Publishing your book is difficult but not impossible if you’re patient, determined, and well acquainted with smart tactics, especially when it comes to using the internet to your advantage.
Literary agents are important to the publishing process as they help cultivate your career as an author, which includes approaching publishers on your behalf. The first hurdle to focus on is landing such a representative—and a good one.
Here are the best tips on how to find a literary agent online.
1. Google Search Literary Agents in Your Genre
Search engines are great tools for research of any kind, such as tracking down the right literary agent. Try different keywords to gather a range of viable results. Our tips and tricks for using Google Search more effectively will come in handy.
For example, start with a precise search using the keywords “literary agent” and your genre. If your book fits into a subgenre like paranormal crime fiction, try the general term in one search and the more specific one in another.
Feel free to broaden your search with keywords like “best literary agents US” or “literary agent directories”. Explore the resources that come up and make a list of the most interesting candidates within your genre.
However, be careful with your search engine’s results. It’s common for the first few entries to be ads followed by top organic results, so pay attention to what you’re looking at.
Whether you find an agency’s website or an article listing noteworthy options, do more research into the companies. Even checking a website’s security can separate the best candidates from the less reliable ones.
2. Use Online Directories for Literary Agents
Another way to find a good literary agent is through directories. Some of these online platforms exist specifically to connect writers with publishing professionals.
Your search engine might flag up directories during your research, but it’s faster if you turn to them directly. Some of the best to remember and bookmark are:
Dive into everything these websites have to offer, even beyond listing top agents. Just look at the many ways Writers & Artists can help creative writers, from mentoring to bookish events.
Make the most of online literary services that cover your needs as an author.
3. Find Literary Agents Through Online Communities
Joining a fulfilling community is another luxury for writers. The best ones offer plenty of opportunities to chat with others about all things publishing.
If you’re hunting for agents, you can try your luck with platforms like Absolute Write's forums or any of the other online communities for writers.
Listen to the experiences of fellow authors and make a note of agents or companies you should check out.
There’s no guarantee that you’ll always get useful insights, but support groups like these are as good for your morale as they are for your knowledge of the publishing industry.
4. Research Authors and Their Agents
While researching literary agents, look into your favorite authors or popular ones you know about. Who represents them?
Get to know their past and present agents—what they offer and whether they accept submissions. Google Search comes in handy, once again.
Remember to stick with agents in your genre. If their experience is in something else, they will reject you no matter how good your application is. But prepare yourself for some disappointment anyway. Literary agents, especially those with a prestigious client list, are very selective about the projects they take on.
This is why you should have several strategies for finding a good representative.
5. Use Social Media to Find and Impress Literary Agents
Social networking can be your greatest asset for tracking down useful information on agents and publishing in general. This means going beyond Wattpad, or its alternatives.
On your favorite social media platform, connect with people associated with the industry, join groups, attend live events, and build your online presence. The more you involve yourself, the greater your chances of meeting literary agents.
Now, some platforms are better than others.
On Facebook, you can chat with other writers, share book extracts on your page, post requests for agents, and show any interested parties that you’re very marketable. But LinkedIn is just as good with all of this, not to mention the go-to place for professional partnerships.
For the best results, mix and match your social media. Use one or a bunch of platforms to find, approach, and impress literary agents. Ideally, you need to quickly convince them that you’re worth their time.
What to Look for and Avoid in Literary Agents
Before you start scouring the web for the perfect agent, you need to understand your own needs. So, in addition to your genre and marketability, determine your target audience and competition.
Get a clear idea of how easy or difficult it will be for your book to make an impact on publishers and readers. Use mind map tools to help with the process. This will make it easier to spot the best literary agent for the job.
Green Flags in Literary Agents
When exploring the domains or profiles of literary agents, look for the following qualities:
- Experience in your genre.
- Successes with similar authors.
- Appealing client list and contacts.
- Evidence of good promotional skills.
- Background knowledge of the publishing industry.
- Clear passion for the job.
Red Flags in Literary Agents
Unfortunately, there are red flags to avoid, too. Part of your research will involve dodging unreliable agents and even scammers, so stay alert and watch out for these signs:
- Upfront fees—real and honest literary agents charge a commission.
- Poor track record in terms of books, partnerships, and sales.
- Limited experience in the publishing industry.
- Unprofessional online presence.
- Aggressive advertising.
Take Care of Your Finances While Finding a Literary Agent
Whether you self-publish or land a traditional deal, put as much effort into your finances as you would into hunting for good literary agents. They only get paid a commission, but you never know what other parts of your publishing journey might cost.
Luckily, the digital world offers tools for almost any task, whether you want to know how to get a literary agent, manage your budget, or build a fan base. Just choose the best strategy for your book and stay focused.