What’s the best time to submit to literary agents? Are some days better than others? Is there a best time of year to query book agents on our List of Literary Agents featuring the Best Literary Agents at the Top Literary Agencies? And, is there a best time of day to submit queries? Before I answer those questions, I should probably explain the timing of this article (even though it might be obvious if you live in the United States). It’s Thanksgiving time. After that, it will be Christmas. And, then, New Year’s Day.
The Best Time to Submit to Literary Agents
The Best Time of Year?
If you simply listen to your gut as an author, or follow what you feel is “common sense,” there will be many times when you’ll hurt your chances of getting an agent, publisher, and book deal.
This is one of those times.
You still have a chance of getting representation if you submit your query to a literary agent on a big holiday. Or, if you unwittingly send a query to your dream agent during her honeymoon or summer vacation when she’s away for a few days, weeks, or possibly months.
Literary agents don’t automatically delete emails that arrive when they’re out of the office. And they don’t throw away mail and packages that arrive while they’re away.
Do you?
Of course not.
So, don’t press the panic button.
That said, timing is important.
Because…
Good timing gives
you more leverage.
In other words, you have a much better chance of getting an agent (and I mean a top agent) when you have many agents considering your work at the same time. That means you shouldn’t submit your work to literary agents during “off times.”
Case in point…
Let’s say you send out a batch of 40 queries to agents on Tuesday during Thanksgiving week. Two agents respond. One asks for sample chapters and the other asks for the complete manuscript. A few weeks after Thanksgiving, you get a rejection letter from the first agent. The next day, the other agent calls you and offers you a contract.
But…
The agent seems distracted and disorganized, even though she has an impressive track record of sales. When you ask her a couple questions about your book, she gives you a long list of things she’d like you to change—some of them you don’t agree with at all. Plus, the changes would take a long time to implement.
What would you do?
Well, I can tell you (based on my experience working with hundreds of authors), that you’d probably do a bit of soul-searching (and grumbling).
And then sign the contract.
Why?
Because a literary agent in the hand is better than an agent in the bush. You know, the agent who hasn’t gotten back to you yet. The one who might never get back to you.
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Here’s a different scenario…
Instead of sending 40 queries out right before a major holiday, you get everything ready…but decide to wait until the first Tuesday in January to send out your queries (when agents are more focused and looking for new clients). As a result you get 5 requests for more material (instead of 2).
A few days later, the first literary agent rejects you (same as the previous scenario). And, the following day, the second agent calls you to offer you a contract (same as the previous scenario—and, yes, it’s the same distracted and disorganized agent).
However, in this scenario
you have leverage.
Because you have
three other agents reading.
So you stall the agent offering you
the contract for you a few days.
Meanwhile…
You contact the other book agents who are still reading your sample chapters and/or manuscript. You let them know (delicately) about the first offer for representation, and you use it as leverage to get them reading your material faster. You even give them a deadline for when they need to get back to you and tell you if they’re interested in representing you.
Then what?
Well, let’s say, on the day of your deadline, one of the three remaining agents doesn’t get back to you… and the second one sends you a rejection letter.
But…
The final remaining agent
offers to represent you.
Now you have TWO agents
offering you a contract.
You have leverage.
You have
a choice.
When you get on the phone with the second agent, you fall in love. He’s just as established as the first agent who offered you a contract, but he’s more passionate about your work. He also understands and respects your vision. Plus he tells you that he’d like to start shopping your book immediately… and try to get you a deal before the end of the year (the other agent mumbled something about not having time to shop your book until spring).
This isn’t a fairytale.
This is a true story that happened
to one of my coaching clients.
And it could just as easily
happen to you.
I know it might be hard to imagine (some authors have told me). For most authors, getting one agent interested would be like winning the lottery. That’s part of the problem–think bigger.
Multiple agents offering
you representation.
That’s the scenario
you want to create.
If possible…
Because that’s you
in a position of power.
That’s why it’s critical for you
to be smart about timing.
So…
Don’t query agents between
Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.
Same thing goes for July
and August (summer).
Another time when as many as 40% of the agents are
temporarily closed during part of all of that period.
Yes, it’s true that most agents work during those times: They read material they’ve already requested, pitch books to editors and publishers, and hand out book deals.
Like Santa on
Christmas morning.
But…
They’re often closed to
queries during those times.
And, those who are open to submissions,
are distracted by travel and parties
and other festivities.
Why put yourself in a weak position
like that if you can avoid it?
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The Best Time to Submit to Literary Agents
The Best Day of the Week
It doesn’t matter what day of the week you send out queries.
I know, you’re thinking what I used to think.
Mondays are no good because everyone is slammed with emails after the weekend. They’ll delete their emails faster because they have so many to go through.
Bzzzzzzzt.
Wrong.
One author that I had an Introductory Coaching Call with told me that he sent out hundreds of queries prior to meeting me (for several different manuscripts), and he tracked his response rate. He swears Monday is the best day to submit queries. He’s gotten more positive replies on Monday than any other day of the week.
Go figure.
And yes, that author has gotten agents seriously interested in him and his work. He actually has an agent helping him edit one of his manuscripts right now.
Now…
What about sending queries out late on a Friday afternoon? That must be bad because agents are thinking about the weekend, right?
Bzzzzzzzt.
Wrong again.
I’ve had many of my coaching clients submit queries on Friday afternoon and have success. On more than one occasion, literary agents have requested the complete manuscript within the hour… saying they’re going to take it home with them to read over the weekend.
What about Sundays?
Yep, those are good too.
I’ve had lots of my clients get requests for sample chapters or complete manuscripts on Sundays. Lots of agents work on the weekend or, at the very least, they check their emails Sunday night to get an early start on the workweek.
The bottom line?
Any day is a good day
to send out queries.
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The Best Time to Submit to Literary Agents
The Best Time of Day
Here’s something else that’s counterintuitive.
You probably think the best time to submit queries is during business hours, right?
Not necessarily.
One of my best success stories is about one of my author coaching clients who lives in India. He submitted a query by email after midnight to his dream agent.
That agent responded in less than 5 minutes,
requesting more material.
And he didn’t send an email…
The agent called him on the phone!
About 30 days later, the agent secured offers from Random House, Harper Collins, and Penguin who ended up publishing my client’s book (click here to read all about it and hear an interview I recorded with the author, Lakshmi Subramani).
How cool is that?
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The Best Time to Submit to Literary Agents
The Bottom Line
Don’t make yourself crazy trying to figure out the “best moment” to send out your queries. The best time to submit your work is the moment your pitch materials are polished…and ready to go. As long as you’re not sending out queries during the times I mentioned above, or right before (or after) some other major holiday, you’ll be fine.
And, if you want to make the process faster and easier (and you haven’t already done so) click here now to see how you can get my help 1-on-1 through the process.
Think of it as a Christmas gift to yourself.
Whatever you do…
Don’t let another year go by without
getting your work in the hands
of top literary agents
and/or publishers.
Because…
If you’re like most of
the authors I’ve worked with…
You know…
That might be the only thing
standing between you
and what you want.
Getting the right person
to read your book.
And, well…
There’s no one on this planet
who’s better at that
than me.
Hey, it’s not bragging
if it’s true…
As of this morning, I’ve helped 223 authors get offers
from literary agents and/or traditional publishers.
Mostly because my authors are brilliant.
I simply help them get noticed.
And, if you are planning to schedule an
Introductory Coaching Call,
don’t wait too long.
Because…
Like book agents and publishers,
I’m taking some time off during
the holiday season as well!
– Mark
Question or Comment About Book Agents or the Best Time to Submit to Literary Agents?
Click here to see The 50 Questions Authors Ask Most (along with answers to the questions) and/or post your question or comment. Click here to see our Guide to Literary Agents. And, click here to see some of our best tips to help you Find a Literary Agent and/or Get a Literary Agent.
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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 
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 
Hi Mark,
I loved what Harold Tomas had to say. Many times I have wanted to say, “screw it” and send out what I have only to let it sit for a few days and then read it again. Every time I was glad I waited because I found some major stuff to either add or delete. So yes, I do experience paralysis. So far the only solution to it has been to let it sit and go back to it later. My instinct is to send it to you and let you sort it out! Not very nice am I?
Waiting is good, as long it truly improves things. A lot of times we tinker and it doesn’t matter. The trick is knowing the difference. And I’m happy to help you sort it out when you’re ready and able. I enjoy making treasure out of people’s you-know-what. 😉 Mark
Hi Mark,
So good to hear from my oasis in the middle of my chaos. (Better than coffee this morning!) Good to know the when to submitting. Since I am writing a trilogy should I focus on just the first book at this time as far as submitting is concerned or wait until the whole thing is done and I have written a synopsis for each along with separate queries? Okay so that’s more than one question but….. I so very much want to work with you but I just got a broken windshield so there goes the $.
Hi Marilyn. here’s to less chaos! It will be best, as you probably guessed, to have at least a short summary for the other books when you pitch. But you only need to have the first book done. And I don’t mind the questions, that’s why I’m here! Just know that a cracked windshield won’t stop you from getting published in the long run. 😉 Mark
But what is the best day of the week to receive rejections? 🙂
Damn, why didn’t I think of that? It would have been a wonderfully creative addition to my article. I guess that’s why YOU will be the one getting the sweet book deal soon. Seriously. You know I’m a fan, and I don’t say that to many people. Keep believing. Mark
Love your voice of experience and insider information. And your enthusiasm. 🙂
Hi Rosemary, and I love seeing your kind comments. 😉 Mark
Always a wealth of information!
Hi Gil… and you are always a ray of positivity that’s greatly appreciated, especially on weeks like this when it’s gotten as low as 16 degrees below zero. Seriously. Keep bringing the heat, and have a great weekend. Mark
Hey Mark,
Great Article! Thank you. I understand completely regarding time-lines. Mark, you helped clear-up some concerns. However, I also believe that there are other things to dwell on and one thing is to make sure your material you are sending out is in flawless condition.
Hi Regina, realized a moment ago that I never responded to this comment! Yes, the quality of the pitch is certainly more important than the it’s timing. Another article, another day! 😉 Mark
You’re a funny fella, Mark. Love your inspirational pep talks. And you make good sense of sometimes desperate situations. Growing up, I remember no one worked on the holidays. All the stores were closed, even food sores. Imagine that if you can!
I never expect answers from agents for at least a week, yet some advise after four weeks if I have not heard from them, to move on. Sometimes they ask me to wait six to ten weeks. I delete those hucksters immediately. My time is just as valuable. Eliz.
Hi Elizabeth! Can you tell I’m catching up with comments? Ha ha. I’m not complaining, I love it. Hearing from people is the best reminder that what I’m doing matters. Anyway, thanks for the continuous positive feedback. Little tip: 85% of agents respond within 2 weeks, even though their websites say otherwise. Go fast! And keep me posted on your progress. Mark
Hi Mark, Great article! As someone who works too much and is limited in time not only to write, but sell my work, this is valuable news. Thank you very much for your insights and encouragement! Lynn
Hi Lynn, glad to know this article was timely for you. I’m not a fan of wasting time, either. Drives me crazy. So timing is a big deal. Have a great weekend and here’s to your success! Mark
Yep. This is great advice: Not only helpful but motivational as well. It really helps to have someone that I trust and who has experience on my side. 🙂 I can’t wait to see what agent turns up in my Christmas stocking.
Thanks Mark. 🙂
Hi Z, how many days left until Christmas? I hope you’re counting down. I believe. Mark 😉
Mark, Love your writing as always. I actually look forward to them, Thank you for that. I’m been struggling to wow any agent so far. I’ve written 3-4 different queries and it still haven’t hit the spot with these agents. I plan to do another round of letters the Tuesday after Thanksgiving thanks to your advice. Wish me luck. Can’t wait until your next email. 🙂
Hi Charmain, okay… you know how to make a writer melt. Ha ha ha. Seriously though, I’m thrilled you look forward to my articles, makes my day. That’s half the fun, isn’t it. Not just the writing itself, but the feedback. Anyway, here’s to your success with agents. Keep me posted and good luck! Mark
Valuable input, mark!…I was planning on sending out my first query next Tuesday, but now I’ll wait another week. I wanted to have it ready to submit on 11/01, but there’s been too many unavoidable conflicts. Now I’ll use this extra week to go over everything one more time. Thank you for sharing your inside knowledge that is so helpful to all of us. Happy Turkey Day to you, Ingrid and the kitties. Janet :>
Hi Rhymster, me again. Glad to know that my article was timely for you. Love to you and yours from us (and the cats)! Mark
Hello Mark,
I’m so glad I signed up for your emails. You have made agents human beings in my mind. Before, it seemed they were super-critical entities sitting on fluffy white clouds randomly dispensing judgment (mostly bad) on us authors. Thanks for demystifying the world of agents and publishers, and for the good information you share. Great web site, too.
Hi Nancy, sorry I’m so slow to respond to this. Swamped with the holidays. I’m thrilled to know that I’ve been able to humanize agents a bit for you. Some of them are awful, but most aren’t! Here’s to you finding a good one. Have a great weekend and hope to see you again soon. Mark
Thanks for more great information. Something else I can erase off of my worrying plate.
Hi Cheryl, glad to hear it and thank you. Yes, please put your worries in the fireplace and send them on up to heaven. You’ve got enough writing to do that you don’t need to worry, too. 😉 Have a great weekend and thanks for posting. Mark
Just in Time! I was thinking about my book “The Super Scientific Notebook of Jay Adams” and thought, what if Jay was a girl? And what if the time traveling Mr. Paxton was actually Mrs. Paxton? Would my book be more marketable? I was going to make the change and send out some queries on Tuesday next week. Oops! I’m glad I read your article. Great info as always.
Hi Jen, I try to anticipate every possible need you might have. Okay, maybe just a couple of them. But I apparently I did good with this. Happy holidays! Mark
I was a business analyst in my past career. My job was to tear ideas apart and look at the angles to help customers solve their process and software problems.
We have a term: “analysis paralysis.” It comes when you take so much time to research, tear apart, and think through a problem that you can’t come to a decision.
Since getting a literary agent is mysterious to most authors, it’s easy for us to get superstitious and get into analysis paralysis.
You say, don’t do it. Good advice.
Hi Harold, I don’t know how this comment snuck past me. Hmm. Thanksgiving probably had something to do with it! Anyway, here’s to avoiding analysis paralysis. Ingrid is a good cure for that. Not just with out clients, but with me too! Have a great weekend and I’ll shoot you an email soon about your popup when it’s done. Thanks for sending me the info! Mark
It’s a mystery to me how anyone in the world has ever got agency representation without having Mark Malatesta on their team!
Mark – You are so amazing. I’m so glad our paths crossed. I can’t wait to add my success story to your pile! (and I ain’t talkin’ Slush Pile!). 🙂
Craig
Hi Craig, I’d say you’re buttering me up… but you don’t need to so I know this is for real. So thanks for making my day with this fabulous plug. Slowly getting out of the weeds here from all things Thanksgiving, but I’m getting there. Love to you and yours and see you soon. Mark
I’m soooo glad you’re not working Thanksgiving day. You need a break and your wife and family deserve to have 100% of all the greatness that is you!
Also, the Monday thing is true!
I think of it this way… I would clear out my inbox before I go away on a holiday, so I would think sending over a holiday would get you in when they’re inbox is empty and give you a good chance of getting a response, just because that’s how I would do things logically. But, that’s just me! LOL
Hi Again, can you tell I’m catching up on comments??? Then I get a break. Ingrid and I are going out to dinner and then I’m driving her to the dentist. I will be on the phone with you at some point I swear, almost there. Here’s to empty inboxes (not because no one loves us but because we’re all caught up)! Yeah, right. 😉 Mark
I’ve been scowling at my empty inbox all day! But, as you know, there was a little bit of action that was quickly taken care of. 😉
OK, so mad-cow, (or in my case mad-mackerel perhaps) must be kicking in, as I just NOW received your newsletter – adorable picture of you two – and also re-signed up for them, as I did on Ingrid’s site as well. We’ll see if her’s comes in therefore, and maybe it was just a two week odd thing. Regardless, great stuff! And I like the newsletter better than logging on and checking your blog, as it comes with photos, success stories, and such fantastic fodder! Thank you! Good news later!!!
Hi Leah, I hope you’re getting my replies to your comments at least. I’m late with these because of Thanksgiving… throwing me off my game! Here’s to emails that work and a wonderful weekend filled with great food and friends and everything else fabulous! Mark
Happy Friday Mark! I am still not receiving your newsletters, yet used to. (I do get your other e-mails & comment post alerts, but not the actual column anymore, nor Ingrid’s). So odd. Is it sent out now via a new system? Regardless, this was fabulous, as always! And it makes great sense! As a gal who wakes at 3. a.m, I tend so send things out at zany hours. But since today is a “Good Luck” day, (I am proclaiming it such), here’s to fantastic shared news very soon! You’ve taught me well! Cheers! | Best Time to Submit to Literary Agents
Hi Leah, that’s the thing. We haven’t changed anything when it comes to our newsletters. Regarding today being a good luck day, however, I’m feeling it too. It helps that I have a lot of great clients with many submissions working for them out on the literary dreamscape. So we’ll see. Maybe today is your day. Wouldn’t surprise me one bit. Have a great day and see you soon. Mark | Best Time to Submit to Literary Agents
“Timing is everything” is true in so many facets of life, be it finding love, $20 in your jeans right before they land in the washing machine, or a literary agent and then publisher. As a professional chef for 25 years, I can relate so well. You might think 30 seconds don’t matter, but you’ll just end up with burned nuts, so to speak. Your writing is precise without being pedantic, and I learn from every article so far. I guess you could could say that I discovered you at just the right time! | Best Time to Submit to Literary Agents
Hi Claudia, I love it. Funny thing is… you discovered this article “a day early”. For some reason I thought today was Thursday and published the article 24 hours early. I usually post them the night before I send a link with a teaser to my mailing list. But then again, since you found me tonight… you were supposed to read it tonight! Here’s to not burning nuts. And thank you for the wonderful compliment. You just made my day. Mark | Best Time to Submit to Literary Agents