Literary Agent Guidelines for Book Agents – Are You Listening?
Today I’m going to take you inside the head of a literary agent. Scary proposition, I know. But it will be worth it. You see, there’s one thing about literary agents that you need to understand…
Most agents (good ones, anyway) are particular and downright obsessive about details. They can also be completely unforgiving if you don’t follow their instructions.
Ouch.
I know, take a moment.
Then read that statement one more time before I elaborate…
Most agents (good ones, anyway) are particular and downright obsessive about details. They can also be completely unforgiving if you don’t follow their instructions.
Once you understand that fact, you also need to understand that you aren’t going to change that fact. And, you aren’t going to find a loophole in the literary agent establishment that lets you get around it. That means you should do the following, if you want to increase your chances of securing agency representation:
- Read (carefully) what agents say on their websites and in their correspondence to you, if and when they respond. If you think you’re doing that already, read the rest of this article anyway. My experience says that you’re probably not being as anal about this as you should.
- Follow their instructions to the letter. If they ask for the first 50 pages of your manuscript, don’t send 51 (even if that’s where your chapter ends). Trust me.
If you feel like I’m talking to you like a five-year-old, you might be right. But it’s out of necessity, based on my experience as an agent… and conversations I’ve had with other agents. Literary agents will judge you based on your failure to read their websites carefully and/or follow their instructions. You’ll be viewed as ignorant, arrogant, or incompetent.
I know.
Take a moment.
Now, you’re wondering…
What gives agents the right to judge?
Well, they get paid to judge.
An agent’s survival in the publishing industry depends on his/her ability to review query letters quickly, and most agents get more than a thousand query letters a month. So, in some twisted way, agents actually like it when you give them a reason to reject you. It lets them get through their pile of query letters that much faster.
Some agents will even “test” you by asking you to submit something unusual, or they’ll ask you to submit something in a particular way… with the sole purpose of seeing if you’re professional enough to follow their instructions.
It might sound harsh, but literary agents don’t want to be bothered by writers that aren’t professional, respectful, and easy to work with. And they don’t have to be bothered by people who aren’t all those things. Remember the volume of query letters that agents get.
Agents like people who pay close attention and listen.
Agents don’t like to repeat themselves.
Every word that an agent says means something. Remember, agents are in the business of publishing — where words are important. In fact, words are money.
And…
Agents don’t like to be challenged when it comes to the way they work (because they’re doing what has already proven to work for them).
Even though I’m no longer an active agent, I still get annoyed when writers (who should know better) don’t read carefully and, as a result, waste my time asking stupid questions (yes, I believe that some questions are stupid).
For example, when I’m going to be interviewed by someone or host a training event for authors, I often promote those events by email. And I always clearly state… that anyone who registers will automatically get a copy of the mp3 recording (even if they can’t be there for the live event).
What do you think happens? You guessed it. A handful of people always send me emails, asking if there’ll be a recording of the call… because they’ll be walking their dog or in the middle of a piano lesson during the live event.
At first I thought it was my fault, maybe I wasn’t communicating clearly enough. So the next time I promoted an event, I added the information about registrants being able to get the mp3 at the very beginning of the email, in CAPS. I even used BOLD typeface and added EXCLAMATION POINTS!!! And, yes, I also repeated the information in the middle of the email, and at the end.
I think you know what happened… I still got a slew of writers cluttering up my email inbox, making me repeat myself. Is it any wonder that agents get frustrated and ask themselves: “If a writer can’t take the time to read my instructions (or follow them), why in the world would I want to work with them?”
Let me close this week’s missive by saying… I don’t want you to end up
in the rejection pile, and I know that you don’t want that either.
So, read carefully.
And respond appropriately.
In short, do whatever an agent says…
Unless they ask you to get naked
or send them money,
Mark Malatesta
Your “Undercover” Agent
* * *
* * *
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 
Mark,
Thank you for the information about literary agents. I will check and recheck what they request. I must have missed something because some agents do not acknowledge my query letter. I probably did something wrong. Thanks.
Delius
Hi Delius, read the following articles: https://literary-agents.com/get-a-literary-agent/literary-agent-feedback/ and https://literary-agents.com/get-a-literary-agent/literary-agent-turnaround-times/. They should help. Keep in mind that most agents don’t respond to queries any more these days unless they’re interested!
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thx Mark for re-sending article. I needed to hear it and will take your advice.
You bet Richard, and have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thanks, Mark. Unless they ask you to get naked or send them money. So glad you have a sense of humor! It’s time for me to get an agent, and I’ll be following your advice from here on in . . . first exhaust myself with all the stuff you’ve already provided. .
🙂
Make it happen!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I did EXACTLY what you said. I heard it before from you before I read this article. I followed this advice to the letter and using your agent list I submitted to 29 agents and got one of the best in the country. Thank you. I am SO excited. Now I would love to ask you how often if at all you can ask the agent if she got the changes she requested and basically what is going on! I sent in the changes a few weeks ago and have heard nada. They were not extensive changes. Thank you for great advice.
Hi Deryn, that is AWESOME.
I love it!
Thank you for the kind words, and thank you for letting me know.
Be patient with your agent, it could take months.
You’ll probably hear back sooner than that though. 😉
Have a great week, and let me know if/when your book comes out!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thanks Mark sometimes a little brutal honesty does a person good, I found this to be pretty useful information.
Thank you Roland, hope it wasn’t too harsh!
Have a great week,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
It’s possible they read your emails and forgot that you wrote they’ll get a free mp3 and didn’t bother to re-read before emailing you their question.Some people may not bother to read the whole article and just skimm through it and only the part about the event sticks in their minds so maybe that’s why they ask you the annoying question. This article sticks in my mind.
Hi Saw-Lian, I don’t mind too much… but authors need to pay attention when they want agents to pay attention to them. 😉
Have a great day!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thank you Mark! Your e-mails are always very insightful. You always seem to say things that open my eyes to new ideas, and help me understand how the publishing industry works!
Thank you Chad, much appreciated.
Have a great day!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
In other words ‘Shape up or ship out’
I see myself making sure I read carefully TWICE every speck of anything from each one. Thanks for the warning. This is another piece of valuable information you have shared.
Thanks.
Thank you Marianne, and have a wonderful week.
Here’s to details big and small!
Mark
Mark,
I absolutely agree with you that following instructions is imperative. As a retired high school principal, I used to tear my hair when, after what I thought was a clear explanation for a project or activity, I would get a handful to teachers saying, “so what are we supposed to do?” AAAAaaarrgh! Thank you for your explicit advice and down-to-earth explanations. So glad I found you!!
Thank you Meganne, you just made my day.
Have a wonderful week,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I have found in the articles that I have read that you have written are excellent and filled with detail. When I was much younger as a US Marine, I learned early to listen and respond with thought and detail. I have just completed my first novel at the age of 82. I love sharing my creative writing with the readers. I have plenty of stories to tell and share with the interested readers. I am very open to advice from the experience of others and it is easy to respond to their requirements.
Hi Thomas, it’s never too late to get your work out there. I’ve worked with quite a few clients in their 80s! And thank you again for the kind words. – Mark
Thanks for the information Mark. Luckily I am just as anal as the agents are, so far anyways. If anyone would like to look up my novel (as yet unpublished) they can visit my website: www.glenncanning.com. I’d love some feedback!
Hi Glenn, thank you for that and have a great day!
Mark
Right on, Mark. Thanks for sending this valuable lesson for every writer who wants to get representation. Especially wanna-be first time novelists. like me. I make notes listing each agent’s needs, and check them off before I submit. It’s time consuming, but I’m type A. If I’m going to do something; I’m going all the way. My rejections said my story did not fit their list. Thanks to you, I now, know what that means. I won’t make that mistake again. Mega thanks! You”re the best. Pat O
Thank you Pat, much appreciated.
Have a great day…
And here’s to being Type A!!!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thanks, Mark. So often it’s the little things that make all the difference. And it’s the pros who know.
🙂
Mark
Great information Mark. I always feel like I have learned something critical to success when I read your articles.
Mark Sheaf
Thank you, and have a great day!
Mark
Thank you so much for spelling it out for us. So far I have had only one agent and am seeking another.
Hi Miriam, glad you found the article helpful and I wish you well with your agent search. Let me know if I can help. As you know, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
All my best and have a happy day!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thank you for this lesson I really enjoyed it. Being a details person myself this same thing frustrates me as well. I really appreciate the time you are going to by sending these tips and instructions to me – thank you.
Thank you Lynette, much appreciated.
Have a wonderful day!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark, As usual, thanks for your advice, which I read with interest. I guess some people just don’t take the time to read what they are reading, and only read what they think is written. I have been informed by a media company that my book Follow in the Tigerman’s Footsteps could be suitable as the basis of a television series. So if they can’t help get this done, I will be looking for an agent via your site, which I have found most helpful. Keep up the great work. Colin Guest.
Thank you Colin, and I hope it works out for you sooner rather than later. Either way, let me know. If you want help with anything else, you can always post more comments/questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, here’s to hoping this is your year!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thanks for your persistence in trying to get your point across. In a complex world and with so many moving parts it’s often difficult to recognize relevant items. There is a responsibility on the sender’s (agent’s) end to provide clarity of the information and instructions being provided.
Hi Michael, very true, amazing that many agents often do a poor job at clearly communicating what they want. You can only do your best and then hope for the same. 😉
Have a great day!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com