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.
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 
I’m actually interested in writing movie screenplays, do you have any recommendations for any agents in the Salt Lake City, UT area that would handle this type of writing, works on commission, & is trustworthy?
Hi Becki,
I’m mostly on the book side of things, but you might find the following helpful:
https://literary-agents.com/literary-agents-publishing-screenplay/
https://literary-agents.com/literary-agents-managers-cinematic-writing/
https://screencraft.org/
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.
Have a great rest of your week,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
https://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi,
My first children’s book was recently published in October, 2024 by a small publishing company; however, the small publisher was recently bought out by a larger publisher and this publisher would like to amend my original contract and I need a professional to review the proposed amendments for me before I sign. Are there any literary agents who offer publishing agreement review services for authors who they do not represent?
Hi Myrce’tez,
You might be able to find an agent to help with that, but there aren’t many who do that and it could take a while. Sheree Bykofsky is one who does that, I believe. You might also contact the Authors Guild to let them know your situation, as they might be able to help…or they might be able to refer you to a literary lawyer who can help.
If you want to contact agents, you find them here:
Literary Agent Database (Directory of Literary Agents)
https://getaliteraryagent.com/literary-agent-database/
And…
If you want/need help with anything else, you can post 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
Dear [literary agent ],
My name is James Jenkins, and I’m seeking representation for my diverse portfolio of literary works. Unlike many authors who specialize in a single genre, my writing reflects a broad range of experiences and perspectives, drawing inspiration from various aspects of my life. This approach allows for a unique and multifaceted body of work.
I’ve developed a distinct literary platform showcasing this diversity, and I’ve included a link to my website for your review: [https://jamesjenkins-author.store]
]. I believe my approach offers a fresh perspective on [Romance,Thrillers, Horror, and Family ], and I’m confident you’ll find my work compelling.
I’m particularly interested in connecting with an agent who shares my vision for innovative and genre-bending storytelling. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my work further and explore a potential collaboration.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
James Jenkins
Business phone-(240) 200-5443
Cell phone- (720) 421-9794
Website- https://jamesjenkins-author.store
All licenses and regulations found on website!!
Hi James!
I’m happy to help somehow if possible, but our website isn’t a place to post queries.
You can post questions, but not pitch things.
Here are my resources to help you get a literary agent and publisher, as well:
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 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 a 70 yr old unknown and unpublished poet in english fro India Now iwant to publish my nearly one thousand poems in manuscript.
supppse i send you a few samples of my poems you canevaluate its merit and transmit me your e mail so that we can explore ways of putting at least a few hundred poem in print?
CC Paul …PAULTAN
+91- 9037638073() rOUND THE CLOCK IN iNDIA
Hi Paultan,
I’m happy to help somehow if possible.
To that end…
Here are my resources to help you get a literary agent and publisher:
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 me to review and comment on your work, a coaching/consulting call is what you want/need.
If you want/need help with anything else, you can post 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