Finding a Literary Agent

Do your tabs look like tiny slivers that taunt you with tiny Xs as you navigate between them? Finding a literary agent can feel like wandering through a new supermarket — you may be lost, searching for the right ingredient in the wrong place, or unsure of what you’re looking for. If you’re wondering where the best places to find agents are, consider the following sites.

Publishers Marketplace

This online platform provides a wealth of information for agents and editors. You can search for literary agents and book deals, see recent rankings for those deals, and look up representation on your favorite books.

Manuscript Wish List

A site overflowing with agent bios and their interests, Manuscript Wish List is the best place to find a literary agent’s curated interests beyond the individual genres. It also allows agents to list favorite reads, submission guidelines, and recent Tweets about spur-of-the-moment book thoughts. 

X Pitch Events

While these have dwindled over the years, several continue to sprout across the platform, such as:

• #SmallPitch

• #QuestPit

• #PitchDis

• #CheerPit

These networking events occur throughout the year and cater to all types of literature. Each event is themed and requires authors to post an elevator pitch for their story. Authors who participate get to interact with the writing community, agents, and editors from small presses. Even if your WIP still needs months of work, you may receive helpful tips on how to get your book published by writers of your genre.

Query Tracker

Query Tracker is the Yelp of the publishing industry. It relies on the writing community's feedback for updated information. Authors can submit an agent’s response time to their query letter, whether their rejection was a form letter or personalized, and the agent’s query inbox status.

Writer’s Digest

The Writer’s Digest New Agent Alert page is the perfect spot to find a literary agent new to acquiring. While these agents have less experience in the industry, it can mean they’re open to a broader range of stories and have more time to commit to each author they represent.