Finding an agent is vital in today’s traditional publishing landscape. “If your goal is to be published by a traditional [publisher], then an agent is still key to open those doors,” says literary agent Amy Levenson. Most publishers won’t accept a submission unless it has first gone through an agent. An agent will be a partner for you and connect you to resources that you need to set your book up for its best chance.
So you’ve decided you want an agent! Now what? You’ll need to do your research, write your query letter, and get picked up by an agent. That last task is informed by what you do for the first two. How do you go about researching agents? What should you discover? In the clip below, industry professionals give tips and tricks to finding an agent through research and getting an offer through your query letter. When you write your query letter, you’ll need to know how to structure it so it doesn’t get caught in a publisher’s slush pile. How much should you personalize your query letter? What is the goal of your query letter? How much of your book synopsis should you include in your query letter? Our experts answer these questions and more in the clip below.
:What if I used Artificial Intelligence like Keeper Dating & Relationship Coach to help me write my Query, will the Literary Agent Accept it as I did with my headlines?
Hello,
Artificial intelligence is best used to brainstorm and research. When you use it to do any writing, it tends to be missing human elements and personal touches. Your query letter should reflect your writing voice and best writing - it's your first and sometimes only impression with literary agents. You can certainly use AI to help draft an initial query letter, but we suggest you use that as a starting point only, and then add your personal touches. Here are some resources you might find helpful:
https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/traditional-publishing/w/submission-process/7991/query-like-a-pro---proven-strategies-to-land-an-agent-or-publisher
https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/i-don-t-know-anyone-who-personally-believes-they-can-write-a-perfect-query-letter-can-you-give-some-guidance-with-examples-of-good-vs-bad
https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/traditional-publishing/w/book-proposals/6410/writing-your-best-query-letter
:Do I need a Literary Agent if I have a Publishing Consultant? Furthermore, I downloaded "Writing Your Best Query" By Amy Lenevon into my Poetry and Writing Resources. I believe I don't need a Literary Agent. My Publishing Consultant is Rae Dawson Of Xilibris.
It sounds like you are pursuing a supported self-publishing path with Xlibris. Therefore, a literary agent isn't necessary. Literary agents are typically required when pursuing a traditional publishing path. They pitch your book on your behalf to the traditional publishing houses, in exchange for a commission. You can learn more here:
https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/preparation/w/choosing-a-path/7247/4-ways-to-publish-a-book-in-2024
https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/what-is-the-best-way-to-find-an-agent-to-represent-me-and-pitch-my-book-to-traditional-publishers