Easy-to-follow guide with articles about looking for a literary agent, for authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books).
What is the best manuscript format for literary agents? Manuscript formatting for literary agents isn't always easy, especially because of online forms and because a lot of online advice about manuscript formatting is conflicting and too rigid. This article explains...
The literary agent slush pile is the collection of unsolicited queries and supporting materials writers send to literary agencies. Despite the name, it isn’t necessarily a neglected heap of bad manuscripts. It can also contain an agent’s next client, book deal,...
Do literary agents edit manuscripts? Agents often help authors revise manuscripts, but they don’t all provide the same kind—or amount—of editing. Some agents give extensive developmental notes and guide authors through multiple rounds of revisions. Others don't do...
Do literary agents even show a writer's manuscript to publishers before offering them representation? Most writers assume the publishing process happens this way: an agent reads the book, offers representation, signs the author, and then submits the book to...
When can you revise and resubmit a manuscript for literary agents? For example, a literary agent might say they like your manuscript but not offer representation—not yet. Instead, the agent could suggest changes and invite you to send back a revised version. This...
A writer's appearance is far less important to literary agents than a writer's book—but appearance can affect perception, bias, branding, marketability, meetings, and representation. Most literary agents initially evaluate a query letter, synopsis or proposal, sample...
What happens if your literary agent leaves their agency? Most articles focus primarily on whether the author can, or should, stay or follow. This article also explains why your representation, active submissions, existing deals, commissions, rights, and records might...
Book word count ranges for literary agents and publishers have changed over time—and some are changing again. Word counts evolve as genres expand, new formats emerge, publishers experiment, and readers respond differently to books of various lengths. This article is...
Most advice about the author–literary agent relationship focuses on finding an agent, signing an agency agreement, communicating, or ending the relationship. All that is important. But one underlying belief shapes nearly everything that happens between an author and...
When should you get a literary agent? Some writers who ask that question aren't weighing traditional publishing vs self-publishing or another option. They’re want to know their odds of getting a literary agent and whether they should invest time, heart, hope,...
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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.