How to Query Agents and Submit to a Publisher: A Guide to Getting Published

Insider Secrets to Getting Published: What Agents and Publishers Want

Submitting a manuscript to literary agents or publishers is an integral step in the journey of any aspiring author. This series aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the process, weighing the pros and cons of submitting directly to publishers without an agent, as well as offering guidance on how to attract a literary agent after receiving a professional assessment from Writerful Books. Dive in below to explore the various online resources to assist authors like yourself in finding potential literary agents and publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts in the USA, UK, EU, and Australia.

Pros and Cons of Submitting to Publishers Without an Agent

Pros:

✅ Lower Barrier to Entry: Some publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts, offering a chance for authors to establish direct connections and potentially secure publication.

✅ Flexibility and Control: Negotiations on contractual terms may be more flexible without the intermediary of an agent.

✅ Personalized Approach: Direct submissions allow authors to showcase their unique style and voice without any intermediary influence.

Cons:

❌ Limited Access and Exposure: Most major publishers only accept submissions through literary agents, limiting the opportunities available to authors who submit directly.

❌ Lack of Industry Expertise: Agents possess extensive knowledge of the publishing landscape, market trends, and editors’ preferences, which can be valuable when navigating the complex world of publishing.

❌ Time-Consuming: Authors may find it challenging to research and communicate effectively with multiple publishers, which might hinder their writing and creative process.

Professional Appraisal

Have you finished writing your manuscript, but are unsure what to do next or need professional advice on whether it is ready to be submitted to an agent or publisher? Or have you exhausted all feedback avenues such as family and friends or even beta readers and are ready for practical advice from an industry professional?

Expert Evaluation

1. Implementing Professional Feedback: Benefit from feedback provided by our manuscript evaluation service and incorporate suggested revisions to enhance the strengths and address the weaknesses of your manuscript.

2. Polish Your Query Letter: We can help you craft an engaging and concise query letter that entices literary agents by showcasing the unique selling points of your manuscript.

Why get a Manuscript Evaluation?

List of Literary Agents

1. Literary Agency Databases: Websites such as QueryTracker, AgentQuery, and WritersMarket contain exhaustive databases of literary agencies in different regions (USA, UK, EU, and Australia). These platforms offer invaluable insights into agents’ preferences, submission guidelines, and success stories.

Researching Agents

A. Focus on Compatibility: Identify agents who have worked with and represent authors in your genre or target audience.

B. Personalize Submissions: Tailor each query letter to highlight relevant connections to the agent’s previous work or professional interests, displaying a genuine interest in their agency.

Networking & Conferences

1. Attend Writing Conferences and Industry Events: These gatherings provide opportunities to interact with agents, ask questions, and directly pitch your manuscript.

2. Online Platforms and Communities: Engaging in writing forums, social media writing groups, or platforms like Manuscript Wish List (MSWL) can help you connect with industry professionals seeking specific genres or themes.

Finding Publishers

Authors should approach publisher’s guidelines with care and attention to detail. The guidelines are there for a reason: they help publishers to make informed decisions about which books to publish. If an author does not follow the guidelines, their submission is likely to be rejected.

Publisher’s Guidelines

By following these tips, authors can increase their chances of securing a publishing deal.

► Read the guidelines carefully. Make sure you understand all of the requirements, including the length of the manuscript, the format, and the submission process.

► Follow the guidelines precisely. Don’t deviate from the guidelines unless you have a good reason. If you’re not sure about something, ask the publisher for clarification.

► Proofread your submission carefully. Typos and grammatical errors will make a bad impression on publishers.

► Be professional in your communication with publishers. This includes using proper grammar and spelling, as well as being polite and respectful.

► Do your research. Before you approach any publishers, make sure you know what they publish and who their target audience is. This will help you to target your submissions more effectively.

► Build relationships. Attend industry events, connect with other authors, and get to know publishers on a personal level. This will help you to get your foot in the door and make a good impression.

► Be persistent. Don’t give up if you don’t get a publishing deal right away. Keep writing, keep submitting, and eventually you will find a publisher who is interested in your work.

► Research publishers directly: Visit publisher websites to explore their submission guidelines and criteria for unsolicited manuscripts.

► Read samples and published works: Familiarise yourself with the publishers’ catalogs to ensure that your manuscript aligns with their publishing style and interests.

Writers’ Resources

1. Writer’s Market: A reputable resource that offers a comprehensive list of publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts, along with contact details and submission guidelines.

2. Publisher Databases: Websites and books such as the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook, Directory of Literary Agents, and the Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents provide listings and information on publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts, helping you find potential homes for your work.

How to Find a Literary Agent

The process of querying a literary agent or submitting an unsolicited manuscript to a publisher requires careful consideration and strategic planning. While submitting directly to publishers offers certain advantages, securing a literary agent can provide valuable industry expertise and wider access to the publishing world.

By undertaking a professional assessment provided by Writerful Books and employing various online resources, authors can significantly enhance their chances of successfully navigating the literary agent and publisher submission process. Remember, persistence and resilience are key as you embark on this exciting path towards publication.

Before querying literary agents or submitting your manuscript directly to publishers, be sure your manuscript is in the best possible shape by investing in a professional assessment from Writerful Books.

Our team of publishing experts and editors will provide you with detailed feedback on your manuscript’s strengths and areas for improvement. A manuscript assessment can help you objectively evaluate and polish your novel to publication standards.

Our editors have worked with some of the top literary agencies and publishing houses, so we know exactly what agents and acquisition editors are looking for.

With our manuscript assessment reports, you can fix issues with plot, pacing, characters, and style before submitting your work. A manuscript assessment can boost your chances of getting picked up by an agent or landing a deal with a publisher.

Why Get a Manuscript Assessment?

Don’t leave your dreams of getting published to chance – get your manuscript assessed by an experienced book editor at Writerful Books!

Our manuscript assessment service provides unparalleled reliability and practical support to unpublished writers from Australia, Canada, Ireland, UK and the USA. Our team of editors are committed to helping you unlock the full potential of your book. Our trusted, professional manuscript appraisal will give you the insight you need to identify areas where further development is required and move your manuscript one step closer to publication.

Our team of experienced editors is committed to providing you with the highest quality service possible. If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with the quality of our work, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We will work with you to address any issues or concerns and either redo the service to your satisfaction or provide you with a full refund. We are dedicated to exceeding your expectations and helping you create the best book possible. You can have full confidence in our commitment to quality and client satisfaction.

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