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How to Get a Foot in the Door With Agents

Since most royalty paying publishers are closed to unsolicited manuscripts, writers usually need to find an agent who can represent them to publishers. But the "agent hunt" can be one of the most discouraging aspects of the quest for traditional publication.

When I began my agent hunt, I quickly realized that a large number agents had hung out the "not accepting unsolicited manuscripts" sign too. After I narrowed down those that might possibly be interested in what I write, I was left with a very short list of agents to query. I felt rather discouraged, knowing if none of the agents were interested, I might end up at a dead end.

With so many publishers AND agents closed to unsolicited manuscripts, what are writers supposed to do, especially if they're seeking traditional publication? What hope is there of getting a foot in the door when it seems like it's slamming shut?

It may appear hopeless, but the longer I'm in the publishing world, the more I realize that there are ways to get around the dead ends and push the door open a crack, especially when hunting for an agent. Here are just a few of the ways to overcome the barriers:

1. Get to know the agent through blogging, twitter, or facebook.

It's probably not a good idea to "stalk" agents in cyberland! But commenting regularly on their blogs, joining in their twitter discussion, and retweeting their helpful advice or posts can make a difference if done appropriately.

The internet makes agents more accessible than ever before. When we take the time to get to know them, they in turn can become familiar with our names (which is an important reason why we should be careful of the kind of online image we’re projecting). Of course there's no guarantee agents will remember our names among the hundreds they see every week, but I've heard plenty of stories about writers who were able to get a head start with a query or manuscript request because agents recognized their names through the interactions on blogs and twitter.

2. Developing a strong web presence could perk the attention of an agent.

In addition to getting to know agents on their home turf, we can take our internet presence a step further. When we begin to develop a wide-reaching web presence in our own unique ways, and as our name shows up more and more, we might garner the attention of an agent.

Agents sometimes pop onto writer blogs. I’ve had agent visits from time to time, especially when I’ve written a particularly interesting post or if I’ve discussed something an agent talked about in one of their blog posts. While most agents aren’t out cruising blogging-land for new clients, I have known writers who’ve landed their agents because of their strong web presence.

3. Attend a writer's conference to pitch to agents.

This tends to be one of the primary ways for writers to get their material in front of agents (and editors) who are otherwise closed to queries. It can be a fantastic way to get a foot in the door. It’s also expensive. If we hope to garner interest from an agent through a conference, we should do our research thoroughly. Get to know the agents and what they represent, target the best fit, and make sure our writing is really ready (we should even consider having a freelance editor help us polish the first 15 pages).

4. Connecting with published authors could lead to agent referrals.

Of course no published author wants to feel like someone is befriending them in order to get a referral to their agent. But because authors (like agents) are so accessible, it’s possible to form genuine friendships with them. Sometimes, through those relationships, authors will make recommendations to their agents on behalf of friends.

5. Building relationships within the writing community can lead to new possibilities.

All writers must start as unagented and unpublished. But as we move forward on the journey toward publication, doors will begin to open. We’ll soon find ourselves or our best buddies getting agents. Through the natural progression of our networking and friendships we never know what fresh opportunities will arise for us. That’s why it’s so important to join in and become a part of the writing community. We can all help each other reach for our dreams.

What about you? Have you ever been frustrated by reaching a dead end in querying? When so many top agents are closed to querying, what’s a writer to do? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

49 comments:

  1. A very useful post; having recently completed my ms I am now going down this road and noticing a lot of agents seem closed to new authors. It isn't an easy process but am doing all I can to get known in the world of online communication. Twitter and Facebook are a must, as is continually writing on my blog. I have also opened a new blog which will contact extracts from my book, joined various literary websites and got to know various people in the writing circles.

    CJ xx

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  2. Good post, Jody. I was bummed when I saw how few Christian agents there are. So then I started querying romance agents who had a few Christian books on their list.
    Thanks for these points!

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  3. Definitely I've reached a dead end before. Like christian fiction, there aren't enough agents for middle grade to query hundreds. And I don't query agents I don't know anything about.

    But I try to discern what didn't work about that manuscript I was so excited about. There are usually lessons to be learned and carried forward to my next project!

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  4. Great post, Jody.

    Thankfully I haven't hit a point of frustration. (It takes a lot to get me rattled.)

    I've spent a great deal of time researching and understanding the kind of agent I'm looking for. I've also spent time in prayer--for direction, for specific agents, for clarified vision. I've created a game plan and I keep my expectations in check. Meanwhile, I write on.

    You offer excellent tips that I'm hoping will make an impact on my securing an agent.

    ~ Wendy

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  5. Thats great advise Jody. And it is really important to remember that genuine connections are where it is at.

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  6. Hehhe I wonder how many new followers you're gonna get now trying to 'befriend' you? ;o)

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  7. Great tips again, Jody. I will tuck these in my bonnet for later.

    Teresa

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  8. Great post Jody. And such good advice about joining the online writing community. I've made so many new friends and genuine connections since I've started my journey through the blogosphere, and you're right that you never know what opportunities may be around the door. And you learn so much about being a writer at the same time.

    I'd add another suggestion from my experience, which is to take part in the various competitions and contests that pop up from time to time online. Pitch contests in particular are a great way for you to get your work in front of an agent, and there are other opportunities out there as well if you keep your eye out.

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  9. I'm kind of there as I realize there aren't that many. I read their blogs but didn't want to facebook any of them.

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  10. Great tips - thanks for sharing them with us! I'm still not at the point of seeking an agent or publisher, but these are definitely ideas to keep in mind and practice.

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  11. I went with a small press publisher and side-stepped the agent. I've not regretted my decision! What's nice, too, is Bellebooks is growing and is going to accept more manuscripts -whether agented or not. THey're opening their door to more literary/women's fiction in November.

    I feel very fortunate to have found them.

    That said, times are strange right now in publishing. Things will settled down after a time, but, so much up in the air right now.

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  12. Jody, Thanks for sharing some excellent advice. I met my agent at my first writer's conference, when she was an editor. We reconnected as I followed her blog after she resurfaced as an agent. Eventually, I sent her a query. And the result, as they say, is history.

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  13. Our only choice is to keep plugging away the best way we can. Your suggestions are all good and ones I've followed and while I have gotten close that call I've been waiting for has yet to come.

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  14. Valuable suggestions...as I inch closer, I'm going to keep them in mind. Thank you Jody.

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  15. I think that's great advice. Someone you've made a connection with, online or in person, is a great place to start. You also get to know the like/dislikes of the agent over time, so you know whether or not you're a good fit.

    I read for a literary agent from time to time when her backlog gets overwhelming, and it amazes me how many manuscripts are rejected because they aren't a good fit. If the writers had done their homework, they would have known up front that it wouldn't work.

    It's actually encouraging for writers who do a bit of research. I would guess about 75-80% of the manuscripts we rejected were from authors who did mass emailings, and never bothered to check out the genres and books the agent represented. You'll stand out in the slush pile if you make a personal note about why you decide to query a specific agent.

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  16. Excellent advice, Jody! I haven't hit frustration yet. I think it helps to be realistic (although that can be depressing at times) about the odds of getting in the door with one particular manuscript. I think a writer must keep writing, keep developing relationships, and eventually... who knows. Although I haven't "landed" an agent yet, meeting people and developing relationships with writers, agents and editors through social networking and conferences is a big, important step on the path. I don't think a writer has to do it that way, but a conference sure immerses you into that world.

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  17. Terrific post! I know several authors who have landed agents based on your tips. Another thing that's important for unpublished writers like myself to keep in mind is that we're building relationships. If the agent passes on a book of ours, we can query our next book. It's not as if a writer has one shot ever!

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  18. Very interesting! Thank you for the behind-the-scenes look. It helps.

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  19. Following their blogs and commenting is great advice. Sometimes I feel too shy to say anything, but I really need to get over that.

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  20. Good suggestions, Jody. Before I found Omnific Publishing, my small press publisher, I wasn't even aware of the book blogging world and how powerful it is for networking with other authors and agents. I felt lonely and clueless when querying agents. I hope that aspiring authors can find this world and follow some of your suggestions.

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  21. Not to sure what to think of the query process yet. Should I be excited or terrified? Sort of a mixture between the two.

    Excellent info! I just love your blog too. You always give good information to ponder. Thank you.

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  22. Oh wow I can really relate to this post on every level. The whole query process is so frustrating. I actually sent my first query out over 20 years ago. Yes. The about 13 years ago-took a bad agent break- then started up again over three years ago. In total I have sent close to 200 queries. I sent many partials, and a handful of fulls. It wasn't until I started entering contest that things starting even mildly looking up for me. And once I began feeling out cyber relationships with agents that things got a little better than that. I'm still hopeful but not at the agent finish line yet. I'll be the first to tell a new writer, it's tuff.

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  23. I love your blog, Jody, but I rarely have time to comment. Today, I have to chime in on number two because of a recent experience.

    I write book reviews on a collaborative blog, not because I thought it would get anyone's attention, but because I like writing book reviews. I've been doing it for over a year now. An agent who is currently reading my ms mentioned in her "request email" that she enjoys my reviews on that site.

    That was a nice surprise/shock, but it could have just as easily turned her off if I'd been lazy in my presentation. You really don't know who is reading your posts -- anywhere -- if they don't comment. It's safer to just assume *everyone* is reading them, so word your posts and reviews accordingly.

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  24. Jody, as Rachael Harrie said above, a writer can get an agent's attention through a contest. I'm a member of Romance Writers of America®. I entered several contests run by RWA® chapters last year. My manuscript was a finalist in one in which my Dream Agent was a final round judge. Rachelle requested the full, I sent it, and I received an offer of representation. (Yeah, I'm still pinching myself. =)

    Even though conferences are expensive, I do feel they are the best way to make contact with agents and editors. I've met several that way. As Steve Laube said in a workshop I attended at Mount Hermon, the publishing professionals like to see us at conferences because that shows we're serious about our writing.

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  25. Another wonderful post, Jody; thank you! I haven't hit the dead end yet but I certainly do feel the frustration. The summer was especially hard because so many agents were closed to queries. But you have some wonderful suggestions, many of which I have done or am trying to do. It's always good know that you're on the right track and doing what you can as you strive for success.

    Thank you again...

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  26. Great post, Jody!

    I'm always too shy/self conscious to comment on author/agent tweets on twitter or even on blogs - I'd hate to come across as kissing up or stalking like you say :) But I think I might make a point to try and connect more often. I suppose that's really what social media is about!

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  27. I agree, Jody. Like you, I couldn't believe how few agents fell into my list when I whittled them down. I'm hoping at least one of the agents on my short list sees something unique in me. :)

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  28. When I saw the title of this post, I couldn't get over here fast enough! This is where I am living right now. I am trying to query my MS, praying I'll find success before I run out of options. These are all wise tips, Jody. I haven't been able to pull off the conference goal yet, but I'll keep working on the hubby. I know that if an agent showed interest, he'd be fine with the conference. He doesn't want us to pay all that money for nothing - he doesn't get it yet. :-)

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  29. Great post, Jody. I would love to find a good agent, but if you think it's tough in the US. to find one, it's nearly impossible in Canada...especially a Christian agent.
    I'm still looking though!

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  30. Hi Jody! This is a really great post because I feel like the world of publishing often feels out-of-reach for the common person. When I queried my book, I was fortunate enough (if you call it that) to be naive about the publishing business. I just kinda threw myself out there and hoped for a hit and (thank God) it worked out. But, looking back, I wish I had read advice like this. I would've saved me from looking like a fool at times to agents.

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  31. I have to echo Erin's comments. I wish I would have known all this years ago.

    I've just finished reading THE PREACHER'S BRIDE. It's beautiful, Jody. Congrats on a very classy novel. (And thank you for the great read!)

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  32. Great advice, Jody. A little extra visibility can't hurt. I follow a number of agents' blogs for information purposes but rarely comment on them. Very often someone else has already said what I would have, and it doesn't appeal to me to repeat something just for the sake of seeing my own words out there. I guess that defeats the 'visibility' intent, but hopefully if and when I have something worth saying it will be noted. :)

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  33. Right now I'm finding Small press is a perfect fit for me, but that doesn't mean I won't pursue agents again for future works. I do have several things I have to work on in the meantime, though, which will keep me plenty busy in the small press area.

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  34. Great tips -- as usual. Research, web presense and building connections. Not lways easy but definitely good.

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  35. Great post. I actually have a book contract through Heartsong Presents but no agent. But I hear that they too are about to stop taking unsolicited manuscripts.

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  36. Hi Jody -

    At the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, the agents all agreed on where they get most of their clients: writers conferences.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  37. Jody, thanks for these tips! I'm blown away by the amount of information out there, and it seems to me we just need to keep digging and learning and writing and submitting, and eventually it'll be "our" turn.

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  38. The online writing community is filled with great people sharing helpful information. Persevere, be patient and authentic, and I think eventually you'll get noticed.

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  39. I am fairly new to following your blog, but now i know why you have such a great platform. This was another great post with some very practical info. Obviously, you have put some of your own advice to work in terms of finding an agent. Good work!

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  40. A wonderful post.

    It is so hard to walk the lonely road of agent hunting. I have noticed a few are open to new authors lately, this is encouraging.

    Just to say, Penguin UK are open for manuscripts until the end of Oct. No agent required. :)

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  41. Hi Jody, these are helpful suggestions. Yes, the search for an agent is frustrating, in India we don't have agents at all and publishers take a long time to reply.
    Once again, a wonderful post.

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  42. Im now looking for an agent too. It's a scarey thing to do, and there really aren't enough agents out there. Fortunately there are some great ones and I intend to land one someday soon. Well, if Im good enough that is. Im getting there! I'll make it.
    Thanks Jody

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  43. Good post. Agent hunting really an ordeal as you say.

    Agents never responds to non followers in twitter or facebook, in blog they seldom comment back. Yes they respond to good queries and plot. So better write a good book and knock the door of an agent.

    Published authors lack time or something makes them inaccessible. This is an established fact. One author told me that if she would read a synopsis (i wanted to share) then an apocalypse would occur. I said, no let the earth survive. Lol

    Writing group is good. But it is not easy to find a writing group with similar interests.

    In India there is no such concept like writers conference.

    It is really painful that new authors suffer that much pain. Hopefully, the situation betters as due to competition from the digital world publishers have started opening their doors.

    Recently, penguin UK has started accepting unsolicited works though for a limited period.




    First saleability then literary value. In today's parameter i am sure many classic novels would not have come out.

    It is a business and pure business. So writing has become a victim to commercialization.

    That's why vampire sucks, zombie gains life. Lol

    Jody, Good luck for your book. I will read your book one day, if it is available here.

    Thanks

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  44. great post as always!

    At least there are ways around the 'To be published you need an agent and to getan gent you need to be published' conundrum.

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  45. Great post, Jody. The idea that social networking really works when you do more than follow and friend people is really starting to sink in for me, so I'm making an effort to comment more on the articles and posts I read. :)

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  46. Thank you for this encouraging information, Jody. Would you suggest putting your manuscripts hook out on your website?

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  47. Hi Colleen,

    I think it is definitely appropriate for writers to have a "books" page on their blogs and websites. On the "books" page, you could list the title and the back-cover blurb (the hook)of each book you've written. You might even have a link that could take a curious reader to the first page. In some ways, our blogs and websites are like professional resumes!

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  48. Thanks for the great advice. I definitely think that attending anything where agents and published authors are is worth it. And also "stalking" online. I've made a few agent/author "friends." They won't be coming to my bday party, but they can definitely pick my name out.

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  49. Thanks for sharing... blessings your way, bobbi & gracie

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