How to Get a Literary Agent in 2024 | What Do Agents Look for in Writers?

Finding a literary agent is the first milestone in getting your book published and on the shelves. But what are literary agents looking for in writers and how can you position yourself to earn an offer of representation? Here's what you need to know about how to get a literary agent and some tips for making your query letter stand out.

WHAT DO LITERARY AGENTS LOOK FOR?
02:03 - Talent
03:29 - Long-term partnership
05:59 - Market fit
08:53 - Enthusiasm
10:37 - Trust

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ABOUT ME:
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with 7+ years of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey—whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.

Feel free to get in touch!

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[AlyssaMatesic]

Are you in the process of querying agents? Let me know how it's been going.

[mrplatink]

I’m so RELIEVED you didn’t mention “strong social media presence”!

[stizanley]

"How to Get a Literary Agent in 2024"... posted Jan 3, 2021. You can see the future!

[ashleyrenee]

Learning about getting an agent and publishing has always been so stressful for me that I find it hard to even continue writing. Thank you for making this whole process easy to understand and like it's not a complete fantasy to have my book published

[ladyjatheist]

I literally have hundreds of rejection letters from submissions through the years, and am at a point where I have 11 completed books, 9 of which are fiction novels, a trilogy, two singles, and a series of 5. I'm preparing to pitch 5 of the projects to various studios, and have felt the old enthusiasm come back enough that it's possible I'm finally ready to start approaching agents again. It would be lovely to see if any of my projects can spark their interest. Thank you for putting these videos out, I just found them and have gratefully subscribed.

[percentDan]

As a talent manager myself and having been an agent for years I must say this is GREAT.

Thank you! 🎉

[mammareaper]

“Have a positive attitude with a LOT of energy!”

Me with anxiety: O_O

[danielmartin]

Alyssa's advice up-front is key: "Patience." Johnny Worthen described breaking into the literary world as game after game of roulette.

Marketability has always looked like the biggest barrier to my eyes for those who want to traditionally publish. A mediocre book at marketable moment is the right book. A fantastic book at unmarketable time is the wrong book. Easier to publish general adult fiction and romance than other genres. Etc.

This is especially true right now. I've asked around and sent some queries. Seems like we're dealing with one of the most challenging landscapes in recent memory. "The market is competitive and I have to be able to sell this, " is what I'm seeing.

Agents surely dream of partnering with an author whose work sets the bar...yet a lot of copycats fill bookshelves. Like writers, agents have dreams as well as practical realities. I don't envy their job.

Until then, we all keep playing roulette.

[KevinTumlinson]

This is great advice, Alyssa. Thanks for sharing your perspective and insight!

[megorra]

Thank you. This was fantastic. I'm just about to embark on this journey and preparing myself for how to go about the agent process. The story I have has been with me for over 20 years but only in the last 3-4 years has it really become a serious undertaking, with a career in mind. The advice given in this video was great and I've subscribed in order to check out more. I'm incredibly excited. I remember reading somewhere that writing a novel is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration, and I couldn't agree more. Sending off my work is going to be a rollercoaster (good and bad) and I can't wait. Thank you for your help.

[amalbissessar]

I really enjoyed your video. I loved the fact that you spoke more about the human side of what an agent is looking for rather than simply the business of publishing and what it really means to work with an agent. Awesome video.

[jeanpascalmonzies]

Great, thanks for this video! Super helpful!

[danabaker]

Great video! This is helping me build confidence as I begin my search for a literary agent.

[nickey]

You are right. Trust is a big thing. As a writer I was to worried about ppl stealing my idea so I stopped seeking an agent. Glad I ran across your channel

[yetanotherjohn]

A+ for the sound engineering alone. Well done! Bravo! Ole! Namaste, etc.

[theoracleofhope]

Thank you babe! The first video i’ve watched of yours, very helpful. I’ll be sure to watch more 🙏🏼

[paulabrooks]

Love your videos! I’m working on a coffee table book, and so am just learning all of the ins and outs of publishing so that I can be a great addition to the other writers that they represent!

[JonSimon]

Hi Alyssa, I have really been enjoying your videos! Great points in this one about Market Fit & Enthusiasm!

[shaeokeefe]

Thanks so much. Super informative. I'm hooked on your content.

[MyPerfectWellnessChannel]

You are so wonderful. Thank you for this informational video! ♥️