Literary agent query response rates – what are they and what can you expect? For example, if you send out twenty query letters to literary agencies (well-written, of course), how many positive requests for additional material should you receive?
Obviously, if you send out twenty queries and don’t get any requests to see more material (or you only get rejection letters), that’s not good.
But what IS good?
And what would be a best case scenario?
Before I answer those questions, let me tell you why this is so important. If you don’t have the right expectations about what a normal literary agent query response rate is, it can be fatal. If you have the wrong number in your head, you might get a good literary agent query response and not know it. You might even get a good literary agent query response and think you’re doing bad.
If that happens, you might get dejected or depressed. You might stop submitting your literary agent query to anyone. You might even stop writing altogether.
I’ve seen it happen…
That’s why I’m writing this article.
Another reason I’m writing this article is because
one of my coaching clients recently sent me this letter.
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Literary Agent Query – Frustrated Client
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Hi Mark,
When literary agents publish things like this on their website it really makes me riffed:
“If you’re really on the right track with your manuscript and you’re targeting the correct agents and writing professional queries, then, as novelist Marcus Sakey recently claimed, you’ll get a 75% positive response to your query. That means three out of four agents who receive your query will ask to see more of your manuscript. Of those three, one or two are then likely to offer representation. Agents know a good thing when they see it.”
Sheesh!
Tim
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My client knew that statement was ridiculous, based on his own personal experience. And he knows because I tell all of my coaching clients the following before they send their literary agent query letters out into cyberspace…
A 40-50% positive literary agent query response rate is almost always the absolute best that anyone is ever going to do.
Ever.
Even if you have your own radio or TV show, have 100,000 people or more on your mailing list, or slept with the president.
How do I know that’s true?
Because I help my coaching clients write some of the best query letters that New York has ever seen (I’ve had literary agents say that to my clients). And because those are the numbers that I see, day in and day out, for authors of all genres: fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books.
And that’s best case scenario.
What’s a “good” literary agent query response rate for a well-written query?
10-20%.
Why is it so low?
Lots of reasons, many of which you would never fathom. Rightfully so, because you’ve presumably never sat in the agent’s chair.
So, here’s a short list of reasons why the percentages are so low. That way you can understand what you’re up against, adjust your expectations, and start sending out more literary agent query letters.
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Literary Agent Query Response Rate Considerations
- Even if you use the best literary agent directory on the planet (by visiting the free Directory Literary Agents area on our website) it’s still really hard to find agents that are a perfect fit. You might be pitching historical fiction and an agent might say that she’s interested in that genre in her bio. But she might omit the fact that she’s really only interested in historical fiction set in 1800s England.
- Some agents will reject a publishable book because they already represent a “similar” author and feel it would be a conflict of interest.
- Some agents don’t update their websites or agent directories often, so the information there is outdated and/or inaccurate. For example, the genres they interested in and/or whether they’re open to submissions.
- Sometimes agents will reject your work simply because they’re having a bad day. For example, they’re having problems at home, feeling overworked, feeling overtired, or feeling over… everything.
- Some agents will reject your work because they tried to sell something “similar” to your book recently and weren’t successful.
- Literary agent query response rates vary by genre.
75% positive literary agent query response rate?
Yeah, right.
Don’t believe the hype.
Don’t believe authors that don’t have any experience, except their own.
Don’t believe literary agents, either. They have no way of knowing what the average literary agent query response rate is. Think about it. All book agents know is the percentage of literary agent query letters that their literary agency accepts or rejects (not all literary agencies, just theirs).
That’s a very different statistic.
Only someone in my position, helping authors send their queries out every week… can say what the typical literary agent query response rate is. It’s no more than 5-50%.
And that’s with a well-written query, that I helped create.
Before that, many of my authors
got zero response.
So don’t beat yourself up if you’re not getting a 75% positive response rate on your literary agent query. Nobody is getting that kind of response rate.
Not even me.
The good news???
You don’t need a 75% literary agent query response rate. You only need one solitary book agent (out of the 1,000+ in my Directory of Literary Agents) to say yes.
Now, if you liked this article… please leave a comment below AND click this link to learn about literary agent turnaround times or click here to discover how to interpret literary agent feedback. Both of those articles are part of my free 15-part Guide to Finding a Literary Agent.
Want help writing or revising your literary agent query? Click here to learn about 3 different ways that you can get 1-on-1 help from me (free to fee) as your Book Marketing Coach. You can ask me questions on my blog, schedule an introductory consulting call with me, or join one of my longer-term coaching programs.
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
Your “Undercover” 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 
Thanks Mark, good article I believe that you are most likely correct with you’re numbers and because of this I’ll not let rejection or the lack of one break my will in getting my MS published. I wish now that I had better insight in this field when I began this path over a year ago but everyday I discover just a little more to help me eventually accomplish my goal. Once again Thank You
You’re welcome Timothy… and getting is almost always something of a long and trying process. Just stay consistent and keep going.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Great advice! Thanks, Mark. I received two responses asking for a full copy of my book out of twelve requests send. At least, I know now that it is a matter of my patience.
Wonderful, congratulations… and have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thanks. I just got one request for my first 50 pages and wondered what interest that might indicate. I’ll keep sending out queries till I find and agent.
Hi Linda, that’s a good start… but you’ll likely need to get MANY agents requesting/reading sample pages to get one or more agents offering to represent you. Most will reject but, hopefully, one of the agents you get reading the first 50… will then ask to read the rest… and offer to represent you.
By the way, the next thing you should do (if you haven’t already) is click here to access to all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post 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, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great day!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I’m sending many pages of my novel to literary agents as per their requests (to accompany the query). Why would they bother to ask for a partical if I’ve already sent so much of my book already?
Hi Joanie, for some reason your comment/question went to my spam folder and I wasn’t notified about it… so my apologies for the delay getting back to you. Now to your question. I have NO idea and every time that happens to one of my coaching clients I really don’t get it. It’s inefficient. But it is what it is. At least you’re getting agents interested.
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you take advantage of all the resources (no cost) on our main website here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
One way or another, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a good night!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I just started querying about two weeks ago, and this is just what I needed to hear today–the responses are beginning to roll in, and I’ve got one request for the full and three rejections in the last two business days. This is already a real emotional roller coaster, even knowing going in that I need to expect a slew of rejections and just a few interested agents.
Thanks, you’ve got my head on straight again.
Hi Emily, okay… this will probably sound weird but you just made my day. I love knowing that my article was able to help take some of the pressure off. It is a roller coaster ride, querying agents and waiting… waiting… waiting. Just keep going, keep believing, and keep me posted on your progress. 😉 Mark
Hi Mark, I’ve been submitting for the last two months and only a handful have come back with a comment stating why the rejected. As it is a rejection email, I still look for the positive in the rejection. My concern is when I am targeting the agent that claims to be looking for my kind of book, I get a response not a good fit. My question is what makes a good fit if the story falls into the category and still get a rejection?
Thanks,
Robert
Hi Robert, for some reason your comment/question went to my spam folder and I wasn’t notified about it… so my apologies for the delay getting back to you. If it’s not too late, I’m happy to help if I can. Regarding your question, take a look at this article if you haven’t seen it already: https://literary-agents.com/get-a-literary-agent/literary-agent-feedback/.
If I can help you with anything else let me know, but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former agent. Today I’m a coach and consultant helping authors get top agents, publishers, and book deals. To that end, I have several websites devoted to helping authors get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. You can see a complete list here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/.
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you take advantage of all the resources (no cost) on our main website here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/. Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a good night!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Well, I just added up the results of my flurry of queries for my latest novel. Out of 60 queries, I had 31 no responses (52%), 15 personal replies at least addressing me by name and sometimes with a single line of feedback (25%), 11 form e-mails without addressing me by name (18%) and 3 requests for more material subsequently rejected (5%). This is about typical for my previous 3 novels as well. I’d have to rate MY personal response as cautiously pleased but frustrated. But time to move on …
Hi Bob, 3 requests for more material out of 60 queries isn’t bad. Of course it could be better, but you’re doing okay. You can either improve the query or simply get more out. Either way, keep moving forward and keep us posted. Your success is our success. And we’re pulling for you. Mark
It all sounds great and very encouraging. I guess I’ve been lucky on my query response ratio, so I’m not about to gripe.
Thank you, and keep the good things coming!
Hello Cayuqui, glad to hear it… and thank you for sending the love my way. It’s much appreciated. Every writer needs readers. And every writer needs to hear from those writers once in a while. Thanks for taking time, and have a great weekend. Mark
my manuscript is done been accepted by a few publishers ,who ask me for money to sort of get things going im a writer and sadly a poor one so i imagine its going to be difficult for me to get an agent let alone anyone to look at my query,another problem is who do i send my query to,and if interested in doing business who do i trust , one publisher has 225 pages of my book and i enough material for two more,now i can i just put myself out there in your world and get recognized i can shop agents
Hi Carl, I had a website glitch (having issues) that caused some of my comments to disappear so my apologies for the delay. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve only gotten publishers interested so far that want to charge you to publish. Leave them as a last resort. In the meantime, use the info on my site to help you improve your pitch and query agents. I have info to help you do both things, including figure out who the GOOD agents are. Mark
Take the time out do something different with that query letter personalized it. When you write the pitch in the query letter make the pitch stand out with catch of words to make that query sparkle keep it short 3 to 5 sentences long and never suck up period. | Literary Agent Query
Hi Ricky, absolutely. That’s one of the reasons I recommend that authors always put anything nice they’re saying about an agent at the END of their later. When you do that, it’s a welcome accent. When you put it at the beginning, it’s much more likely to feel like flattery. Here’s to never sucking up. 😉 Mark | Literary Agent Query
Hi Mark!
First things first! A BIG THANK YOU for this site and all your free (yes free is that good four letter word) sage advice on all things “bookie” (the legal kind). I’ve enjoyed your wit and “been around the block” counsel. Just read how to send an email query (after the fact) for a Children’s Picture Book and O-U-C-H! I made a few boo-boos, but curious to ask you, if the Agent liked the manuscript enough would that and could that cancel out the shortcomings in the email???
Lynn | Literary Agent Query
Hi Lynn, you’re absolutely welcome. Thank YOU for taking time to say hello. Don’t beat yourself up too much about any mistakes you’ve made with your queries in the past. Today is a new day. And, like you said, a good manuscript can overcome a bad query. The problem is, most agents won’t look at the sample writing in the manuscript unless they like the query. So you might need to revise your query and send out more. Just don’t quit! Mark | Literary Agent Query
Great article! Thanks for putting a more realistic frame on this subject. Very helpful – and entertaining too! | Literary Agent Query
Thank you Cyn. You’re the reason I’m doing this. You’re kind and coachable. Looking forward to connecting with you more. Have a great weekend and I hope to see you again soon. Mark | Literary Agent Query
Thanks so much for this post, Mark. Even fiction writers need a bracing dose of reality. Good stuff. Extremely helpful.
Hi Annie, thanks for stopping by to say hello. Glad you liked the article. If I can help you in any way and answer any questions for you, let me know. See you again soon I hope. Mark | Literary Agent Query
Congrats to Lynn!! You go girl! 🙂 And congrats to Mark as well for being such a wonderful coach! It’s feedback like this that confirms that we’re working with the best. Go Mark! 🙂 | Literary Agent Query
Hi Sabrena, that is amazing… right? 2 minutes and 36 seconds for a literary agent to respond with a positive request to see more material. I’m starting to get greedy now. I want to see under 2 minutes. Then 1 minute. Wait a second, that’s probably not possible. Agents do need time to READ the query letters, don’t they? Ha ha ha. Good hearing from you. Mark | Literary Agent Query
Hi Mark
An informative article. At least, I know what to expect which is not much so I don’t get disappointed. So if I were to send out eleven good query letters and get four contract offers and seven rejections, would you say that is pretty good responsel or very good? | Literary Agent Query
Hi Saw Lian, thank you. If you send out 11 good query letters and get four requests for sample chapters and/or the full manuscript, that is good. If you get one or two of those agents to offer you representation, that is great. Do let us know how it goes when you start sending them out. Mark | Literary Agent Query
Reading Lynn Bouldry’s raving fan remarks about her query letter assures me that I am working with the right man. | Literary Agent Query
Hi Dorlies, you absolutely are. I’m going to make you look like a rock star. Nice speaking with you tehe other day. 🙂 Mark | Literary Agent Query
I AM getting 75% positive comments, but NO “we’d love to represent you,” so I may be the best writer nobody wants to,represent. | Literary Agent Query
I need to get over myself, don’t I? | Literary Agent Query
Yes, you do. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 🙂 Mark | Literary Agent Query
Thanks! Some friends took me out to a Japanese steak house. Got the whole hibachi experience where the shelf pelted us with broccoli. He sautéed a birthday “volcano” out of onions. | Literary Agent Query
So the shelf pelted you with broccoli? Ya gotta love auto-spell-correct. Ha ha ha. I’m just glad you had a good birthday celebration. Looking forward to celebrating with you in your new year. 😉 Mark | Literary Agent Query
GREAT ARTICLE: Literary Agent Query response time/reasons… Intimidating! Yes, given all variety of literary options at public libraries, booksellers and my own miniature collection. Yet, in the world of possibility and the fact I have you Mark on my shelf of added potential, there just might be a place budding for “The Wedding Garden.” “Timing Is Everything” is not just a cliché. | Literary Agent Query
Timing isn’t everything but it is something… and this is definitely your year to get your work out there. 🙂 Mark | Literary Agent Query
I would have put it around 30%. It depends how accurately the writer can target his agent which can only be done through elbow-grease and a bit of guesswork. Adequate preparation and following guidelines helps, but god-only-knows what kind of log-jam might exist at a book agent or whether the weather be foul or fine. Sometimes if lucky an agent will refer you to another or directly to a publisher, in which case you have good idea of what you have and should just keep plugging along. | Literary Agent Query
Hi Pogo, you’re very right… timing has so much to do with it. As an agent I learned to adjust my expectations the same way. Send out twice as many submissions for a project as you think you should have to send out… and assume that close to half of the responses will be rejections that have nothing to do with the quality of the work. Mark | Literary Agent Query
when I wrote I had good acceptance but i think it is because I spent much time studying target.Writer submits; editor rejects. I carry the same attitude regarding photography, but there is a difference. 10% acceptance from any submission into a high-end photo agency is quite good. My goal is to license maximum among different agencies, so I just circulate the rejections elsewhere and don’t think about it. It takes tough mentality to survive, hence always growing collections. | Literary Agent Query
p2. now studying glossy rags. photography is good enough to deliver, but am a bit lost in writing and suffer no confidence; but there’s no rejection letter without a submission, so back to making inquiries and studying guidelines. food reviews. saw new ebook company, but they handle their contracts similar to RM photography licenses 50/50 5yr excl. NonFiction only 😉 Shorties ca 50pp forgot word count for iPad, smartphone-so things like travel guides, short bio, foodies,etc | Literary Agent Query
Mark helped me to upgrade and dramatically improve my query letter. However, actually sitting down and first checking each agent’s website for current submission guidelines, then actually sending queries to multiple agents, is entirely up to me. As for responses, using his polished query letter I have had 3 out of 10 agents request sample chapters. While they did not obtain an agent, I must now send out at least 25 more before getting discouraged. Thank you Mark for being in my corner. | Literary Agent Query
Hi Pat, I have to say that I was thrilled to your comment. I had no idea that you were getting that kind of response rate… and that was based on you not doing that much with me. That’s fantastic. I saw your comment come in on my iPhone and immediately bragged to my wife about it. Thank you for sharing, and please keep getting those queries out. I can’t say it enough… you have a great niche and you’re a very good writer. Mark | Literary Agent Query
Wow! Great article, Mark. It really helped me to stay inspired this week. And as you well know, with expectations as high as rejections, that isn’t always an easy thing to do. But who ever said easy was good? Being born was pretty hard. Thanks! Tom. | Literary Agent Query
Hi Tom, I’m glad to hear it because you so often inspire me… and everyone else around you. Sending you rainbows and publishing bliss. Mark | Literary Agent Query