After years of grueling work, avoiding distractions, and breaking through writer’s block, you finished your novel. Now what?
Even though some jump straight to submitting it to publishers, for many writers, the next step is finding a literary agent. Literary agents help writers find publishers, as well as negotiate the deal and sales of the book.
But some agents who have been in the business for years get north of 10,000 queries a year, and only sign 1 or 2 clients. Those are terrible odds. You need to find a new agent who is the lookout for new writers, and this is exactly what this list gives you.
Patterson is a part of Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents, Inc. seeking interesting memoirs. Copy and paste the first ten pages of your manuscript, along with a query letter, directly into the email. The query letter should give insight to the story, the author, and their previous projects.
2. Steve Kasdin
As an agent with Curtis Brown Ltd., an entertainment agency, Kasdin is interested in looking at general literary fiction. In your email, include a one to three page plot synopsis, a query letter about how your work stands out, and a bio about you and your previous published works. He also suggests adding 40-50 pages of the manuscript as an email attachment.
Manning is a new literary agent at United Talent Agency seeking both fiction and non-fiction manuscripts. In the body of your email, put your cover letter. As attachments, add your synopsis and the first three chapters of your work.
4. Suzy Evans
Evans works with Sandra Dijkstra Literacy Agency, searching for manuscripts in a few different areas. She’s interested in non-fiction for both adults and children. She’s also intrigued by YA, especially stories that confront important issues common in the age group. Her email queries vary for fiction and non-fiction. For emails about fiction manuscripts, include your query letter, a plot synopsis, and your first chapter. For non-fiction manuscripts, include a query letter and a short author biography.
Smith is an agent with L. Perkins Agency looking for manuscripts across many adult genres. She’s interested in romance, erotica, LGBTQ, as well as thrillers and fiction aimed towards women. Advice, memoirs, and how-to guides are also encouraged. Your query letter in the body of the email should include a bio, a concise synopsis, and the first five pages of your manuscript or proposal.
6. Sam Freilich
Freilich works with Elyse Cheney Literary, and he is looking for manuscripts for a multitude of genres such as narrative nonfiction, biographies, crime novels, and literary nonfiction. He is also partial to anything related to Los Angeles. In a query email, write about the story and your previous career endeavors, as well as no more than three chapters of the work.
Brown is a new asset to the Emma Sweeney Agency, but all queries will go to the agency email. Brown is looking for thrillers, narrative non-fiction, literary and commercial fiction, as well as lifestyle books and cookbooks.
The email should describe the plot/proposal, a short author bio, and a cover letter about your writing experience along with where you heard about the agency. The agency also ask that the first ten pages of your proposal or manuscript be pasted directly into the body of the email, not as attachments.
McDonald, an agent with Donald Maass Literary, is looking for science fiction and fantasy fiction for all age groups. She’s on the lookout for alternate history and secondary world fantasy manuscripts. Along with your query letter, include a plot synopsis and the first ten pages of the novel into the email.
9. Marya Spence
Spence is a new agent at Janklow & Nesbit searching for manuscripts across the genre board including upmarket commercial fiction, pop culture, funny or critical narrative journalism, as well as literary fiction and non-fiction.
Queries are accepted both through email and mail. For emails about fiction include a cover letter, a short plot synopsis, and the first ten pages in the body of the email. For nonfiction stories, send an outline and cover letter to the mailing address. Address the queries to Spence, or any other specific agent.
Janklow & Nesbit Associates
445 Park Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10022
 | Land the book deal you’ve always wanted. Improve your book with feedback from a professional editor. |
10. Chris Bucci
Bucci is a part of the McDermid Agency, searching for manuscripts from a variety of genre authors. He is interested in novels for historical fiction, thrillers, mysteries, narrative nonfiction, and commercial literary fiction. Nonfiction genres he is looking at include sports, pop culture, politics, history, essays, and popular science. The body of your query should have a brief author bio, a description of your story, and 10-15 pages of your manuscript.
11. Tracy Marchini
Marchini is a recent addition to BookEnds Literary Agency. She is looking for queries about picture books as well as genres aimed towards young adult and middle grade readers such as magical realism, nonfiction, historical fiction, thrillers, mysteries, and contemporary. To submit your query, fill out the application in the link above.
12. Carly Watters
Watters is the senior literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, and she is currently looking for new clients. That genres that she is interested in include women’s fiction, non-fiction centered on a specific platform, thrillers, commercial fiction, and upmarket fiction. In an email towards her, include the story’s genre, title, word count, and a brief introduction. Also add in a concise author bio, along with a short description of the novel.
13. Rachel Crawford
Crawford joined Wolf Literary Services at the end of June. For fiction, she’s interested in literary fiction, commercial fiction, and young adult fiction, especially dystopians, apocalyptic, or eco-fiction. For non-fiction, send her queries about psychology, science, technology, and futurism. Along with your query letter, you should also include a 50 page sample of the story. For non-fiction query submissions, write an in-depth proposal.
Rodgers is an associate agent at The Rights Factory looking for queries about a variety of genres including history and historical fiction, memoir, politics, non-fiction, women’s fiction, literary fiction, popular science, and commercial upmarket. To submit a query, fill out the application in the link above.
BONUS AGENT: Steven Salpeter
Steven Salpeter works for Curtis Brown, and is seeking a wide variety of commercial fiction and nonfiction.
He accepts queries via an online submission form, and promises to respond within 3 weeks if he wants to see more of your manuscript.
Also check out his personal website, which contains the latest information on his clients and book sales.
106 comments
My father was a writer by hobby his entire life. He passed away a year ago and I inherited 70 years of all kinds of literature. He was never interested in being published but everyone he knew read his books and stories and were always waiting for the next piece to read. He was a terrific writer and I have no idea how I would pick one book or story to send to someone – which one – all of us that were his fans have our favorites. How do I get an agent to help me sort through all of these years of writing; much of which is timeless so written 30 years ago would still be a hit today. Help or Advise would be appreciated.
Hi Deborah,
I would select your absolute favorite and figure out whether it is marketable (whether an agent would be able to sell it). Then write a cover letter and send it to an agent that is appropriate for this type of manuscript. If you’d like additional consulting advice, I do a minimal writing coaching package (which includes advice on the business of books) for a flat fee of $100.
I love situations like this I would write a novel based on yr lifetime of experience reading yr father’s writing.
Joe
Here’s thought… Write a book about his books … Then introduce his books one by one. Just a thought.
BBLA Inc. seeking new authors of quality fiction and nonfiction for adult and juvenile markets. Contacts worldwide.
Hi Mitch, Just read your short blog seeking new authors for quality fiction, dated December 30, 2016. If I am not too late I believe I may be able to contribute with my five full length novels, three of which could be either a trilogy or stand alone. So if you are still open for new subject matter, please get in touch. Yours sincerely, Terry Bull. (pseudonym ). January 13th. 2017
looking for agent for two books I have written listed on
my website freaky fiction.com
Hello,
My name is Sarie Barnnett and I am 25 years old. I am seeking an agent that wants to be part of a legacy and of course make money. What I have done is created a book proposal with 28 book ideas containing their summaries, sample pages, and why it would be not only marketable, but profitable. What makes me a unique author is the fact that I made this proposal consist of all genres showing how versatile I am in my craft. What my goal to do is sell these books across the world, after all America is not the only place that money can be made from. I am able to translate these 28 books into any language in order to get a border audience and I am able to create movie scripts and presentations for each book in order to cross over from not just doing novels, but also movies, because in that industry there is billions of dollars to be made and producers are also looking for new movie ideas. I created these book ideas in literally a short time frame, and I even came up with many more, but these are just a few. Now I know you might not be looking for a new author, but if you pass up on this opportunity you will be passing up on millions of dollars that will be made. Now what I am looking for is an agent that can get me to a publishing company and get me that well deserved deal. My work speaks for itself and so does my presentations, but as you might also know authors need agents. I hope that we can work together and make history together. Let’s capitalize off of my talents and make millions. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read my email. I look forward to hearing back from you. Also attached below is my 28 ideas book proposal.
-Sarie Barnnett
You’re kidding … right?
I wonder how hard she hit, did she survive that eminent fall? Will she pick herself up and try to face reality. I’m thinking she should be published as a comedian. No, it’s more sad than funny.
Sarie, my first suggestion for you would be to do your homework! Learn about the process of submitting. Your post clearly indicates that you have not done so. Secondly, I would say that, if your library of manuscripts is anything like your post, you have a LONG way to go before you are anywhere near being ready to submit. Your post is rife with grammatical and structural errors. Your presentation lacks clarity and shows no sense of seriousness to the task you are trying to accomplish. You need to focus on ONE project and you need to narrow your focus to key points and don’t try to market your collective.
You are not ready to start shopping agents. Go back. Focus on one project only. Do some serious research into HOW to submit to an agent. Then do MORE research… How to write a submission query letter. How to find the RIGHT agent for your project.
Not every agent reps every type of manuscript. Isolate what your story is REALLY about. Figure out into which genre your chosen story best fits. THEN research each agent who specifically states an interest in representing that specific type of work. Make sure you have edited and proofread and made your story as good as you can (without obsessing over every comma but making sure there are not egregious errors). When you are absolutely certain your project is ready for submission, select the top five or ten agents on your list. Go over their requirements and preferences for submissions and how to submit. Prepare an individual submission letter for each one based on a basic template that gives the pertinent info on your project but addresses one specific agent’s preferences.
When you’ve done that, package up your snail mail or email submissions and send them out. Be sure to keep a log of who you have submitted to so you do not inadvertently re-submit to the same agent. Then you do the same for your next ten… then the next. When you have sent a batch of queries for one project, you can start the process on another.
DO NOT try to query a fistful of manuscripts to every agent in the book. It’ll only leave you frustrated. Respect yourself and your work. Do it right.
Hello Wordsmith,
Your 2018 reply to Sarie, which I am just now finding, is very helpful to me. Your advice answered some of my questions, and created more. Your apparent willingness to provide instruction to Sarie emboldens me to ask you for advice on my own behalf. May I have an email conversation with you off-line? (talktochrisford@gmail.com)
Hello Sari, contact us at 1wondermark@gmail.com
Thank you
How do we get in contact with these agents? Thanks.
Click on their name. That’s a hyperlink. Or you could Google them.
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am looking for an agent that is not afraid to tackle controversial subject matter. My novels are based on actual events that are racial, child molestation, rape, and spousal abuse, which begins at the age of 10. These novels; SAYING SORRY WON’T STOP THE PAIN, CHOCK, MY BUTT NOT BIG; tells how these events affects a little girl’s life and her relationship with others as an adult and what she thought she had to do to fit in and survive.
How do I reach Suzy Evans
Have 8 book series, dynamic
I am a new author. My book is ready to be published. It is called No more broken hearts. It is erotic comedy fiction. I need to find a literary agent to help me publish my book. Can you help me?
I would recommend finding an agent on this list or on another list who represents erotic comedy fiction.
I want to get my autobiographical story to you.
Trust me you will grab it with both hands.
Send me your email address and its there!
With thanks
Michael O’Hara [former MI6]
I have five manuscripts, I am looking for anyone to be the owner of my manuscripts. I give him right by writing and law to sell and reprints as he want. But what I want to buy from me the right. But don’t change the author name. I need your help. Thank you.
I am a Catholic book writer . Jesus helped me to write a Memoir & 4 Children picture bible stories, We were able to sell more than 40,000 copies in my state. I am looking for Literary agents in USA who can help me to find a Catholic publisher. Please advice. God loves you.
Hi I am a new author, new to writing, I have written a 48,000 word novella, I have submitted to approximately 48 agents and I have received 28 replies to date, with very good feedback unfortunately non have taken up the novella.
I am seeking an agent willing to take a risk on a newcomer, most of the feedback is the novel is too sensitive to the present climate of ISIL and converts to their cause.
Hello!
I current have nine titles ranging from mystery/suspense, thrillers, horror novels and one short story. My more delving work include sci-adventure.
Currently I have a self published work but due to the reviews and emails I’ve recieved I am seeking representation.
I can submit samples at any time.
I look forward to hearing from you and seeing if these works are something we can team up on to go to print and eventually, screen.
Hello.
I am new to this and would like to ask you which agent do you suggest who would be interested by poems.
Poets don’t have agents. There are no agents that sell poems.
I have already completed three books (two fiction, one narrative experiences in the Middle East). I have also completed a 67,000 word MS entitled Politics, Power and Pandemonium which is a fictional account of how the Muslims take over the USA, a very controversial novel about what possibly could actually happen. It is very detailed and has some ramon a’ clef prose that refers to existing people with different names. I do not have an agent and am looking for one. Is anyone interested in a potential blockbuster and possible best seller?
I have published six historical-fictions novels myself, each centering about a moment likely changing the people and circumstances around them. I cannot break into any major book store chain. can you help me with this. Otherwise, I’ll continue to sell on a small scale
I have written one novel and having finished a second volume in what is now going to be a four-part series with a third well under way. I have had no success so far and on rereading the first novel and slightly baulked at it, while not badly written I felt I could do better so have gone over it again and more pleased with the result I am ready for a bigger push in 2018 and I am looking for a publisher.
I like what I’ve written (Well naturally, say’s the Yorkshire part of me!) set in a parallel universe with advanced technology, genetic engineering, antigravity vehicles, Mcguffins, goodies, baddies, action and some sauce with an unusual storyline, a dangerous, romantic and exciting journey for the main protagonist and her beau.
Hi Kyt,
Sounds great! Love the description. Let me know if you’d like some feedback and developmental editing before you send it out to publishers.
Hi,
I have a non fiction based on actual events.It is about a woman who deals with the kidnapping of her daughter, searches for her for over 10 years only to find out things were never as they seemed. The book will be finished in January 2019 and I need a literary agent!
Thank you!
I am a Canadian author. My first book historical fiction was published in India in 2013. I have a collection of more than 200 poems, and would like to get them published in Canada or U.S. Please email me…..Thanks
Bookfox great article. Thank you! Interesting in your coaching package. Please send me some info. I have a manuscript that is non-fiction, based on my work with a Dementia patient. Please email me pertinent information.
As an independent writer and author of more than twenty published novels, I can truthfully say that trying to find a legitimate agent in one’s lifetime is about as easy as being struck by lightning in a cellar on a sunny day. After nearly thirty years of submitting to agents and receiving rejections, insults or total silence, I came to the conclusion that I was wasting my valuable time. Ever since, I have published my books on the Net and have actually sold nearly all of them. I may not be a bestselling author, but I’ve made money, and I have the satisfaction of knowing that I’ve produced more than two dozen books that I’m very proud of, and that the good ratings and reviews my books have received have proven that maybe those 250+ agents who have rejected me most of my life were actually wrong .
One agent asked for my full manuscript. She also asked me whether I had a W8 on file or not. I sent an email asking whether I should attach the full manuscript to the email or not? In the same email, I asked her what a W8 was and the fact that I did not have it on file. I told her I wanted to discuss the formatting. I received no reply to that email. Then after 4.5 hrs, I sent her the full manuscript attached to an email. There was no confirmation of receipt.No offer has come in 1 month. Help.
Try again with a different agent and never ask them a question that you can Google.
Try again with a different agent and never ask them a question that you can Google.
Hey there — as a first time author, do you suggest going through an agent or directly to the publisher?
Depends on whether you want a small press or a big publisher experience. For big publishers, they only accept through agents. For small presses, you can submit to them directly.
So I would recommend either or both — they’re both great options, but it depends on the book and what you want as an author.
Hello,
Thank you for the great information on your site and for helping authors navigate these waters. I was wondering if any of these agents accept self-published work. Any insight you could share would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
No, none of them look at self-published work unless you’ve already sold more than 10,000 copies (then they might be interested).
Once it’s published, it’s published.
I’ve wriiten a memoir but it contains Christian content. It’s actually very topical, a journey through child abuse, bereavement and unexpected disability. A major publishing company told me it was a provocative , powerful and emotional read but they didn’t accept Christan books. I’m struggling to find anyone willing to look at a christian book. Any advise? Im fed up of all the positive comments followed by … But we don’t accept….
Look at my list of Christian publishers.
Is there an agent who loves self-help non-fiction primarily for women’s consumption? This agent would have to love new authors. I have a kick-ass title and hook.
i need an agent to turn my book into a movie.the book is called the story of clarence and scout a betrayal.
After reading the above messages,
I have one You take a lot of valium… right?
Dear Sir/Madame,
At a moment I have finish book called a LOST PAST one (600 pages) and it is ready for printing.
Book covers a period from beginning of WWI, up to the end of WWII, involving a few people as well couple Aliens.
Please, if you people got spare time I will be glad to submit my book for your valuation. THANKS!
SP, at 600 pages, your book is probably not ready for publication. On average word count per page, your book clocks in at around 120,000 to 150,000 words. Even for epic fantasy, which is generally accepted at around 100,000 – 110,000, you’re on the long side. For historicals, even sf historical, you probably want to keep the word count under 75,000. I doubt seriously any agent would want to risk taking on something of this magnitude. I would recommend going back and doing some serious re-writing and cutting. Good luck with your project.
PEOPLE PLEASE! DO NOT submit more than ONE project/manuscript at a time! DO NOT submit to more than one agent within an agency. DO NOT even consider submitting until you have edited, proofed, and fine-tuned your manuscript to its absolute best. (HINT: The editing process generally takes longer than the first draft so don’t try to rush it. Respect yourself and your work. Take your time and do it right.)
Absolutely true. Thank you. Everyone should take some time and re-read the comment above.
Hi, I’m currently drafting a memoir that describes my survival story in coping with sexual assault at the age of 12. My tentative title for it is “Sandtray”. I chose this title because I play with imagery of actually using a Sandtray to mirror my pain in sessions that I had with a therapist. However, I feel totally and completely lost when it comes to finding a publisher that would be interested in my work. My hope and goal is that my story will be able to inspire other survivors of sexual assault (both men and women). I strive to challenge stereotypes of what it means to be a “man” in a Mexican American household. Due to my experiences, I had an identity crisis, where I felt that I needed to hide my sexual orientation. I’d like to show my readers that being a victim of assault doesn’t make a guy any less of a “man,” and that there’s strength in vulnerability. I feel that this project can help and save many lives. I welcome advice and/or guidance on what to do to get my ideas out there.
There’s a lot of books on this topic, so you need to think about what makes your book different, and then write it, get an editor for it, and write a killer query letter (with a one-sentence summary that makes everyone want to read it).
Thanks for this list. Any advice on finding an agent open to repping playwrights?
No, sorry, don’t have a list for playwrights.
Thanks very much for the list! It’s very helpful! Do you offer any editing or feedback services? A kind of outside eye proofread before I send it out to agents? Thank you so much
Thank you for this list. I stumbled upon it because I am taking a class at the University of Arts in San Francisco & we have to write a Quarry Letter and have it ready to be sent to an actual Literary Agent. Looking over this list I can see it won’t help me since I wrote a four-page story which is Fiction with many non-fiction elements to it. Therefore it is too short to be sent to most of the agents on the list. I will forward the link to my class however in case any of my classmates have manuscripts closer to the lengths needed to submit to them.
Dear John
I have mss of short stories 14 of them that deal with the lives of immigrants to the US and the dichotomies that they live with trying hard to stay with the culture and traditions of India while adapting to a new land with its own strong culture.Can you find me a US agent for a fee? I am a published author with 6 books behind me in India– some of them are still getting very good reviews on the e sites.
I’m an unpublished. Thanks to whoever provided this page. I was getting really disillusioned from other things I found on-line about multiple genre writing. This is a really good thing.
Hello, I’m currently writing several books. I have not finished them, but will soon once I get out of writers block. I wish to have an affordable literary agent if possible when I get finished with my books. My books are based on the supernatural, some horror, romance, thriller, and mystery. I’m willing to broaden my horizons to better myself as a writer and to help me in general.
Virtually all agents charge 15% of whatever they manage to sell for you.
Bookfox, I have an edited, finished chapter book and I am struggling with hooking a literary agent. I have received several replies to my queries that indicate the material is interesting, but the agents choose to pass on representation, regardless. It could be my query letter itself which needs polishing. I see you offer manuscript editing services. Do you also offer query letter writing services? I may also be interested in having someone go over the manuscript again, if that is what it takes to get literary representation.
Bookfox: I am writing in what appears, now, to be a non-existent genre. You see, I am old school and love traditional action and adventure and traditional fantasy and scifi. Indiana Jones and Star Wars. Tolkien and Heinlein. I noticed there is a lack of good fun fiction for YA/Teens outside the Werewolf/Vampire/Drugs/Pregnancy/Crime/Horror/Teen angst etc., areas. Readers are interested on wattpad and quotev, etc., in good clean fun fiction. So it seems there is a market. How do I find a literary agent interested in Christian action/adventure, readable and fun? The Christian agents seem obsessed with romance and redemption stories (they seem to love finding ways to work sex and violence into a story without it being ‘adult’ somehow) and non-Christians agents seem to run away screaming from the very word “Christian”. Am I just in a place that is the third rail of literature, except for readers anyway? But how can I get it to readers without a publisher or agent? My apologies for asking about such a problem. But if you have any thoughts whatsoever I would be greatly appreciative.
Hi John,
There is definitely a market for that. Keep on sending to Christian literary agents until you find one with a vision that matches yours (they are out there). And check out my list of the Best Christian Publishers.
This is fantastic! I had lost hope/interest in publishing as it seemed that all publishing houses have gone “self publish”. Something I simply can’t afford.
I am going to take your advise and review my book. Then hopefully contact one of the Agents on your list.
Thank you!
‘Romancing death’ is the title of my completed novel, 500 pages in manuscript. Genre: Romance, Crime. Should I send it to an agent or approach a publisher directly, any advice, please. It is my debut.
I am willing to do 50% With An agent ,My book [[ The Stranger ]] can be A TV series. Email me to call me I’m 76 years young, Also ,kids story books and (( The Covered Bridge)) Inspirational .family book not looking to get rich even go as far as 25% to me 75% to you no kidding.
I have a complete MS for a fantasy that I self-published and which has been read by YA and adult alike with good reviews. I have had the work read by a Manuscript Assessment Agency, and after making changes received a letter stating that the novel ‘cried out for a sequel, even a series’ and that I should start seeking an agent and/or publisher. It was after years of rejections that I decided to self-publish, however I still have hope that someone will give me a chance – though I know the likelihood of that shrinks daily.
I can’t give up hope though, because it’s a dream I’ve had for so long and one which has kept me going through so many of life’s challenges. I will keep trying, always keep writing, and maybe one day years of hard work and persistence will pay off…
Re: Query for novel: Lighthouse Prometheus
Knowledge may be power; but sometimes it also can be a death sentence.
Just ask billionaire Michael Solaryn.
Owner of Hyperion Optics and inventor of a world altering technology, Solaryn’s quest to know leads him to a derelict lighthouse near a northern California town, which site he has chosen to shakedown his invention—code named “Prometheus”—over the course of a grueling seven-day testing schedule.
However, progressive, power lusting Mayor Dalton Fuchs—who seeks the equality of uniform thinking amongst humankind—and conservative, zealous Reverend Martin Papen—who seeks to make America great again in the eyes of the Lord—have other ideas.
When a mysterious illness breaks out in the town, Fuchs–along with Saul Kantsler, the nihilist newspaper editor who feeds on chaos, and a postmodern professor from the local college who believes in the dogma of social genesis–mount a witch hunt to blame Solaryn and his invention.
With the future of his company hanging in the balance—with magnates of the world’s largest shipping concerns nervously fidgeting while they await the test results and with competitors hot on his heels and millions of dollars in play—Michael Solaryn must succeed in his tests of Prometheus while dealing with the tyranny of a town thrown back into the Dark Ages and which leaders are intent upon destroying his invention and having him and his VP of R&D—the woman he loves—thrown in prison.
Or killed.
He has seven days.
——————————————————————————–
Lighthouse Prometheus combines the action of an adventure story with the mystery of a psychological—perhaps even a philosophical—thriller: One man’s quest to learn what lies beneath a devotion as old as mankind. Its theme is: Realism vs. Supernaturalism–philosophically, psychologically & politically.
Lighthouse Prometheus is my first novel, at just under 75,000 words.
Hello, I’m looking for a Romance Publishing Agency interested in a semi-erotica love story. It is currently 80,000 words and is with my editor at the moment. I know I need an introductory letter and synopsis, which I’m about to start writing. What agencies would you suggest for romance writers? I’m anxious to start the process as I would like to also start the second book which would be a prequel to the first. Thanks in advance.
I would recommend this post on romance publishers.
https://thejohnfox.com/2017/07/40-romance-publishers/
I have written a story, a Children’s book or maybe Young Adult (?) about a Cat. Actually it’s about 7 cats. I am looking for an agent that can guide me to a conclusion. I have never written anything – and haven’t a clue. Is there an Agent that still guides, and if necessary, hold hands to get the project accomplished? Or am I being ‘old fashioned’? Thanks.
Agents sometimes will give editorial advice, but mostly they’re trying to pick one story out of 1000 submissions that they think they can sell.
You probably want an editor instead. I do children’s book editing — check out my page.
Hello, I have written a speculative fiction novel, which is complete at 86,000 words. I have had it professionally edited and it is ready to submit. Do you have an agent or publisher recommendation for this genre? I find it difficult to find publishers who refer to this genre specifically; most mention science fiction or fantasy, neither of which really capture the tone of the story. Am I better off submitting as straight fiction?
Look for agents looking for supernatural or magical realism — if either of those fit. Keep on searching for exactly the right genre name (without having read the book, it’s tough to say).
Understood, thanks. It’s a time travel theme set in 2070 Los Angeles, where the government transports cyber criminals back in time. Focuses on a system glitch, stranding the transporters. The story doesn’t try very hard to be science fiction, rather concentrating on the survival aspects and the protagonist’s personal journey and growth as a result of losing everything you’ve ever known.
Futuristic? But I think this also would count as Sci-Fi.
Okay, that’s good to hear as it will open up the field a bit more. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions!
Hi, i’m looking for a new agents or a small or new as well agency where I can query my Fantasy and Science Fiction YA book, because I have a while seeking for an agent and most of them do not even reply, so I wonder if you can give me any advise.
I need a literary agent please help.
Looking for a literary agent who can represent my novella on a Private’s post-war trauma.
So many manuscripts and so many hopeful authors. Personally, I gave up ten years ago and just self-publish on amazon. I concluded that agents and publishers are looking for the next EASY manuscript, the one that requires little investment and big returns. I think back to the days before online, back when agents and publishers developed talented authors. These days, they haven’t time to make that investment. So, to those that have written a novel let me say “well done” now go back and take another look, look for what is so absolutely unique, never been done. If you can’t find it then your chance of being picked up by an agent or publisher are practically none existent. Keep writing and keep dreaming, make your characters so real on paper that they shout at the reader for attention. Turn your plots to the improbable rather than real-life. Write what is to be unforgettable else you will be forgotten.
Bravo! Perry Comer, your “darts of fact,” have traversed the Internet, hitting the (Bullseye) right where it hurts the Agents & Publishers most. Their Bank deposit slips.
Dear Bookfox… I think this post has just proven to me what life must be like for an agent. You have done your utmost to champion writers and have had to weed through those replies which prove people cannot and do not follow the guidelines, even those that are meant to help them out of their wet paper bag. Sarie’s post is classic, she must have a wonderful sense of humor. I’m guessing from my quick Google search she is in deep negotiations with her agent/publisher and hasn’t had time to become the celeb she set out to become, but then again I heard the publishing industry moves slowly.
Good grief! Many of these “writers” can’t write. Between incoherent sentences, poor grammar, and wrongly used punctuation I doubt they will be taken seriously by agents trying to find books they can represent. I admire your empathy and sound advice, Bookfox. You have a lot of patience.
What is your suggestion on re-publishing a novel published in 2002 through a small publishing co. outside of Huston, Tex. I have written a sequel to this book. I wrote the sequel because the people who read the original kept asking, what happened, when are you going to write another. I am almost finished with the second book and feel that I might have more luck with it if I re-published the first?
Authors often republish the first book in the series when the second or third come out.
I have a work in progress, a book about the life of Cats. These are real Cats. I do not know if it is done or if it needs more information. I would like to think it is the type of story to read at bedtime…if people do that anymore. What type of agency/agent do I look for? Thanks for any input.
Hello,
I started a book about my life. I have three chapters so far. I would love to share with someone to see if its worthy of continuing. In addition, I have a son that is currently in jail awaiting trial for murder, sexual assault and kidnapping. I understand this is controversial, however, if you knew my son this doesn’t make sense. I would like to write a book about what I’m going through. I think this could also be a Netflix show. My son is only twenty-four years old. This is a cold case. Please reach out or if possible connect me with someone interested.
i am a new writer. i have a book that i am working on that is not completed, but 3/4 done. I have a lot of other book ideas, however each one is a different genre. the book i am working is a action, adventure, murder, Motorcycle club book, one of two, as i have a sequal for it. who would be the best person to send it yo off this list?
Agents only look at completed books.
Dear Mr Smith, I have completed a book that my publishing services editor assures me is publishable. I had considerable trouble deciding on the genre until I came across a book dealing with similar subject matter published by St Martin’s Press. Is there a way to find out who the author’s agent is?
Buy the book and look in the acknowledgements in the back.
Hi my name is Valerie Goodman and I would like to know who would be the best person to represent me as well as get me a great offer on my story. I wrote my autobiography, as well as a mystery novel. I have also written a book of poetry. I understand that I am a new writer but my story about my life has many twist and tells to it. The story is true and concise,and I am sure that anyone that reads it can relate to it.I also now that it could also be made into a movie.
I am a psychologist, neuropsychologist and founding president/CEO of a national behavioral health management firm, the author of one book on “Antidepressants: Science, Magic or Marketing”? co-author of “Rehabilitation of the Brain-Damaged Adult (Plennum press, 1983) and author of a completed 100,000 word manuscript entitled “A Systematic Approach to Improved Healthcare at lower cost for the employer sponsored employee self-insured health plans. I am looking for an agent/publisher. My thrust is that too much of current healthcare is based on clinical opinion/patient satisfaction (much like 3,000 years of bloodletting) rather than sound scientific health research and the key to improved healthcare at lower cost is to base payment on only proven drugs/treatments.
I have two completed Young Adult Fantasy manuscripts. I have self published one book of a different genre. I have listened to much advice and am confused. I don’t know what my next step should be. I long to talk to someone inside the agent community for this reason. I did have a professional editor read my last nook. She honestly raved about it. Is there anyone who would take a call from me?
No, no one is going to take a call from you. If you pay to go to a conference, you might get some face-to-face time after a seminar or session.
Hi,
I recently completed a powerful novel set in Southern Rhodesia { Zimbabwe} It is based on true events that occured over two decades as the Rhodesian Security Forces battled guerilla fighters loyal to powerful black political leaders.
It’s the story of a unique band of counter-terrorist fighters named the Selous Scouts…for anyone interested Google them. The title of the book is Song of the Butterflies. We all know only too well the exploits of the US Navy SEALs, we’ve watched movies and read countless tales of their campaigns, but few know anything about the Selous Scouts. I’m hoping that if an agency will pick this up, and it is eventually published, many more readers will come to know about them.
If an agent asks for ” several” chapters, how many should I send?
How does one send so many pages without sending it as an attachment?
hello i am attempting to contact yall as i need a literary agent
and i am a person with a disability nd now Christian Writer 2 books in process currently 5 to 7 planned CFP Christian Faith Publishing and Covenant Books
only 1 contract though need a literary agent to field the things i have no idea about The Face of Deception and The Unspoken Covenant with Covenant Books
i am a Former US Army MP but disabled from abandonment as an infant also have a start Up Company GreensphereESE.com there you will see the company my art and trellis works
Lit agents are 90 pc Idiots. Show me a good one seeking another DUNE-er. No games, No Jerks.
Dear Steven,
We’ve exchanged a few cordial emails over the years. I hope you remember me.
I’m excited to show you, first, my new 78,000-word novel, Dagger Brush, and, second, as a possible multi-book deal, my 32,000-word short story collection, The Spirit in My Shoes & Other Stories. I am eager to publish them either together or separately. Some stories were originally published individually in top journals like The Kenyon Review and North American Review.
The plot of Dagger Brush, at the onset, is classic. A bitter, troubled middle-aged son, Ari Duthie, returns home to the mountains for a reckoning with his father, only to discover that he is now daft with dementia, too incoherent to remember the past, and too pathetic to hate.
Meanwhile, a sinister figure gimps through the tree lines on the father’s vast mountainous land, spray-painting hateful messages on trees. Is this deformed wretch just another common scrap metal thief? Or, as Ari’s mother forewarns, is he the demon of vengeance pursuing her helpless husband?
What awful wrong has Ari’s father committed? Can Ari, despite begrudging his father, protect him from this evil lurking in the woods?
Dagger Brush, as the story of an outsider struggling to find a home, brings to mind Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev, and Thomas Wolfe’s You Can’t Go Home Again.
My short story collection was inspired by the short story “Barn Burning” by William Faulkner and by I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down by William Gay.
In my short story “Missing,” I write:
“We all know Jane’s beyond hope, missing for fourteen years, missing longer than the life of the sun-bleached blond boy passing under her right now. Ahead of him on this Friday evening are two whole days without classrooms, an eternity. As a missing person poster, Jane Doe has eternity ahead of her, too.”
As an author, I value teamwork in publishing and publicity. I’ve always enjoyed great relationships with agents, marketers, and sales staff. I’m optimistic, thoroughgoing, and patient. Agents who sold my previous books have since retired or passed away, so I’m seeking to build a great relationship with a new agent, not only for this novel and collection, but also for other literary works soon forthcoming.
I’m the author of three novels and more than one hundred short stories. My debut novel, The Night I Freed John Brown (Penguin Group, 2008), won The Paterson Prize for Books for Young People and was selected for Black History Month by USA Today. Ugly To Start With (West Virginia University Press, 2011) was a finalist in the Foreword INDIES Book of Year Award. Don’t Forget Me, Bro (Stephen F. Austin University Press, 2015) was widely excerpted in the Chicago Tribune. My nonfiction has been published by New York Daily News, The Providence Journal, and The Newark Star-Ledger. My short stories have appeared in Kenyon Review, North American Review, and The Iowa Review.
For your consideration, I have pasted below the first 3 chapters of my novel.
I hope you enjoy them and will ask to see them in their entirety.
John Michael Cummings
Johnmcummings@aol.com
Inquiry
My book is entitled The Tool: Decision-making in Medical Malpractice Liability. It is non-fiction. It is about medical malpractice. However, it is not a typical rant by a doctor over medical malpractice. I believe that doctors are only human and they make mistakes. Those, who are injured by a medical error, are entitled to redress their grievance and should be made whole.
As a background to the book, there are 50,000 medical malpractice lawsuits filed every year in the United States. Not all of them are meritorious and, in fact, it is shocking how many are frivolous and should never have been filed in the first place. There are at least 35,000 of those or 70% of all claims. That is 85 per day or 3.5 per hour. Decision-making in frivolous lawsuits is what this book is about.
As a consequence, a medical malpractice litigation industry arises in the United States. It makes almost as much money as the Sinaloa drug cartel, about $39-billion per year.
It is this cartel—a syndicate of certain suppliers – that sells a product to very susceptible customers in a completely exploitative and reckless fashion with total disdain for their own profession’s rules of ethical conduct, not to mention, the rest of society.
The suppliers are attorneys and medical expert witnesses. The products are legal services and expert opinions. The susceptible customers are patients, who experience misfortune after medical interventions not knowing whether the outcomes were from medical errors or not.
This syndicate promotes legal services to these clients with the promise of “if we don’t win, you don’t pay.” It does not really matter if their misfortune was a result of a medical error because these attorneys and expert witnesses would simply fabricate a claim of medical negligence if it wasn’t and place the blame on a physician. Nothing could be more exploitive of a victim and more destabilizing to the healthcare system in the United States.
A crisis since the 1960s, it is getting worse. Organized medicine, bar associations and boards of physicians are infiltrated by this medical liability litigation industry to the point of the inmates running the asylum.
There is a plot. I relate my personal experiences with the cartel. I lay out a road map that thwarts any insidious plan to collapse healthcare using frivolous lawsuits to ultimately force socialized medicine down our throats. Central to this discussion is my decision-making model, the “tool”, which is described in detail in the book.
It is 221 pages and 50,000 words.
Bio
I am not a prominent or well-known physician. I am not a medical ethicist. I am not a philosopher. I am just a physician no different than most others.
My career tells the story of the influence the medical malpractice crisis has on me. I am a board-certified obstetrician gynecologist. During the course of my career, spanning 51 years, I was sued. I feel no shame for that because so are 55% of all physicians in the United States.
During my career, I took steps to reduce my litigation risks, at least, up to a point. That point was reached in the early 2000s, when malpractice premiums in Washington DC, where I practiced, exceeded the $100,000 mark. Rather than paying this premium, I gave up my core competencies. I was never ashamed of being sued; however, I am ashamed of surrendering my core competencies. You can always google my name along with medical malpractice litigation industry to learn more.
Need the Literary Agent to represent three of my published books to new publisher and for movie deal.
I wrote a novel about sexual abuse of children and how one family dealt with it. The story takes place in a small New England town and focuses on the children’s treatment center that is affiliated with the local hospital in Georgeport, MA in the 1960’s.
It is narrated by one of the sexual abuse victims. Her name is Susan Strrn.
I’m searching for an author eager to hear my mind blowing stories. I believe 2-3 Novels would cover my life since I was 19 – now 59.
LOG LINE: A retired Army sergeant recruits some ladies from a retirement home, trains them in unconventional tactics, and uses them to free some captured American service personnel held by a tin-horn dictator.
SUBJECT: QUERY: Feature Film Script, “Mama Squad”
I am seeking someone in the media to produce a feature film, from my book, “Mama Squad,” which I have adapted from my comic novel of the same name. The length of the book is 173 pages and the film script 121 pages and registered with the WGA.
I have also published eight other books. In addition to finding a film producer, I am interested in locating a publisher who will reissue, market, and publicize my book. I am quite hopeful a film adaptation and a newly published edition will complement each other, and the financial returns will supplement my meager income.
If you are interested in my script or book, please contact me to discuss this matter further. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Very truly yours,
Clarence Wall
ENCLOSURES (2): Synopsis of “Mama Squad” & Author Bio
SYNOPSIS OF BOOK & FEATURE-FILM SCRIPT,
In his quite dramatic and very humorous recruitment speech, reminiscent of General Patton, delivered at the Sunnyside Home for Retired Ladies, a re-tired Army Sergeant and the main character, Raymond Arnold Waldo, recruits some elderly women for an irregular and unorthodox military unit he names the Mama Squad. Sergeant Waldo (also called Sergeant RAW) tells the ladies (later called “mamas”) “Hey, mama, you think you’re too old to fight those commies, mommy? The Mama Squad wants you. When it comes to fighting dirty, ain’t nobody can do it like a feisty old broad. We need ‘em.”
Sergeant Waldo promises to train the mamas, by adapting what they already know against future enemies. He urges the mamas-to-be to “hit ‘em with your purses upside the headrun ‘em down with shopping cartslet ‘em have it with hat pins and rolling pins.” While listening to the sergeant’s speech, the ladies imagine themselves in various types of action. Images from these revelries are juxtaposed against those of real warfare. When Sergeant Waldo even guarantees a place for those in wheelchairs in the new mama squad, one lady imagines herself in a wheelchair, with machine guns mounted on its arms and blazing away at the enemy. And what self-respecting mama-to-be could resist the many incentives and benefits that the sergeant promises: free uniforms, medical care, and bingo on post every Tuesday? And to the first “red hot mommy killing commies, he promises a personalized bazooka–after you finish with the commies, you can use it against the young punks in your neighborhood.”
…..After training them, Sergeant Waldo leads the mamas on a mission to rescue some captured Americans held by a tinhorn and very anti-American dictator. To create a diversion for the escape, one of the mamas consumes an entire can of beans and then uses her own natural gas to cause an explosion and set the enemy fort on fire. Another mama uses her bra as a slingshot to fire rock-hard biscuits at the pursuing enemy.
….. The book and script are packed with other comic images and dialog but contain enough pathos and drama to keep the story interesting and exciting. As a retired 78-year-old man, I know how important it is to feel and be useful.
The book was published by BeachHouse Books. For more information on the book, including a free sample chapter, see .
IO: AUTHOR BIO
Born in McKinney, Texas, Clarence Wall’s family relocated to San Diego, California, and later to Arizona. In addition to a fulfilling career in the U.S. Army and California Army National (with service in Vietnam and Europe), he worked for 20 years as a technical writer, editor, and instructional designer. After 9/11, he returned to active duty in the U.S. Army Reserves and served in Saudi Arabia.
He has performed in local theater productions and training videos and enjoys singing at church and karaoke, playing basketball, performing stand-up comedy, and trying his hand at various types of writing.
He is also the author of “Wheezer’s World,” “The World’s Oldest Recruit,” “Worlds to Come,” “Stand Up!” “A World We Used to Know,” “The Man Who Played God,” and “Growing Up Crazy.”
Clarence is married, and he and his wife Ginny have a grown son and a daughter. He is retired but is still active as a freelance writer. He currently lives with his family in southeast Arizona.