Literary agent referrals – How important are personal connections when it comes to getting a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal? In other words, do you need to know someone influential in publishing… to become someone influential in publishing?
This article reveals the truth, and it’s
probably not what you think.
* * *
I was inspired to share the information in this article after getting the following comment from an author (along with hundreds of others just like it during my 15+ years in the book business).
* * *
Dear Mark,
I’m convinced that getting an agent doesn’t happen unless you have a personal connection to start with. You don’t just send out inquiries and get your foot in the door. It’s a matter of having the right personal contacts and introductions.
Sincerely,
Aspiring Author
* * *
When you’re the proverbial “outsider looking in” it’s easy to think this way. You don’t know better. So it’s easy for your imagination to paint a dismal picture like this. After all, you’re a writer. Your imagination is supposed to run wild. But, your imagination can also lead you over the edge of the cliff of truth, into a dark pit of half-truths and hopelessness.
Before that happens,
let me tell you what it’s really like.
* * *
During my first two years as a literary agent, 100% of the authors who contacted me seeking representation weren’t referrals from other literary agents.
Yes, 100%.
Why?
I was an outsider.
I was young with no experience or connections. I didn’t know any other literary agents (or editors at publishing houses for that matter). I was living in South Florida, not NYC. And I wasn’t yet speaking at writers’ conferences across the country.
So, how did authors find me?
Simple…
I was smart enough to get listed in the two leading literary agent directories at the time: Jeff Herman’s Directory of Agents and the Writer’s Digest Guide to Literary Agents.
And I built a website.
After I started to become successful (and known) with a track record of sales to major publishers like Random House, things changed—but just a little bit. I started getting referrals, but it was still only about 2% of all incoming queries.
What impact did those
referrals have on me?
A lot, but only for 2 seconds.
Here’s why…
As an agent you think to yourself, “Well, golly, this book must be good. Another agent took the time to personally recommend it.”
Fantastic!!!!!
But then…
You have to read the author’s query letter,
synopsis, sample pages and/or book proposal.
Oh, snap.
If you’re an author reading this right now,
you’re realizing referrals aren’t that big a deal.
Sorry…
No literary agent is going to represent you
(in whole, or even in part)
because of a referral.
What matters is your book.
And your pitch.
* * *
If you’ve been part of my online community for a while, you know that I love comparing the author/agent relationship to a romantic soul-mate relationship (because it’s fun, and because there are a lot of parallels between the two).
So…
If you were single and searching, and someone you knew told you about someone else who was single and searching (and supposedly perfect for you), what would you think?
Yes, you might get excited about the possibilities. But, I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t decide to move in with the person or marry them sight unseen (unless you’re certifiably desperate).
No.
You’d ask questions about the person,
and then want to meet them.
Kick the tires.
Peek under the hood.
Take a test drive.
You know I’m right.
The same unwritten rules that apply in love are true
for authors seeking their “literary soul-mate.”
I know it’s twisted,
but it’s true.
* * *
Here’s something else
you’ll want to know…
When I stopped being a literary agent and closed my literary agency, I really learned how useless referrals are. I had a lot of published authors at the time–authors I’d worked hard to get established (they weren’t published when they found me). And I cared about them. I didn’t want to “break up with them” and leave them single.
So, what did I do?
I reached out to the top literary agents
I knew to make referrals.
I made phone calls.
I sent emails.
And I was shocked at
how hard it was…
These were successful authors with book deals
published by major publishing houses.
And it still wasn’t easy.
Why???
An agent has to genuinely connect with your work. They’re not going to represent you just because you’re already published, you’ve sold a lot of books, or because someone referred you.
Now, this will really shock you…
I don’t even make personal referrals for the 1-on-1 coaching clients
I work with today (even though they invest a lot of money to work with me).
Why?
Because it wouldn’t make a difference.
If you want to get the attention of the most eligible literary agents,
and get them fighting over the opportunity to represent you…
Write a great book.
Then, write a great pitch.
And…
Consider teaming up with an industry insider
who knows how to help you look even better
(just make sure that person is qualified
so they don’t do more harm than good).
Every week I help at least one new author improve their pitch materials,
choose the best agents for their work, send out their queries, and…
Get top literary agents asking for more.
No personal referrals.
“Cold” queries.
Yes…
If your book is well written, your pitch is solid, and you don’t
give up after sending out 20, 40, or even 100 queries…
you WILL get positive responses.
Lastly, don’t forget that you don’t need
to hear back from everyone.
Just someone.
You only need one agent out of the 1,000+ out there
to fall in love with you… so you can enjoy
your publishing-happily-ever-after.
Remember…
Getting published isn’t luck,
it’s a decision.
If you believe,
and do the
work.
– Mark
* * *
* * *
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 
Wow! That is very interesting… I would have never thought that about referrals… but after your explanation it makes complete sense. So many limiting beliefs we all hold that can get in our way… and just a simple shift in perspective can change everything! Thanks for the inside scoop! :)| Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Gil, happy Friday night! I hope you’re doing something exciting and enjoying yourself. Here’s to busting limiting beliefs, surrounding ourselves with people of like mind, and… a great weekend. That’s for lighting up my page with your smiling face. Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
Such a good thing to know!!! I should pin it on Pinterest!!! But….. That would let my secret out :-/ otherwise I swear I would!!! I love your articles. You’re so down to earth and speak in the same language as the rest of us. I look forward to working with you soon!!! A friend of mine started a church in Boulder awhile back. I might just have to visit you and your lovely wife and maybe that brat of a cat next time I visit!!! Maybe you’ll want my autograph by then 😉 let’s hope.| Literary Agent Referrals
HI Tina, feel fr*ee to pin me. Why do I have to be a secret? I want to know. You can share. Or is that you want everyone to think you’re doing it all yourself? Ha ha. Either way, I don’t mind. The fact that you’re here and leaving comments is all I need. I do have to defend Fudge though. I made him look like a bad cat in that newsletter but he’s an absolute angel. I’ll have to feature him again soon in a better light. 😉 Have a great weekend and see you again soon I hope. Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
Because I’m not letting anyone one know about my book until it’s published other than my siblings. I’d rather the people I’m close to not read it. I’ve done a good job of keeping my past to myself and I don’t want them lookin at me differently. That’s why I’ve hesitated. If they read it, fine, but I’m not broadcasting it to them just in case they’re not read it lol. I’d rather they didn’t. So it’s not youth at I’m keeping secret! It’s me 😉 | Literary Agent Referrals
Well I won’t get published with all that horrible grammar!!!! Geez.
*not going to read it
*not you that I’m keeping secret | Literary Agent Referrals
Ah, okay. Now I see. I understand that completely. Been there. Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
That’s what editors are for. 😉 Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
I read the article about referrals. Mark, a breath of fresh air, not all gloom and doom. I have written a good book, actually three good page-turner novels, but still no literary agent. My main question, How do I go about getting a website? Do I place excerpts of the three novels on the website to share with potential readers? The website is definitely something I will look into. And to now referrals are a tool, but not essential. I will work on the pitch, and create a website. Excellent!!!| Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Patty, I try. Thank you for noticing and saying so. There’s enough doom and gloom in the world… especially in the publishing space. The best way for you to go about creating a website will depend on your desire to do some of the work, your technical ability, and/or your ability to invest financially to get help. Do you want to do it all yourself, get a little help, or get a lot of help? Tell me that and I can give you a better answer. Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
Hey Mark! Yet another terrific article 🙂
Being in sales, the first question I would ask, if I were an agent, is WHY would my COMPETITOR be sending me work? Does Macy’s tell Kohl’s? Of COURSE not!
I’d be more trusting of a referral from an author who is a dear friend and then it would have to be in the manner of a personal introduction and said agent would have to come to ME. After all, I’m the one who’s going to make THEM a bundle when they sell my book, right?
Otherwise Cold Call City works| Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Lois, good question. It’s usually because the agent doesn’t represent that genre. Sometimes, though, it’s because one of their clients is bugging them about a book in another genre they wrote that the agent doesn’t believe in. And they’re trying to dump it off. I was going to mention that in the article, but it would have taken too much explaining. Here’s to quality cold calls. Ha ha ha. Have a great weekend and talk soon. Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
Once again great writings from you Mark. Also great picture of you and Ingrid. Hope the banana split was worth the time!!!! Os SOOOOO good!!!! I write “Tween” series books. I talk to the youth of this age and listen to what they want to read about and then I write. You definitely are going to be reading my works some day!!!!! I’m not giving into this present poverty stage of living!!! Have you read the part about Mrs. Jezebel? Read the book and find out about this hilarious character!!!!| Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Saundra, it’s the best banana split you never had. I wish I could share it (honestly, no, I don’t). I’m not good at sharing food. But I would love to buy you one and watch you eat it. 😉 And yes, I look forward very much to hearing good news from you about getting a top literary agent… and then… book deal. Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
Alot of news on the way. Going to publish the books myself. My present boss, whom I have worked for since 2000, went mental this last week. Removed all files, broke phones, took computer router, etc. Divorce situation. Not being given $1,700.00 promised. The office staff and myself are regrouping, getting the first book on the computer, off to the press. Opening a website to sell books myself. Alot of request. 1st to come our by late Feb -March. 2nd book June. Then 2 next Dec.All written already. I want to send you a copy. You will have to send me an e-mail as to where I can mail it. Daily requests where they can buy. Going to promote thru local libraries, schools, organization and churches as fund raisers. Great interest from accountant, lawyer & investers. We’ll see!!!! We already have the office, experienced business staff, equipment. A total of 11 books are already completed. Be talkin to ya Mark. | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Saundra, sorry to hear about the drama… BUT, I’m thrilled you’re going to be getting your work out there. Let me know when you put out the first book, and congratulations. No need to send me anything right now, but I appreciate it. I hardly have time to read my clients’ work. 😉 Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
I have worked diligently to build testimonials on my manuscript and it has been priceless in the feedback. For me, it was more confidence building because people pointed out parts of the book they really appreciated. Fortunately, there was no criticism but I was open to feedback of any kind. Fortunately, just more important Q & A to build my manuscript stronger… all positive!| Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Mardell, one of these days (very soon, as you know) I’m going to introduce you to my list. Not only are you one of my favorite health gurus, you’re also a model of hard work and perseverance. It’s no wonder you’re swimming in testimonials. Enjoy the wave, and have a great weekend. Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
I was wondering the same thing after sending out 30 queries for my first book. I’ve had some lovely rejections, and a few returned to sender (how often are those lists updated – I even cross-checked). I was feeling a bit sad and droopy about the whole process, and then your article came along and it motivates me to persevere. Thanks!| Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Claudia, you know there are a lot of writers reading this who’d say there’s no such thing as a lovely rejection. But I know what you mean. Here’s to staying positive. No sadness or droopiness allowed (at least not more than 2 minutes worth here and there). Have a great weekend! Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
I think no matter what your background is believe in yourself and your own ability keeps you going. That is what kept me out of a wheelchair. Thank you have a superb weekend anouk.| Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Anouk… you… and my wife (that is, staying out of wheelchair due to the power of a positive mindset). I’ll have to write about that one day. Thanks for posting and sharing your upbeat spirit Anouk. Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
I know I can trust you. And you always seem to be reading my mind. The search for an agent to look at my work is the hardest part of this process. I have re-written my query 1000 times. This week I had 2 agents ask for my manuscript! So for the next 4-6 weeks I will be hoping I don’t let them down or the descriptive language I used wasn’t too over the top. Like waiting for a boy to call that you really like, I will be criticizing myself while I wait. Thank you for your astute emails every time!| Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Debbie, okay… 1,000 times has to be a record. Yes, I know you’re not being literal. But if we can’t laugh about it a little bit, well… let’s not discuss the other options. I’m thrilled to know that you got two more agents interested this week. That is good news indeed. Now, the best way to avoid the self-doubt and nail-biting during the waiting time is… to send out more queries. 😉 Keep me posted and have a great weekend! Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Mark,
Your words made the light come on. (Again.) Thanks. I think what I take away from this is to not be afraid to dive in. You won’t know what you need to work on until someone who knows takes a look at it. (Of course I’m referring to you in this instance.) I have to admit that I have changed my query several times now after reading your articles and have high hopes I’m getting closer.
Much appreciation.
Marilyn | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Marilyn, that’s me… the keeper of the light. 😉 I admire you continuing to find ways to improve your query, and I do hope to see some good news from you on that front in the near future. Have a great weekend and, of course, keep me posted. Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
Just read your article, and I have a few questions: What is the typical timeframe for an author with a great book and great pitch to get a positive response? You’ve told stories of almost immediate responses and then say it’s not that way for everyone. We’d all love to be one of those exceptions, but what’s the rule?
Also, from your article I understand that referrals don’t get you an agent, but do they get your query looked at sooner? In other words, do they put you higher in the slushpile? | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Jen, regarding literary agent turnaround times… check this out: https://literary-agents.com/get-a-literary-agent/literary-agent-turnaround-times/. Good point about the possibility of referrals getting looked at sooner. I don’t think so. It just pretty much guarantees that the agent will read the entire query instead of just the first few lines. But you can achieve the same result with a great few opening lines. 😉 Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
I should have known you had already wrote an article about it! I’ll check it out. Thanks | Literary Agent Referrals
Ha ha ha. Yes, you should have known. And part of you did know. But how to find it, that’s another question. Don’t ever hesitate to ask. Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Mark,
This is extremely encouraging to read. I admit to thinking that, as with so many things, it is who you know, not what you know. Writing a great book is the key – getting someone to read that book is the next step. I’m thinking a strong, persuasive inquiry and synopsis are probably the right tools to attain that goal. How to condense 200+ pages to one page, that’s the challenge! Thanks so much for your insights – they are very helpful. Lynn | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Lynn, it’s an easy trap to fall into. I was guilty too, before I started cold calling the top brass in NYC and making sales. Now I know better. Good content. Good pitch. Good results. That simple. Keep doing what you’re doing, and have a great weekend! Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Mark,
That all makes sense — except for one problem. Having queried about 75 agents over the last 2 months, I’m running out of agents appropriate for my work. I have come across AT LEAST half a dozen agents who seem perfect for my work, but they do not accept queries from anyone UNLESS they are recommended by a friend or client. And that includes the agent I want the most.
You are right — a referral alone does not mean much, but in these cases a referral is the ticket into the ballgame. | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Ellen,
I don’t know about your specific dream agency but sometime agents put that in when their client list is full. They don’t want to cut off their options completely, but at the same time they want to devote their time to the clients they have and help them be successful. (That’s their job!)
I hope you find the agent that is perfect for you and get your work off the manuscript and into the bookshelves. 🙂
–JEN | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Jen, good point. I’ve also had some of my clients send queries to those agents anyway… those agents that say they’re currently closed to submissions and/or those that say they don’t accept unsolicited submissions. And they’ve had success. Sometimes you have to break the rules. Just don’t tell them I told you that. 😉 Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
You seriously need a like button on these. 🙂 | Literary Agent Referrals
Hey Jen, you should see a floating social media share bar on the left hand side of the screen. And I would appreciate the shares. Let me know if you can’t see it because then I need to have a tech person look into it. Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Ellen, I can’t tell you how happy I am that you shared this. That is the one situation that I actually DO let my clients use my name. In fact, I’m going to amend my article to include this information. Thank you for reminding me! Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
Thank you so much for this insight Mark
It was good and comforting to read as with everything in life persistence is the key | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Anouk, I love persistence because it makes those who grow up without privilege or connections (like I did) just as much chance as the person who did grow up with those things. Quality content and character always level the playing field. Here’s to being smart and never giving up. Thanks for posting and have a great weekend. Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
This is uplifting, Mark. In our hearts, we all know we have to be offering a top-quality read. What I most appreciate about your posting is the encouragement not to give up after queries are turned down. I’m nearly ready to start submitting my own query letter. I’m also taking your advice and initiating a social media presence soon. (Right now I’m studying options and taking a class at the library about Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, etc.) It feels good to be moving forward. Thanks so much! Janet | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Rhymster, funny… I wasn’t thinking too much about encouraging everyone to keep going when I wrote this one… just trying to show that referrals don’t matter… since so many authors feel like they need a referral. But I’m glad to know that I subconsciously included a persistence pep talk as well. Those are always good. Happy to hear, also, that you’re getting your social media going. A very good thing. Have a great weekend and thanks, as always, for interacting. With appreciation. Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
Good morning Mark!
The way that it is
Told simply and sweet
Don’t cave from rejection
Don’t lose any sleep
The playing field level
All based on the book
No inside connections
Suggesting a look
For even the master
Our own Dr. Seuss
Was one time rejected
His books now pursued!!
Have a great day!!
Lynn 🙂 | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Lynn, I think you enjoyed writing your comment as much as I enjoyed writing my column AND reading your reply. 😉 Thanks for having fun with me and being so supportive. And yes, keep believing and keep going. Here’s to literary accolades, and a good weekend. Hope to see you again soon. Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
Thanks for the pep talk. My daughter is just starting to look for an agent with no luck yet. We know that its early yet but hoping for responses soon. Thanks again, Alice | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Alice, thank you for that and I’m happy to do whatever I can to help. Make sure you listen to the mp3 recording I talk about here on my home page: https://literary-agents.com, read the articles on my site, and post any questions you have for me here: https://literary-agents.com/ask-a-literary-agent/. And, if you can, schedule an intro call with me here: https://literary-agents.com/book-marketing/book-marketing-coach/. Here’s to your success, and a great weekend! Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
Yes. Yes. Persistence increases the possibility of a positive result. Thousands of authors sent thousands of queries to would be agents. But there is nothing like a trusted friend, with a good track record, giving the nod to someone who trusts you, to look at a new author’s work.
The few times I’ve been lucky enough to talk to an agent’s receptionist, I still hear, that despite Alice Munoe’s Nobel prize for her short stories, no one wants to look at short story collections. | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi William, that’s true… but… look at this scenario. If I was single and you introduced me to someone I immediately fell in love with, I’d be eternally grateful to you. But… I’d be just as happy if I was single and met that same person by bumping into her at Starbucks… or on a dating website. My point is that HOW I meet the person doesn’t matter. The only benefit of the introduction is that it might save me time, but agents still know how to find the gems in the pile of coal. Anyway, as you know… I like to say… keep going and keep believing. It hurts to see the good writers lose hope. So hang in there. Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
Mark,
I have been involved in the query process since the end of Sept. I know by some standards that isn’t very long, but it is about the time it took to write my first draft and that makes it seem like a long prcess to me. I am now wondering if a writer’s conference would be time and money better spent than querying. What do you think? | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Judy, good question. And it’s prompting me to make a note… I need to write an article about this because a lot of people ask me about it. The short of it is you’d get a long more bang for your buck by working 1-on-1 with someone (like me) to improve your query and other materials. The idea is that you have to invest quite a bit to attend a conference and pitch just a few agents, without improving your pitch materials first. A coach can help you improve your materials AND show you the best way to locate and pitch the probably hundreds of agents that might be interested in your type of book. Plus you get 1-on-1 support throughout the process to answer all your questions and make sure you don’t make any big mistakes. It was actually one of my coaching clients that made this comparison for me, after she signed up with me. She explained that this was the rationale she used to make her decision. I told her I was going to use it in an article one day, but haven’t gotten around to it yet. 😉 I hope this helps. If you decide to go to a conference anyway, let me know and I’ll send you a link to an article I had published in the Writer’s Digest Guide to Literary Agents about how to make the most of it. And have a great weekend! Mark | Literary Agent Referrals
Mark — reading your pieces as I work on my book. Since my area of expertise is human behavior i.e. psychology, your ideas from my point of view are right-on. You also have experience to back up your ideas — great combination. See you on the “other side” — early 2014. Chow ! (yes, I know)
polly hart | Literary Agent Referrals
Hi Polly, I always send extra special love to the first person to comment on my latest article… so here I am. Even better, you liked it. So thank you for getting my day off to a great start. Here’s to success… yours, mine, and ours. Keep making progress on your book and stay in touch, and I’ll see you soon. Mark | Literary Agent Referrals