Last Updated on May 25, 2026 by NEK Editing

A literary agent (often called an “agent”) is a publishing professional who represents authors and their manuscripts to traditional publishers. Agents pitch your work to acquiring editors, negotiate publishing contracts, and manage rights such as audio, film, foreign translations, and subsidiary rights. They work on commission—typically 15% of domestic earnings—and only get paid when you get paid. A good agent acts as a business partner, helping refine your manuscript for submission, identifying the right editors, and guiding your long‑term writing career.

To find and get a literary agent, research agents who represent the type of work that was written. One way is to search for agents who represent authors whose work is comparable to yours, or use resources such as Query Tracker, Manuscript Wish List, and Writer’s Digest. Often, authors will list their agent under the acknowledgments. Some literary agents have their listing information on Publishers Marketplace. Once you’ve created an account and become a member, you can examine agents and agencies by viewing their book deal history and performance.

The next step is to write a query letter and a synopsis for your book if you write fiction, or prepare a book proposal if you write nonfiction.

A query letter is a formal pitch to a literary agent, introducing yourself and your work, and requesting representation. Keep it concise, focusing on the hook of your book, your writing credentials (if any), and a brief synopsis. In the closing paragraph, thank the agent for their time and consideration.

Book proposals, typically used in nonfiction, are comprehensive documents outlining your book idea, its marketability, and your platform as an author.

Components of a book proposal include an overview (a summary of your book idea and its market appeal), an author bio, a market analysis (to demonstrate the demand for your book and its target audience), a table of contents, sample chapters, a marketing and promotion plan, a list of competitive titles, and your conclusion should reinforce the book’s significance and your qualifications to write it.

Note that each literary agent has specific submission requirements — follow their directions carefully to avoid rejection. The most common materials an agent will ask for include:

• Query Letter: A one-page pitch that briefly describes the manuscript. Personalize each query letter to the agent you’re contacting.
• Synopsis: A summary of the book, from the beginning to the end.
• Nonfiction Book Proposal: A sales pitch for a nonfiction book idea that argues why it is marketable.
• Fiction Book Proposal: May provide who the target audience is, a chapter-by-chapter outline, or a detailed summary of key plot points.
• Sample Chapters: Start from the beginning of the book. The sample number varies depending on the agent’s guidelines.

The final step is to submit your queries to several literary agents you’re interested in working with. After submission, you’ll receive several responses, including:

• No response
• A request for a partial manuscript
• A request for a full manuscript

If you don’t hear back from any of the agents you sent queries to, there may be something wrong with the query, the manuscript, or the agent may not be a good fit for the book. However, if you have several acceptances from agents for your book, you’ll need to decide which agent you want to work with.

You also have the option to self-publish your book.

If you need help or have questions about publishing, please contact NEK Editing.