Querying and Submitting Your Manuscript to a Literary Agent: A Step-by-Step Guide
- For The Writers | Official
- Mar 14
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Securing a literary agent is a major step toward traditional publication. Agents are more than just gatekeepers—they’re advocates, negotiators, and industry insiders who help get your book in front of the right publishers. But here’s the reality: literary agents respond to only 10-20% of queries, and just 1-3% result in a full manuscript request. The good news? A well-researched, properly formatted, and personalized query is 50% more likely to get noticed.
That means every detail matters. Following submission guidelines, crafting a strong pitch, and understanding the process can significantly improve your chances of success. And if you get a response—even a rejection? That’s still a win. It means an agent took the time to consider your work, and that’s worth celebrating.
Step 1: Finish and Polish Your Manuscript
Before querying an agent, ensure your manuscript is fully completed and polished. Agents expect a finished manuscript if you're writing fiction—not just an outline or a few chapters.
Key Actions Before Submitting:
Revise and edit your manuscript multiple times to refine the plot, pacing, and character development.
Consider hiring a professional editor or beta readers to provide feedback.
Format your manuscript properly—use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, 12-point size, with double-spacing and 1-inch margins.
If you're writing nonfiction, you typically don’t need a finished manuscript—just a strong book proposal (more on this below).
Step 2: Research Literary Agents
Not all literary agents represent every genre. To increase your chances of success, you must find agents who fit your book.
Where to Research Agents:
Agency Websites – Most literary agencies have detailed agent bios and submission guidelines.
Manuscript Wish List (MSWL) – A website where agents share their specific interests.
Publisher’s Marketplace – A paid service that tracks agent deals and sales history.
Writers’ Conferences and Pitch Events – Great opportunities to connect with agents directly.
What to Look for in an Agent:
Experience – Look for agents with a history of successful book deals.
Genres Represented – Ensure they actively seek books like yours.
Submission Guidelines – Each agent has unique requirements for queries, so read their instructions carefully.
Step 3: Write a Strong Query Letter
A query letter is your first impression, and it must hook the agent quickly. Most queries are short (around 250-350 words) and contain four key components:
1. A Personalized Greeting
Address the agent by name (never use "Dear Agent").
Mention why you’re querying them specifically—perhaps they represented a book similar to yours or stated interest in your genre.
2. A Compelling Book Pitch
Summarize your book in 1-2 paragraphs (think of it like a back-cover blurb).
Focus on the main character, conflict, and stakes—avoid excessive details.
3. A Short Biography
Briefly mention any relevant writing experience (previous publications, writing degrees, awards, etc.).
If you’re a debut author, highlight why you’re the right person to write this book (especially for nonfiction).
4. Closing & Call to Action
Thank the agent for their time.
Indicate that the full manuscript is available upon request.
Get Your Query Letter Noticed Your query letter is your first (and sometimes only) chance to capture a literary agent’s attention. A strong, well-crafted query can open doors, land requests, and get your manuscript read—but a weak one can leave you stuck in the slush pile. With our Query Letter Development and Editing Services, we’ll help you: ✔️ Craft a compelling pitch that grabs attention ✔️ Ensure your query is clear, professional, and engaging ✔️ Highlight your book’s strengths in a way that excites agents ✔️ Avoid common mistakes that lead to rejections Whether you need a full query letter from scratch or expert revisions to your existing draft, we’ll ensure that your submission stands out for all the right reasons. Ready to take your query to the next level?
Step 4: Prepare Your Submission Package
Most agents ask for more than just a query letter. They may request:
Sample Pages – Often the first 5, 10, or 50 pages of your manuscript.
A Synopsis – A 1-2 page summary of the entire plot, including spoilers.
A Book Proposal (for Nonfiction) – A detailed document outlining the book’s concept, target audience, competitive titles, and marketing plan.
Follow Each Agent’s Submission Guidelines
Every agent has different requirements—some prefer email submissions, while others use online forms. If you ignore their instructions, your submission may be deleted without consideration.
Step 5: Submit Your Query and Track Responses
Once everything is prepared, start submitting queries to agents following their preferred format.
Best Practices for Query Submission:
Query in batches (send to 5-10 agents at a time).
Keep track of submissions using a spreadsheet (noting date, agent name, and response).
Avoid simultaneous submissions to multiple agents at the same agency (unless allowed).