Networking with literary agents and publishers is crucial for authors who want to get their work published traditionally. And while that networking requires work, the steps are easy to follow.
Why Network With Literary Agents
There are many ways author can publish their work. Among these are independent publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing. The latter of these—traditional publishing—is the method that requires working with literary agents. I won’t get into the value people place on a particular form of publishing, except to say that the gold standard is traditional publishing. And to access that form, we need to work—and network—with literary agents.
How To Find Them
Finding agents is easier than you may think. One great method is through Reedsy. They have an exhaustive listing of vetted literary agents who are looking for submissions. What a great place to start! Other sources are Agent Query, Query Tracker, or Manuscript Wish List. An even larger source is Publishers Marketplace, but they may charge a fee.
Be sure during your search to look for literary agents who handle the kind of writing you do. Don’t query or approach an agent for a fantasy novel when they focus on mysteries and romance, for example. You want to be sure that when you approach any literary agent, that they will be interested in what you have to offer. That won’t happen if there isn’t a good match from the get-go.
Go Where They Go
Literary agents don’t spend every day in their offices. Instead, they often attend writing conference and workshops. This is partly to hear direct pitches from authors, but also to make connections with authors writing in their preferred genres even before they hear a pitch. When you attend writing conferences or workshops, scope it out to see if literary agents will be there, and introduce yourself. When agents participate in these events, they’re “on,” and are usually open to other friendly people. Just be sure that your introduction isn’t a pitch. If they ask what you write, however, be ready with your elevator pitch and logline!
Agents also connect with associations and writing groups, and often present to these groups of authors. We’ve asked several literary agents and hybrid publishers to present to our chapter of the Maryland Writers Association, and afterwards we can easily approach that same agent with “It was wonderful meeting you at last month’s MWA meeting, and…”
Agents may also attend book launches in your area. Attend as many as you can. That will increase the possibility that you can connect informally with a literary agent, and begin networking with them.
Don’t Forget Social Media
You’ll find that agents are all over social media. It’s how they communicate with potential authors, and promote the works of their own authors. X—formerly Twitter—is used by a substantial number of literary agents, and it takes nothing to follow them.
At the same time, don’t forget your own web presence. When you approach literary agents, they’re going to check to see your online presence. A vibrant website or blog shows that you understand the importance of your author platform. Along with a well-written book that fits their guidelines, a strong author platform might make the difference in the agent picking you up.
Remember the Marathon Metaphor
Networking with literary agents isn’t a one and done task. It’s the beginning of a relationship that may take years to pay off. Remember also, to be yourself, sure your author self, but be genuine and professional as you approach them. You want literary agents to see exactly who they might be working with. And don’t forget the value of personal introductions. If you have an author friend who works with a particular literary agent, don’t hesitate to ask for an introduction.
Every marathon begins with a single step, after all.
