How to submit to an agent

Monday, February 13th, 2012

Posted in: Blog How To Get Published What Authors Need To Know

Publishing is an industry of gatekeepers, which is why the question of how an unpublished author with no connections finds an agent remains top of the list of those I am asked at festivals Here is my advice on researching agents and writing submissions letters. If any agents want to add their advice, please do!
Research: Never write on spec to an agent without thoroughly researching them first.

• Most reputable agencies have websites which provide information about individual agents, their clients and submissions process. Read, mark, learn and inwardly digest!
• Check that they take submissions. Obvious, but you would be amazed at how many unpublished authors ignore this warning.
• Don’t just look at an agent’s client list, make sure you have read some of their books. This will give a far better understanding of her or his taste and the voice he or she represents. If your work doesn’t fit, then choose someone else.
• Check exactly to whom you should submit your manuscript (mss) and how (email, post etc).
• Check that the names and addresses given on the website are up to date and check that you have the correct spelling and form of address (Ms, Mr, Mrs, Miss). You can do this by a quick, polite call to their reception desk.
• Check geographical location of clients. British agents may represent work by US clients, but they are unlikely to take on work by US-based unpublished authors and vice versa. A local agent is also more likely to be successful because she will already be doing business with editors who buy books for that territory.
• Beyond agency websites, The Writers’ Handbook and internet services such as http://www.firstwriter.com are useful.
• Do not rely on the names you find through guides and websites. ALWAYS look at work by some of the authors an agent represent so you understand their taste.
• Press cuttings can be used to find: names for agents who successfully represent work in your field; agents who sell work found on the pile of unsolicited manuscripts; who is hot at the moment; and who has gone off the boil.
• Also check the reputation of an agent: are they all they seem? Never part with money in exchange for representation. An agent makes money from selling your manuscript, not selling you his services.

Questions to ask as you research:

• Does an agent accept submissions by email?
• Does an agent prefer submissions by email?
• Does an agent want a synopsis and full mss, a synopsis alone, or synopsis and first three chapters?
• What format does an agent use for electronic submissions? For example PDF or Word document.
• Does the agent have a presentational preference? For example has she a preference for fonts (NEVER use comic sans), font size or line spacing –double spaced is common.
• If submissions are required by post, how does an agent want the manuscript packaged? Some agents hate paperclips, some hate staples (they can cut) and others like manuscripts bound by plastic bands.
• Does an agent want you to provide a stamped self-addressed envelop for return of the manuscript? If you want your manuscript returned, it is better to include one whatever the agency’s guidelines.
• The rest including advice on writing the submission letter here.