Before you can even think about pitching your book to publishers, you need to find yourself an agent. The role of an agent is to represent you and your work in the very competitive publishing world, negotiating on your behalf and seeking out opportunities. Typically you will need both a literary agent and a marketing agent. But what exactly do they do? And which is the right type of agent for you? Here’s a quick breakdown:
What is a literary agent?
They are the people who help authors get their books published. Work closely with authors to find a publisher for their books and negotiate the best possible deal for their clients.
The literary agent will also help you write your book proposal and find the right editor for your project. Most will only take on a few clients each. So, the more competitive your book, the more difficult it will be to find the right agent who wants to represent you. They can be found by searching online directories, attending literary conferences, and networking with other writers through online writers’ groups.
What is a marketing agent?
Marketing agents work with you before your book is published to promote and market it once it has hit the shelves. They can be found by searching online directories, attending marketing conferences, and networking with other marketers.
Marketing agencies will collaborate with you to develop a marketing strategy for your book, emphasizing marketing to the relevant audiences – potential readers or book reviewers. They can advise you on the best ways to promote your book, from social media and strategic online advertising to creating a public speaking tour or organizing a book tour.
Which type of agent is right for you?
A Literary agent will help you get your book published, and marketing agents will help you promote your book after it is published. They will negotiate a deal with a publisher, and marketing agents will help you promote the book once it’s out. Both agents will help you edit your book, find an editor, and source a publisher. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here.
Instead, it would help if you found the right agent for you and your project. It would help if you found an agent who fits your book, interests, and career goals well. Take the time to get to know the agents you are interested in working with and ensure they are a good fit for you.
How to find the right literary agent for you
Literary agents receive hundreds, if not thousands, of submissions a year, and only a tiny percentage of these earn a place on their books. To stand out from the crowd, you first need to find a literary agent who wants to represent your type of book.
Finding an agent for your book isn’t as simple as sending them an email with your pitch. Instead, you need to get creative: Create a book proposal that includes a synopsis of your book, an outline of your ideas, and sample chapters. You can also send a “query letter,” a one-page letter explaining why you think your book would be a success. You can also attend “author pitch fests” or “author conventions,” where you can pitch your book to agents one-on-one.
Although attending these events can be time-consuming, they can be a great way to make connections and get your foot in the door. Always make a good first impression, be professional, and have a well-written pitch prepared.
How to find the right marketing agency for you
You can find marketing agents by searching online directories or networking with other marketers. Ensure you pick the right person for you and your book. Some questions to ask when choosing an agent are:
- What is their expertise?
- What services do they offer?
- Do they work with authors or publishers?
- Do they specialize in your genre or type of book?
- how many clients do they work with?
Making sure you find the right person for you is essential so you can work together to create the best marketing plan possible for your book. While you would think that marketing companies only support your book’s promotion once it is published, many of them also do so while it is still being edited.
Tips: Before You Approach an Agent
First and foremost, make sure you have a great book written. Make sure your book is edited, proofread, and in the best shape possible before approaching any agents. Next, be prepared for some rejection. It isn’t something to be upset about; it’s to be expected. Agents and publishers get hundreds of pitches daily and only have time to respond to a select few. So be professional, and don’t take rejections as personal attacks. Instead, use them as constructive criticism so you can improve your future work.