Insider Tips On Getting A Book Agent

How To Get A Book Agent

Let’s talk Literary Agents. I’m specifically talking about agents that rep graphic novelists but the majority of this info is the same for regular novelists.

The major publishers for the most part only accept book submissions through agents. And even if they don’t, a good agent is going to navigate all the unfamiliar in & outs of publishing you don’t know. They will connect with editors/publishers, negotiate contracts and prices, ensure royalty payments, and be a buffer when you need it. They will more than make up the 10 to 20% commission they earn by what they get and save you with the publisher.

Your publisher wants to work with you but they are looking out for their own interests. Your agent’s interests are tied to yours, so they will fight for what’s best for you. Also you don’t pay out of pocket for them. They get paid when you do.

So how do you find an agent that is a good fit for you and your work? A bit of detective work.

Start with a spreadsheet. I used Google Sheets. Here’s a copy if you’d like to use it.

Find agents that represent the kind of work you do. For me, that was middle-grade graphic novels.

If you have an author you like, you can check Query Tracker to see who their agent is.

Another neat trick is to go to Twitter and search: Repped By. Lots of authors list their agents in their bio. Many agents will also list their manuscript wish list either on their agency site or Publisher’s Marketplace or Manuscript Wish List. If they seem like a good fit, add them to your spreadsheet.

You can then go to their agency page to see if they are accepting submissions and what their guidelines are. Follow their specific guidelines!

Most are going to want a Pitch Packet. This document is an overview of your book and what the agent and editor will use to determine if they want to work with you. So make sure it’s amazing! Get feedback before you submit it to them. The agent may list specifically what they want to be included if not, the following is a basic guide.

Cover Page: Cover mock-up of your book or illustration that encapsulates your project.

General Info: 1-3 sentence description of the story, genre, target audience, comp titles, and your contact info.

10-15 finished comic pages from the book. It’s usually best to use the beginning of the story and not a section that happens later.

Synopsis: One-page summary of the book.

Story Breakdown: 4-5 page breakdown of the story. Yes, including the ending.

Character Bios: Art and descriptions of your main characters.

Author Bio: Who you are, what you’ve done, and why you’re awesome!

Now you need an actual Query Letter. The query letter is your cover letter. It’s the agent’s first impression and intro to you. You want the agent to be excited to open your pitch packet. There are tons of how-to-write query letter articles you can Google. Be short, informative, and interesting. Who you are and what your pitch is.

You are now ready to start querying! Don’t query your entire list at once. Start out with a handful. Responses take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. Rejection is inevitable, update your list and keep it moving. Don’t lose hope. If you see a pattern emerging it may help in revising your pitch. It’s a long process. This is a fantastic time to be developing your next project. I know you have more than one idea 🙂

Be open to other opportunities as well. After almost a year of sending out queries and receiving rejections, I participated in #KidLitGN, a Twitter pitch fest where the person who would become my agent saw my work and contacted me. There are other Twitter pitch fests and other online and in-person agent meet-ups. Seek them out and use what’s relevant to you.

When an agent is interested in your work, they will ask to set up a call with you. Research them and prepare a list of questions you want to ask. Check out the BookEnds Literary Agency YouTube page. It is an invaluable resource.

The agent is going to be asking you questions as well. What kind of person you are, do you have other ideas, how do you see your career, how do you work with others? In short, if you are someone they want to work with.

If they offer representation, congrats, that’s awesome! I know after all this time it may seem you have to take whatever agent comes your way but trust your instinct. If you like them and feel they’ll do a good job for you, great! Accept the offer. If you’re uncomfortable and don’t feel good about it, decline and move on.

Put in that work and get your rock-star agent. You’ve got this!

Other Stuff

I started posting Josh book related things on TikTok. It’s been fun though quite a bit of time and effort goes into making videos that are so short. I’m liking it more than Twitter and WAAAAAY more than Instagram. If you’re there, check me out 🙂

I finally got a standing desk. I’ve been wanting one for ages and finally bit the bullet. I still sit most of the time but do like the option. The cat immediately claimed it as his own.