How to Get a Literary Agent in 2024 | What Do Agents Look for in Writers?
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 9 июл 2024
- 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
------------------------------
DOWNLOAD MY FREE STORY SELF-ASSESSMENT!
www.alyssamatesic.com/#freebi...
SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER FEATURING WRITING/PUBLISHING EXPERTS
www.chapter-break.com/
WORK WITH ME ON YOUR STORY
www.alyssamatesic.com/profess...
------------------------------
GREAT BOOKS ABOUT WRITING/PUBLISHING:
Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer / amzn.to/3VE8dtt
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody / amzn.to/3Vyk2Bn
Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum / amzn.to/3Z4at03
SOME OF MY FAVORITE NOVELS:
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones / amzn.to/3vvWItt
Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips / amzn.to/3CFz4Pt
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid / amzn.to/3CjFFi5
------------------------------
RELATED LINKS:
How to Choose Literary Agents to Query: • How to Choose Literary...
5 Legit Ways to Find a Literary Agent: • 5 Legit Ways to Find a...
Debunking Misconceptions About Literary Agents: • Debunking Misconceptio...
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!
Website: www.alyssamatesic.com
View My Services: www.alyssamatesic.com/profess...
Request a Quote: www.alyssamatesic.com/inquire
Support Me: / alyssamatesic
Email: hello@alyssamatesic.com
------------------------------
MUSIC:
Chilling by HoobeZa • [No Copyright] Chill L...
Charlie Brown by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com
Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT
------------------------------
Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. 
Хобби
Are you in the process of querying agents? Let me know how it's been going.
Im querying again this year. So far it has been just rejection letters, but 3 of those rejections had concrete feedback that gave me clear aspects to work on before my next round.
That’s great - it’s a really good sign when you get personalized rejections that identify areas for improvement. Keep at it!
Soon(probably in 3 to 4 months)... actually that reminds me-it would be great if you could do a video on long synopses( for fiction novels), as I've been struggling to find information on how to write one.
Great videos. I will be following your channel.
@@FF-FAN9999 Great topic! Synopses can be tricky. I'll put it on my list!
@@AlyssaMatesic The first time I wrote a unique cookery book, i self-published and now I have begun writing my second cookbook which is another unique one nobody in the world has written. Upon completion of my 2nd cookbook, i will want a literary agent to represent me and approach a major traditional publisher on my behalf like the Penguin group or Dorling Kindersley. Because it is a more cost effective way of getting books published and they do all the marketing for you. I made the mistake of going self-publishing my first cookbook which has endured alot of upfront costs and my book sales are struggling.
I’m so RELIEVED you didn’t mention “strong social media presence”!
That only matters more in the nonfiction department and only in specific genres of that.
Amen to that!
@@nairsheasterling9457 + Would that be the case for women's inspirational/spiritual non fiction? It's actually a blend of both fiction and non fiction narrative. No business!
@@cristinadriviera8144 Yeah, it would be the same. Unless you are someone - like a politician or a famous person - no publishing company is going to want that kind of book from you. It's hard enough to get representation for fiction as a debut novel. It is even harder to get representation for a book that is not strictly speaking fiction, or for nonfiction, and impossible if you do not already have a speciality in your field and/or major name recognition.
Thank YOU!
"How to Get a Literary Agent in 2024"... posted Jan 3, 2021. You can see the future!
I came here to ask the same thing...
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
Same
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.
RUclips and self publish on Amazon. You only need to take one look at the garbage they churn out in the mainstream to realise there's no shame in it.
What the hell! People like you scare me. Im struggling to even finish my first book and you have written 11 wtf
lol Adam, don't sweat it man, I've been writing for over 42 years (started playing around with shorts when I was about 12) You're gonna do fine! Just don't give up, and remember, a first draft is the first step! You got this! @@adamatherton8562
I've been writing for 42 years starting with shorts when I was about 12. You got this! @@adamatherton8562
Well done with the huge output, but how come you haven't tried self publishing?
As a talent manager myself and having been an agent for years I must say this is GREAT.
Thank you! 🎉
How do I find an agent?
Hi Dan. Can you recommend a romance agent?
:)
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.
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
This is great advice, Alyssa. Thanks for sharing your perspective and insight!
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.
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.
@danielmartin8913+ Don't worry one little bit about the field as it is at present. YOU are the vortex. LOVE your work. Allow the presence that impacted you in the first place to write what you did to overwhelm you again. Slam the doors in your mind that try to lure you into those dark alleyways of doubt!
Bless you and all your efforts.
Great video! This is helping me build confidence as I begin my search for a literary agent.
Hi Alyssa, I have really been enjoying your videos! Great points in this one about Market Fit & Enthusiasm!
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!
Liked and subscribed.
I am currently looking for an agent for my series and have been following the instructions given in the writers and artist yearbook.
This video has been a big help.
Very helpful. Thank you :)
Thank you so much for making this video. It's so great to get honest information in a business that otherwise I would have no idea how to navigate.
Oh, and I promise I will never threaten an agent. :)
Thank you babe! The first video i’ve watched of yours, very helpful. I’ll be sure to watch more 🙏🏼
Yours was actually the first RUclips video I checked out and to say that it was informative would be an understatement. As a first-time author I was definitely overwhelmed with the process. It didn't help that I battled continuously for almost a year with some guy that I paid to assist in editing. He left a very nasty taste in my mouth. But ultimately I wrote one of the best books that I personally have ever read in my entire life. I'm not patting my own back and I have had about 10 different unbiased individuals read my book and nine out of 10 said it was one of the best books they have ever read in their entire life. But with the book completed, everything came to a standstill because my editor had convinced me he knew how to get the book published and nothing went forward from that point. Bottom line I appreciate the video very much! And yes in the last couple days I have submitted to agents for review. Hopefully good things will come my way.
So glad you found my video helpful - best of luck in the query trenches!
Thanks so much. Super informative. I'm hooked on your content.
Thank you so much for putting out this video, Alyssa! I've written my first novel (a Young Adult comedy), and am in the process of querying agents for the same! I wish you all the best in your personal endeavours, and health and happiness along the way! :D
Good luck!
Thank you Alyssa, this post is extremely helpful. I plan to use your entire series to find a Literary Agent and get my novel published.
I found this video extremely clear and helpful. You allayed some of my concerns, particularly around the dynamic between author and agent. Thank you for producing it.
Thank you so much, I'm so glad you found it helpful!
You are so wonderful. Thank you for this informational video! ♥️
This is super helpful! I'm currently doing some revisions before sending the book to an agent so I can put my best work forward. Hoping to query this year, so I'm keeping this stuff in mind.
Thanks so much and best of luck!
I'm 49 years old and just sat here taking notes like in my college days. Very helpful information. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you so much, that means a lot! So glad you found it helpful.
Thank you very much for your positive advice. I am a German writer and talking to an agency these days. Your Video fills me up with good energy and knowledge❤.
A+ for the sound engineering alone. Well done! Bravo! Ole! Namaste, etc.
Thank you so much! Glad you liked it.
Yes! I have hearing problems. Your enunciation is fantastic.
I'm so grateful I found your channel. I have a Dystopian story/ series inside of me that I KNOW is gold! I considered self publishing but I don't have a platform or following and I don't want to stifle my story from actually getting out there! My only credentials are a B.A. in English Lit and a personal blog I haven't actually been consistent with lol Self doubt has been keeping me from moving forward with trying to get an agent but this video has helped to give me hope that it's actually possible for me! Thank you. 😌
Very informative. Thanks Alyssa.
Great, thanks for this video! Super helpful!
Good luck with your channel in 2021! I hope you'll get much more subscribers, you're really nice to listen to.
Thanks so much! I appreciate it!
This should come in handy, added to watch later
Thank you for sharing! You are so well-spoken and engaging!
Thank you so much for watching!
Great stuff-thanks for sharing!
Best agent advice ever!
Thank you for this video- I'm subscribing. I've queried to 44 agents since December with no requests. These tips among others are helping me revamp my query letter. I'm determined to get this manuscript into the right hands.
44??? I gotta give you respect for not giving up. My first novel, I gave up after 8 rejections and self-published on Amazon which I regret now. I hope your perseverance pays off soon!
I just finished the last period mark of my first novel. Diving in deep to the publishing side now. Thanks for all the great advice!
Congrats on making it through the first draft!
I’m in the same boat. I thought writing the book was hard but daaaaaammmmmn… I’m glad to see I’m not alone though.
This was very helpful. Thank you. It was honest, and you gave clear direction. I especially liked what you had to say about "trust."
Very informative. Thank you.
Great Video. Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
Great info! Thank you
Great inside advice. Thank you !
Thank you for doing this video it’s helped me so much
Much-appreciated, thank you.
Thank you so much for the video! I'm not ready to pursue an agent, I need to write samples and research agencies. I found this video very helpful as broad advice. I'll happily review your other videos
Best of luck when you do query!
Thank you for this!
i can watch and listen to this lady all day long
“Have a positive attitude with a LOT of energy!”
Me with anxiety: O_O
Me with CFS: well...fuck...
I'm gonna be allotting energy very carefully when I finally get into the trenches.
I am presently seeking a literary agent for my second novel(I self published my first with Balboa press/Hayhouse- The Hero Within/LaLonde. As an athlete my entire life it was easy to showcase my talent. In the literary game I must learn how to showcase my writing talents with the world. I am ready! Great video Alyssa, thanks...*
Hiya! Saw your post on reddit. Decided to leave a comment.
Great things you have here so far! Wish you the best of luck. Thanks for sharing all this cool information :D
Thanks so much for checking out my channel! Wish you the best too!
@@AlyssaMatesic no problem! Hope you go far! RUclips is tough :)
Thank you so very much for so much clarity on the query process. Still, I am unsure of whether to self publish or to seek an agent diligently. 😩 this is nerve wrecking. I finally have the time to slow down the rest of life to do this and not all people I’ve taken the time to listen to have been as generous. It can be so frustrating. Truly appreciated. 🙏🏼
Haha, I'm here to help! Best of luck with whatever path you choose to take!
Thanks for the tips... Brilliant 😀 I found this video a great help and very direct. Cheers.
Glad it was helpful!
This is very informative and much more helpful than the articles I’ve read so far. I’ve been researching query letters and literary agents for a long time trying to find the best approach. It would seem that I may be overthinking it a bit.
Glad it was helpful!
Bravo Alyssa, great advice.
Thanks for the comment!
Great! Great info!!! Thank you!!!
Alyssa, Thank you! This was a well-done video and helpful. I'm researching agents for my historical novel that is now in draft three. I've worked with a writing coach and I'm getting ready to write query letters, a synopsis, and search for a literary agent. Any up-to-date Sept 2021 advice, books, podcasts, or other venues for learning are greatly appreciated. Thanks! Kim
I wish I would have found you years ago. Then my second book may have ended up being traditionally published.
Well, I hope the letter will get the agents interest and my story. At least I try to be different with my characters and story that I don't see around.
btw, you so easy to listen too. These 14 min felt like 3 min.
Greatly enjoyed your 5-step agent hunting preso; thanks. It contained a tremendous amount of logic and common sense, not so common anymore. I can see where the selection process for an agent is just as important as the acceptance policies for an agent to find a writer; the two are intertwined yet separate in function. I am currently writing something never before introduced to the reading public: A memoir of a female Mong rufugee surviving the long journey to America at 10 years old, only to face a new horror in the US in the close-knit Mong community in Minnesota. It's an incredible tale that will not only keep reader's interest, but keep the eyes moist along the way.
I have not yet begun the agent-hunting process. We're deciding on either self-publishing or traditional; We prefer the traditional route first...with a like-minded agent.
Thanks. Very helpful.
I would love a list ! My book is about Grief and injustice that surrounds it.
Great insights. Thanks!
So glad you found it helpful!
These videos are fantastic! Thank you so much! Just sent out my first query yesterday for my commercial psychology manuscript. Hoping for the best! Thank you again for these amazing videos, Alyssa!
Best of luck!
Did it work?
Very good video. Today we finally agreed on something. I see from your comments, it still comes down to one main thing, the story!I was glad that you said that writers don’t have to have all the credentials and be the best and what they do.
Just like Hollywood, they keep remaking older movies.They can’t find anything new, to bring to the table. The idea is what’s gonna get it published.
You do a good job with your information , video.
This was a genuinely very helpful video. Thanks.
Alyssa, you rule! Thanks for the help!
I am writing an autobiography with a political bent.
Great tips. Insightful.
First time I have felt encouraged about my quest. One victory serves as an eraser for all past defeats
Exactly! Best of luck!
Good advice and video 👍🏻
This is so helpful.
Thank you!
This was very helpful, thank you. I'm only at the beginning of drafting my query letter, and researching agents to send it out to. I feel like I'm flying blind in this process, so any suggestions are much appreciated!
You are a God sent. Thank you.
Another helpful video, thank you.
I’m starting the querying process after writing my novel/series for the last 11 years. These are great tips, thanks!
You got this!
@@AlyssaMatesic thanks! I hope so. Lifelong goal/dream has been to be a career author. So ready for this journey
Thank you this video. Though I am still nervous when it comes to finding a literary agent.
Thanks, good guidance
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for sharing this information, it is very helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks so much for this info! I'm not familiar with any of this side of things... Query letters or sample pages or where to send my work. I have three books I'm working on, but the one I want to complete first is a memoir. I am going to check out your other videos now!
Hi Alyssa. I really enjoy your RUclips posts. Very informative. I was wondering how to go about finding a list of agents in the magical realism genre?
Hi there! Did you hear back from Alyssa? This is my question as well.
I just got my agent and he asked me to write ✍️ my book proposal and first chapter of my book 📕🌹🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸😇🎬👸🏼🏆🌎♥️☮️
Congratulations! Best of luck with the book proposal and first chapter!
Excellent ... Your success is there success.
Yes!
Excellent
Thanks!
We have just completed the first draft of a series of books with a tight group of successful international entrepreneurs based in Guangdong China. There stories and experiences and how they got to where they are and the challenges they went through to get the understanding they have. The experiences have many famous people from many different industries and there interactions with the entrepreneurs, both good and bad. The first book is focused on an international fashion creator and the European fashion industry and the mafia within it. I hope you can help to look at which agent and genre to look for. Thank you soo much for your content. I’ll go look at your other videos.
I am going through all of your posts. I've published two books and went the self-publishing -hybrid route. I am at the point of 'pulling my hair out. My plan is to learn from you, and see if I can find a literary agent who believes I have a worthy 'literary work.' 4-26
Thanks for the information! I did wonder, is having a following prior to querying important as well?
Thank you for making this video! I have a question about being both the author and illustrator of my book. Do you recommend that I submit illustrations that I've created for my work with a query letter, or wait until asked to submit my artwork? Thanks!
This is great, but WHERE do I find contact I for these literary agents? And query letters … physical or digital?? Thank you!! 💜
Query Tracker is where I’m finding people.
Just finished my first book Ms.Matesic, sending it to ALL THE AGENTS
Congratulations! Good luck in the query trenches!
Great information! Just wondering if there are agents that are also an attorney or might there be a reason that combination doesn't work.
Congratulations on the channel. Great information presented clearly and from an obviously knowledgeable point of view. Just subscribed/thumbed up since I´m writing a book and found it really useful. Also, your production values on these latest videos have gone way higher than before and it shows!(except for the last 50 seconds, heheh). As a tip, and this is just a personal taste, did you consider adding a header (i.e. right after you finish your sentence at 0:18?) It could be just your name and role, to really push your brand. That would "automagically" give you an intro. Just my 2 cents as I´m not an expert on your topic, but I´m strong at video editing.
Thank you so much for the kind words! Happy to have you here! That's a great idea to add an intro header - I appreciate it.
Ahhhhhh Alyssa, love the info it was very helpful.I wrote a book called Another New York Moment. Real stories (One page ) with a cartoon on the opposite page depicting the stories. IT went 5 stars on Amazon rather quickly. I'm about to finish ANYM 2 in November and have a 3rd maybe 4th for 2023/2024 . What should my query letter consist of ? Your new fan and subscriber
John Paolillo
Great information you have provided... What is the process for Screenwriting and Literary agents?
Hi, enjoy your focused video style. Are you prices posted somewhere or is a submission form nessary? Thanks, Wyatt
Hello, just found your channel and i think your videos are amazing and a great help. I have a questions. Does these tips apply for everywhere in the world or just in USA? As im closing my debut novel i really need to know that :) Thanks and greetings from Bulgaria.
I self-published my first book of a series., but I have been thinking of going the traditional route, that is, if I can find the right agent for my genre.
Hi Alyssa,
Thank you for sharing uplifting, specific advice!
I am a writer, singer and teacher who
is working on a series of children's books. They would include my music which kids can listen to and sing along with while they read.
I live in NYC and would love to connect with an agent or publisher who could partner with me to make this dream a reality!
I'm hoping to start querying my first book later this year. I honestly think writing out the query letter and sending it out is more stressful than writing and revising the book!
Querying can be both tedious and stressful, so I definitely understand, but encourage you to push through. Best of luck!
@@AlyssaMatesic Thank you!
You are so wonderful
I’m finishing off writing my high fantasy book I’ve worked on for years. I’ve wanted to write books for a living for years and attract a fanbase. This helps. I hope this year I can find someone
Fingers crossed for you!
You can do it from us in India. Much cheaper. If interested plz inbox... Goodday
I hope you find the right people to work with!!!