What Literary Agents Are Looking For In Authours

Vanessa Grossett provides writers with guidance on what they need to do and how they need to be if they want to be signed and represented by a literary agent

Agents don’t just represent authors based on their writing skills. Though having great writing skills is an advantage, there are other distinguishing factors in play when an agent chooses an author for representation. Since agents get paid by royalty commission and advance payments, representing the right author is vital.

This is why many authors state it is harder to find an agent than a publisher. The publisher has control of the finances, so they don’t lose out if they take on an author whose books aren’t selling well, as they can get their monies from authors who are well known and whose books are selling well.

Since the agent’s income is solely dependent on the author, they have more to lose. So before you approach an agent, it’s important to know what they are seeking – and not just in terms of their submission guidelines.

Marketing and Publicity: It may seem like I keep repeating the importance of marketing and publicity a lot in my articles, however it really is crucial, and is one of the skills that plays an important part of your success.

As a writer, you shouldn’t solely depend on your publisher or agent to market your project. This is your brand, your career, and you need to know how to publicise your work yourself.

There are social media influencers who constantly get approached by both publishers and agents, simply because they have a large following. This is good for the agent, as they can persuade the publisher to provide a high book advance. Nowadays it isn’t about simply writing a good story.

If you are a new author looking for an agent, it really is advisable to build your credibility first. Though agents state they are looking for new talent, the truth is they are looking for new talent already possessing the marketing skills and the fanbase that will boost promotion and book sales.  

If you are shy or don’t want to market, then you may need to consider another career! When you’re an author you are like a celebrity, because you are bringing your creativity to the world. People will want to know who you are;people are buying into you, and not just your writing.

Dedicated Professional Writers: Many people write books because someone has told them to, or they believe the Lord has told them to. Once the book is written, the first thing the writer thinks of is to find an agent, but that doesn’t need to be the case.

Agents are looking for professional, dedicated writers – people who want to make this a career, like a novelist.

The only exception for the one-off book rule is a celebrity, or someone very well known in their career, as the the person already has the leverage and credibility.

Being a professional author really does take time and dedication – especially if you are writing fiction – as you need to come up with book idea after book idea. If you know you don’t want to make a career out of being an author, you don’t need to contact an agent.

If you want to be a professional author before you contact an agent, make sure you have already books published – traditional or self-published – and have a great readership. You may even have a connection with someone within the publishing industry, as it will be easier for an agent to sell a manuscript.

Connection­: This doesn’t apply to all agents, but I truly believe connection is very important and is what most agents are looking for. The author-agent relationship is central in this world of publishing. It is on the same level as the editor and author bond, and can last many years.

For example, I have been representing USA Today bestselling author Parker J. Cole for over 11 years, and I hope for the same connection and bond with the new authors I manage. The agent is taking a chance on you; they don’t want to feel like they have wasted time in the partnership.

I know some writers go to agents because of their credibility and establishment, but that doesn’t mean the relationship will last. As I have mentioned before, nowadays anyone can be established and have credibility. If you believe in God’s divine connections and His divine elevation, the impossible truly does become possible.

When there is a connection there is trust, value, quality, and a long-lasting partnership – and that is priceless.

Happy writing

Vanessa Grossett