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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.

Book agent in brown suit on the Ask a Literary page of Get a 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.

Group of publishing agents inviting authors to ask a literary agent a question
ASK A LITERARY AGENT
ASK A BOOK AGENT
ASK A PUBLISHING AGENT
ASK A LITERARY AGENT
ASK A PUBLISHING AGENT
ASK A LITERARY AGENT
ASK A BOOK AGENT
ASK A PUBLISHING AGENT
ASK A LITERARY AGENT
This ask a literary agent page was written by former literary agent turned author coach Mark Malatesta, creator of The Directory of Literary Agents, host of Ask a Literary Agent, and founder of Literary Agent Undercover and The Bestselling Author.

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.

Submit Your Question

Ask a Literary Agent

If you have a question about how to get a literary agent that isn’t answered on our website, please post it below. Before posting, scroll above to make sure your question isn’t answered there.

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.

1,660 Comments

  1. Ronnette Burns

    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

    Reply
    • Literary Agent News

      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

  2. PAUL CALLAN

    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.

    Reply
    • Literary Agent News

      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

  3. Alex

    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.

    Reply
    • Literary Agent News

      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

  4. Dr. Glen M. Copple

    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.

    Reply
    • Literary Agent News

      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

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Get free instant access to the official Directory of Literary Agents, and our article/audio training library. Click here to see all that’s included in our Getting a Literary Agent resource center.

How I Got My Book Agent

Successful Authors

Photo of author NJ sharing a Mark Malatesta review at Get a Literary Agent

Thanks in part to your query letter, manuscript suggestions, and support prioritizing agents, I received multiple offers from agents. Within two weeks of sending out the first query, I knew who I was going to sign with. I value our friendship.

N E L S O N . J O H N S O N

NY Times bestselling author of Boardwalk Empire, produced by Martin Scorsese for HBO, and Darrow's Nightmare: The Forgotten Story of America's Most Famous Trial Lawyer

NJ Book Cover for BE on boardwalk with cast from the HBO TV series, posted by Get a Literary Agent

Photo of author LL sharing a Mark Malatesta review at Get a Literary Agent

After following your advice, my book was acquired, the prestigious PW gave it a great review, and Time Magazine asked for an excerpt. Thank you for believing in my book, and for helping me share the surprising truth about women’s most popular body part!

L E S L I E . L E H R

Author of A Boob's Life: How America's Obsession Shaped Me―and You, published by Pegasus Books, distributed by Simon & Schuster and now in development for a TV series by Salma Hayek for HBO Max

LL Book Cover posted by Get a Literary Agent Guide

Photo of author SL sharing a Mark Malatesta review at Get a Literary Agent

Fine Print Lit got publishers bidding against each other [for my book]. I ended up signing a contract with Thomas Nelson (an imprint of Harper Collins) for what I’ve been told by several people is a very large advance. What cloud is higher than 9?

S C O T T . L E R E T T E

Author of The Unbreakable Boy (Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins), adapted to feature film with Lionsgate starring Zachary Levi, Amy Acker, and Patricia Heaton

SL Book Cover for TUB with photo of boy on beach with jester hat at sunset, posted by Get a Literary Agent Guide

Photo of author MLP sharing a Mark Malatesta review at Get a Literary Agent

AHHH! OMG, it happened! You helped me get three offers for representation from top literary agents! A short time later I signed a publishing contract. After that, my agent sold my next book. I’m in heaven!

M I R I . L E S H E M . P E L L Y

Author/illustrator of Penny and the Plain Piece of Paper (Penguin Books/Philomel), Scribble & Author (Kane Miller), and other children’s picture books

MLP book cover of S and A with paintbrush drawing cute animated figured, posted by Get a Literary Agent Guide

Book agent in brown suit on the Ask a Literary page of Get a Literary Agent

Find answers to all your book agent questions. Search our Ask a Literary Agent FAQ and/or post your question(s).

Photo of Mark Malatesta - Former Literary Agent MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company Literary Agent Undercover and The Bestselling Author. Mark's authors have gotten six-figure book deals, been on the NYT bestseller list, and published with houses such as Random House, Scholastic, and Thomas Nelson. Click here to learn more about Mark Malatesta and see Mark Malatesta Reviews.
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