How to Query a Writing Agent

A writing agent can make the process of publishing a novel much easier for any writer. They screen through many query letters from aspiring novelists to select a few choice candidates. The agent shops the novel around to various editors in hopes of securing a publishing deal, then acts as a liaison between the author and the editor to ensure the deal is followed through on all ends.

What You'll Need:
* A finished, edited, possibly critiqued novel
* A computer
* A printer
* White paper, 8.5 x 11
* Large mailing envelope, either 9 x 12 or 6 x 9
* A Size 10 (regular business size) envelope
* Postage
* Professionalism
* Patience

Step One: Finish a novel

First time novels usually fall between 80,000 and 100,000 words, though the number can vary depending on genre. Thrillers can be a little shorter, while epic fantasies or historical novels can be a little longer.

Finish a draft, then put it aside for at least a month. Write something else to keep your mind occupied. Then reread the novel. Does it hold up? What problems didn't you notice before? Edit the novel, then put it aside again. Repeat until you have a manuscript you feel confident is the best it can be.

Step Two: Search for agents

There are many ways to search for potential agents, but they all boil down to the same thing: research. Your local library should have some form of the Writer's Market, published annually, that features listings for hundreds of agents. Websites like Preditors and Editors or AgentQuery also provide information on agents.

Look for novels they've sold. Are they similar to your work? Does the listing specify the genre (horror, literary fiction, historical romance, etc.) of your novel? Are they accepting queries? Do they accept simultaneous submissions? You can also check the acknowledgments page in novels you like that you think are similar to your own. Chances are pretty good the agent is thanked. If not, a search on google can bring up that information. Compile a list of agents (say, up to a hundred, roughly).

Step Three: Follow the directions

Any agent currently accepting submissions is going to have instructions on how they want to receive your novel package. Do they want five pages? Fifteen? A synopsis? A biography? No pages? An outline? Follow the instructions to the letter. It's not intended to be an inconvenience to an aspiring author. It's sheer professionalism. You don't want the agent to have any reason not to represent you than the novel wasn't for them. By not following instructions, there's a good chance you cast doubt in the agent's mind about your future business relationship and ability to do more important things, like editorial changes to the manuscript or promotion of the book.

Step Four: Draft the query letter

A query letter is a business letter that needs to convince the agent your novel is worth reading. In under a page, you have to tell them who the main character is, what dilemma the character faces, and how it is resolved. Make it interesting to read. You are selling your book in a few choice sentences, make them count. You also need to mention any relevant publishing credits (short fiction, previous novels, finalist/winner in contest).

Be sure to follow proper business letter format (your name, address, e-mail, and personal website in the top right, the agent's name and address on the left, "Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms./Miss agent's full name:", a catchy first sentence, title and word count (rounded up to the nearest thousandth, the novel information, your publishing credits, a thanks, salutation, typed name (space for signature above), and the contents of the package, all single spaced, not indented, line between each section).

Step FIve: Check the contents

Almost every agent that takes print submissions will request an SASE - self addressed stamped envelope. Write your name and address (print it on the envelope if you can) in the to and from sections of the envelope to ensure the agent's response comes back to you. Affix proper postage (forever stamps are great for this). Place inside the 9 x 12 or 6 x 9 mailing envelope addressed to the agent. Place the query letter inside. Then include any other requested material.

If the agent doesn't specify beyond the SASE and query letter, include the first five pages of the novel in proper manuscript format (double-spaced, title one-third to halfway down the first page, contact information in the top left corner single-spaced, last name/important word from title/page number in the top right corner of each subsequent page). Don't cut off the end of a sentence to send just five pages; send a sixth if necessary to complete the sentence.

If the agent specifies not to send any pages, follow the instructions.

Step Six: Send first class mail

Go to the post office. Pay for first class postage. There's no sense in using priority or overnight because the package will be treated the same as any other in the agent's office. Don't mail it in any way that requires a signature for pick-up - it will most likely annoy the agent and may just come back to you unread. Don't give the agent any reason not to choose your novel besides the writing itself.

Step Seven: Query more agents

Query agents until you have an agent. If one responds positively to the query letter, they'll most likely ask for a partial. Send it in another 9 x 12 or 6 x 9 envelope with another SASE with a cover letter reminding the agent what the novel is and thanking them for the consideration. If they respond positively again, they'll most likely ask to see the full manuscript. Mail it the same way with another cover letter in a carefully sealed 9 x 12 envelope or manuscript box.

If you receive rejections, keep querying. Every agent is going to have a difference response, from a form letter to a handwritten note and everything in between. Trying to decipher the letter, unless it offers specific advice, is frustrating at best. If you receive rejection letters continually, stop to reexamine the manuscript. If you exhaust your list of agents, you should have spent your time working on that second novel that will blow them away. Edit that and start the process again.