Ready to pursue traditional publishing?
Here’s a quick guide for those who aren’t sure where to start.
As someone who works in higher education, this is the advice we give our English graduate students. The path to publication starts with research and ends with persistence. You can use QueryTracker, Manuscript WishList, and MS WishList to find agents who want books like yours.
Agents maintain lists of what they want to represent. These lists change often based on market trends and their current clients. Think about books you’ve read that share themes with yours, then check their acknowledgments pages for agent names. Can’t find similar books? Head to Publishers Marketplace to see which agents have sold books in your category, and who bought them. Each sale listing gives you insight into what publishers seek.
Found some agents? Time to write a query letter. The letter must hook readers from line one. Check out Writers Digest’s query archive to see what works. Usually, agents want the full manuscript for memoir and fiction submissions, while nonfiction can sell on a few chapters plus a book proposal. In any case, your manuscript should shine before you send it anywhere. You can use the free Query Letter and Synopsis Worksheet from Jericho Writers to help you follow the best practices for crafting a compelling and professional query letter.
Your agent might suggest submitting your full manuscript to publishers or work with you on a proposal. Some agents edit extensively before submission. Others prefer polished work from the start. For nonfiction, you’ll need a proposal to show publishers why your book will sell. The proposal explains your platform and marketing plans. Resources for writing book proposals fill the internet; use them.
Keep track of who you query and when. Send your work only to agents whose lists match your manuscript. Many writers use spreadsheets to track submissions and responses. This saves everyone time and increases your chances of finding the right match. Watch for agents who open and close to queries throughout the year. Some agents take breaks from submissions during busy seasons or when their lists fill up.
Remember that publishing moves slowly. Agents might take weeks or months to respond. Use this time to keep writing and improving your craft. Success often comes to writers who persist while maintaining quality. Focus on writing the best book you can while searching for the right agent to champion your work.
Good luck!
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