when you’re ready:
How to Get a Literary Agent (NEW 15-Part Guide)
https://getaliteraryagent.com/how-to-get-a-literary-agent/
Literary Agent Database (Directory of Literary Agents)
https://getaliteraryagent.com/literary-agent-database/
Literary Agent Advice (1-on-1 Coaching/Consulting)
https://getaliteraryagent.com/literary-agent-advice/
If you want/need help with anything else, you can post again here at https://getaliteraryagent.com/ask-a-literary-agent/.
I’ll do what I can to point you in the right direction.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
https://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I am at my wits end trying to find a lit agent. Some years ago I went through the process I am going through today, submitting to agents, the whole process very frustrating bordering on depression. In between I managed to get 5 books published as follows:-
My first novel, THE DULANG WASHER, was published by MPH of Malaysia in 2012 and was long listed for the IMPAC award; (Malaysian Tatler wrote “[It] kept me engrossed for 7 hours straight); my 2nd novel was SHADOWS BENEATH THE FRONDS, also published by MPH in 2013––(Book Review: A very good book that tells the reality of the lives of the Tamil palm oil estate workers in Malaysia); Epigram Books of Singapore published my 3rd book, THE BRIGADIER’S DAUGHTER, in 2017. (Malaysia Tatler described it as “The book of love.”) My 4th novel, THE SECRETS OF THE SAKURA GIRLS, was published by Penguin Southeast Asia in 2021. (Reviews include “… complete page turner.”, “Fabulous.”, “Twists and turns and secrets.”. My 5th Novel, also published by Penguin Southeast Asia in February of this year was THE LAST GREAT LOVE SONG. (The Sultan of Perak, Malaysia, love this book such that he called for a meeting with me. My latest book is THE VICTIMS, a heartbreaking tale of love and distress, violence and tragedy, driven by hope and desire.––My question is how much would you charge toadies me on how to approach agents? I’m clearly doing something wrong! If you wish, I could send you a copy of my submission letter, a synopsis, and proverbial 3 opening 3 chapters. Look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Paul,
I’m happy to help.
See here…
Literary Agent Advice (1-on-1 Coaching/Consulting)
https://getaliteraryagent.com/literary-agent-advice/
And here are my other resources to help you get a literary agent:
How to Get a Literary Agent (NEW 15-Part Guide)
https://getaliteraryagent.com/how-to-get-a-literary-agent/
Literary Agent Database (Directory of Literary Agents)
https://getaliteraryagent.com/literary-agent-database/
If you want/need help with anything else, you can post again here at https://getaliteraryagent.com/ask-a-literary-agent/.
I’ll do what I can to point you in the right direction.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
https://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
This is a comment more a question. I feel that signing with an agent is like me playing the slot machines. Each time I slap the button, send out a query, I am met with crickets. Not even an email to say sorry you’re not what we’re looking for. At least with a slot machine I get some flashing lights, music and encouragement to try again.
Hi Alex,
The odds are definitely daunting, see this if you haven’t already: https://getaliteraryagent.com/odds-of-getting-a-literary-agent/.
But there’s a lot you can do to increase your chances.
See my resources for getting a literary agent here:
How to Get a Literary Agent (NEW 15-Part Guide)
https://getaliteraryagent.com/how-to-get-a-literary-agent/
Literary Agent Database (Directory of Literary Agents)
https://getaliteraryagent.com/literary-agent-database/
If you want/need help with anything else, you can post again here at https://getaliteraryagent.com/ask-a-literary-agent/.
I’ll do what I can to point you in the right direction.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
https://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
How do I attract a publisher when I have already self-published?
I do not have the money to market this Bible study of every event in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. I need an established ministry to get it out to all of the churches in the United States.
www.wwj.bible.
Hi Dr. Copple,
Start by reading this: https://getaliteraryagent.com/getting-a-literary-agent-after-self-publishing/.
And here are my other resources to help you get a literary agent:
How to Get a Literary Agent (NEW 15-Part Guide)
https://getaliteraryagent.com/how-to-get-a-literary-agent/
Literary Agent Database (Directory of Literary Agents)
https://getaliteraryagent.com/literary-agent-database/
Literary Agent Advice (1-on-1 Coaching/Consulting)
https://getaliteraryagent.com/literary-agent-advice/
If you want/need help with anything else, you can post again here at https://getaliteraryagent.com/ask-a-literary-agent/.
I’ll do what I can to point you in the right direction.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
https://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com