Literary agents are considered the gatekeepers of the publishing world. Essentially, they introduce author’s manuscripts to publishers to get you a book deal. They will review your book contract with a fine-toothed comb, and most importantly, protect your literary rights. In addition to negotiating the size of your advance and the percentage of royalties you will receive, other rights a literary agent will negotiate for you are “subsidiary rights.” Subsidiary rights involve all electronic rights regarding your manuscript, audio book rights, article excerpt rights, foreign rights, bulk sales, and more.
Not every publisher requires that your book be submitted by an agent, but if your desire is to find a top-tier publisher, your book must be agented.
While there are numerous ways to hunt for a literary agent, not all of them are guaranteed to capture an agent's attention. Literary agents often tell me they receive 1000 submissions a month. A few top agents have asked me to text them when I have a manuscript for them to consider, because they just can’t keep up with the amount of submissions entering their Inbox every day. The result is that the majority of submissions are not even going to be opened.
3. Address your Cover Letter to a Specific Agent
One of the most common mistake authors make when writing a cover letter to a literary agent is failing to address it to a particular agent. Never address a letter to: 'Dear Agent/Editor.’ If you want to attract an agent who will be interested in representing you, address them by their name.
4. Create a Social Media Presence
Agents sign authors who have an online presence, as it shows that they already have an audience, which is crucial when the book is finally published. If an agent is potentially interested in your project, they will automatically look you up online and instantly take note of the number of followers you have on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram or elsewhere. They will also look at the amount of engagement you have on your social media channels. One way to create greater engagement is to ask a question, rather than issue a statement. More people will often respond to questions than they will to statements. You don’t have to be every place and everywhere on social media, but you do have to grow at least one of those channels very strongly. Choose the social media channel where you are the most comfortable, and grow that one the strongest.
Now that you know some of the best ways to find a literary agent, don't wait any longer! We have 20 years of relationships with literary agents. You can kick-start your agent search today by contacting us.
Randy Peyser Literary Specialist & Speaker AUTHOR ONE STOP, Inc. Your book pitched to agents & publishers We Perform "Book Appendectomies" Carlson City, NV 89701 (831)726-3153 randy@authoronestop.com http://www.AuthorOneStop.com
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