Pitching an Agent: Insights from the Other Side of the Table

I just spent this past weekend in Seattle at a writer’s conference. I truly enjoy attending these events (I’d better, I have another in two days) though they can be incredibly exhausting with long 12 hour days filled with constant interaction and conversation. However, that’s also the reason I go. I enjoy meeting the writers. I love hearing the stories they come up with – it’s also interesting when I get pitched the same story by multiple people.

Between Friday and Saturday I was pitched by 82 hopeful writers. Clearly, I couldn’t possibly represent 82 writers, but I can at least offer the large majority actionable feedback to help improve their work to find that right-fit agent.

As an agent, I often feel like a literary grim reaper. The bad news I deliver far outweighs the good. One author I met published two books in a trilogy with a small press, and the author was “ready to move on” to the Big 5 for their third– I had to explain why that wasn’t feasible; especially given the low sales of the two previous books.

While I understand the almost desperate desire to find an agent and jumpstart the publishing journey, I think it’s important to understand there’s no deadline. There’s also quite a few avenues to explore (see the list at the end of this post) – and there’s more opportunity than ever for going direct, even to the Big 5. Brooke Warner makes a case for pitching small press editors here.

As a writer, you should be seeking not only beta reader input and editorial feedback but also attending writing conferences where you can speak directly with agents and editors who, more often than not, will offer the unvarnished truth about your story’s potential. Yes, this industry is subjective, but if multiple people are telling you the same thing, it’s worth taking a closer look.

If travel isn't an option, there are great online resources like Manuscript Academy, where experienced agents and editors are available to help. Just a heads up: if you choose to work with me, be prepared for an honest assessment.

This was a comment sent to MA on Monday:

I had a 10-minute query conversation with Renee. She was easy to talk to and was direct and clear with her explanations and suggestions. I felt she was invested in my progress, and I left the meeting with a better understanding of what agents are looking for in a query. If you have a question you want answered honestly and directly, Renee is the right choice. An excellent experience! - 

Over the years I’ve found many writers don’t want to hear the truth, which only makes an already difficult journey even harder. Often our professional input is met with explanation, justification and refusal to consider any advice. I’m not saying this response isn’t valid. In the end these are your stories and you should tell them in the exact way you want. Just know a 150k word memoir featuring a common experience, may be an uphill battle.

Another writer shared a fantastic pitch on a different approach to stress, but then an editor I sat next to at dinner pointed out the prohibitive cost of producing the book due to the extensive photos and graphics involved. Sometimes, this business feels like one step forward and five steps back.

I truly wish I could be the savior to all writers, to represent and sell all the books; but sadly, that’s not possible. Writers often feel they’ve failed if their book is rejected or they can’t find representation. It’s far from failure. You write because you love it. You write because it’s who you are. Keep going. You have to be in it, to win it.

As promised, here are a few suggestions for finding an agent:

1. Publisher’s Marketplace

• What It Is: A subscription-based platform where you can see agent profiles, recent deals, and publishing industry news.

• How It Helps: You can search for agents who have sold books in your genre and see their recent deals to publishers. This is a good way to find active agents with strong industry connections.

• Agent Matcher: There’s a new agent matcher. You input info on your book and a list of potential agents come up.

• Website: publishersmarketplace.com

2. Manuscript Wish List (MSWL)

• What It Is: A platform where agents and editors post what types of books they are currently looking to represent or acquire.

• How It Helps: MSWL is an excellent tool for finding agents who are specifically interested in your genre or type of story. You can search by genre or keyword to find agents who match your work.

• Website: manuscriptwishlist.com

3. QueryTracker

• What It Is: A free and paid resource that allows writers to search for agents, track their queries, and view success rates.

• How It Helps: QueryTracker provides lists of agents, their response times, and submission statistics from other writers. You can also read comments from other authors about their experiences.

• Website: querytracker.net

4. Agent Websites and Agency Pages

• What It Is: Most agents have personal websites or are listed on their agency’s website.

• How It Helps: These websites typically list submission guidelines, the genres the agent represents, and occasionally, details about what the agent is currently looking for. You can learn about their specific preferences and clients.

5.  Acknowledgments in Books

• What It Is: Many authors thank their agents in the acknowledgment section of their books.

• How It Helps: By reading acknowledgments in books similar to yours, you can identify agents who represent authors in your genre. Once you have a name, you can research their submission guidelines.

6. Writer Conferences and Pitch Events

• What It Is: Many literary agents attend writer conferences, workshops, and pitch events (both online and in-person).

• How It Helps: These events provide opportunities for you to pitch your manuscript directly to agents. Additionally, you can network and learn about which agents might be a good fit for your work.

• Also check out genre specific events like Pitchfest at Thrillerfest. Killer Nashville, Romance writers etc.

7. Twitter & #MSWL

• What It Is: Many agents are active on Twitter and use the hashtag #MSWL (Manuscript Wish List) to announce what types of projects they are seeking.

• How It Helps: Follow agents on Twitter to learn about their preferences and what they’re currently looking for. You can engage with them or just use it as research.

• Hashtag: #MSWL

8. Referrals from Other Writers

• What It Is: Authors often refer their agent to other writers.

• How It Helps: If you know published authors in your genre, asking them for referrals or recommendations is a great way to get introduced to agents who might be open to representing you.

9. Literary Agent Databases

• What It Is: Websites like Writers’ & Artists’, Writers Digest, and others provide searchable databases of literary agents.

• How It Helps: These databases allow you to search agents by genre, location, and other criteria.

• Examples:

  • Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook

  • Writers Digest Guide to Literary Agents

10. Book Fairs and Industry Events

• What It Is: Large publishing events like the Frankfurt Book Fair or London Book Fair often have agents in attendance.

• How It Helps: These events provide opportunities to meet agents, hear what they are looking for, and pitch your manuscript.

11. Pitch Events (Online)

• What It Is: Online pitch events, such as #PitMad on Twitter, give writers the opportunity to pitch their manuscripts to agents in a tweet.

• How It Helps: Agents who are interested will “like” your pitch, indicating that they’d like to see your query and sample pages.

12. Writer Workshops and Residencies

• What It Is: Workshops like Tin House or residencies often have agents as guest speakers or participants.

• How It Helps: You can meet agents face-to-face in an informal setting and possibly form a connection. Many of these events also offer pitch sessions.

13. Podcasts and Interviews

• What It Is: Many literary agents are interviewed on podcasts or in articles where they talk about what types of books they are looking for.

• How It Helps: Listen to or read interviews to gain insights into an agent’s preferences and personality. Then you can tailor your query to their interests.

14. Writing Communities and Forums

• What It Is: Online writing communities like Absolute Write, often have discussions about literary agents.

• How It Helps: These forums are a good source for agent recommendations, feedback on query experiences, and tips on how to approach specific agents.

15. Book Agents Guides

• What It Is: Books such as Guide to Literary Agents or The Writer’s Market offer comprehensive lists of agents.

• How It Helps: These guides typically include agent names, contact info, genres they represent, and submission guidelines.