Get Signed: Find an Agent, Land a Book Deal, and Become a Published Author

by Lucinda Halpern

“All aspiring authors know the value of a great literary agent, but few know how to get one. Lucinda Halpern has written the definitive guide to attracting an agent and laying the groundwork for a book well worth publishing.”
— Adam Grant, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Think Again and Hidden Potential, and host of the TED podcast

A step-by-step guide from a New York literary agent that will show you how to create a winning concept, craft an irresistible pitch, and land your dream book deal.

In this practical, immediately actionable guide, Lucinda Halpern , founder of the prestigious New York agency Lucinda Literary, divulges what agents look for in authors and the shortcuts they use to get book deals but have never revealed—until now.

Lucinda has personally witnessed how dramatically writers' lives can change when they publish their first book. But the path to literary success begins with knowing the answers to questions


With her unique 6-step method, Lucinda provides the tools and concrete strategies


Packed with interviews from best-selling authors, leading book editors from Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and more, Get Signed is the indispensable roadmap you need right now to get noticed and become a published author.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Crafts

208 pages, Paperback

Published February 6, 2024

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book does contain excellent advice, I think for me the biggest confidence-and enthusiasm-booster was seeing an agent directly encourage writers. It's easy to fall into a slump thinking all agents are these unapproachable gatekeepers to your dream career when your only interactions with them are politely-worded rejections. But it's heartening to be reminded that there are people on the other side of that email, waiting for their next big project to champion. The book does lean quite heavily towards the non-fiction side of the book industry, but much of the advice can still be applied to fiction.
Keep writing and doing all in your power to make your project one that needs to be seen by the world, and one day it will happen!

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucinda Halpern’s agency happened to be the second I queried, and their form referred me to this book. It’s basically an introductory course on the practical side of getting published for first time authors, and though some of the information was common sense and some I had learned from other authors, I still discovered a lot of actionable takeaways. Halpern confirmed that I am on the right track in some ways, but I could benefit from more preparation.

I purchased the audio book from Audible and was happy to see that the supplemental PDF included a lot of the charts and summaries to refer back to. But there was so much quality information, I plan to also get the ebook for a deeper dive into the material.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get Signed: Find an Agent, Land a Book Deal, and Become a Published Author by New York literary agent Lucinda Halpern is a beneficial guide to elevating your storytelling, creating a timeless book, and launching your dream career. After describing her journey in the industry and demystifying the role of a literary agent, Halpern delves into the evolving landscape of book publishing. She covers the importance of finding the right agent, crafting effective query letters, doing extensive market research, and building your own digital platform. Aspiring writers will gain actionable strategies and a renewed sense of confidence.

People always tell me I've written a book, I'm forty pages in, or I have a draft and don't know what to do. Many people think I'm kidding when I tell them they must find an agent first. This book is a behind-the-scenes look at the ins and outs of publishing and how it works. Packed with interviews with best-selling authors and leading book editors, this book will help writers build their best careers. Halpern stresses that the pitch letter is not a summary of your book. The pitch is, why your book now? Who are you to write it? She also urges writers to research before pitching to agents and editors. She says to read in their category and see what's selling on Amazon and then read an agent's list, the titles they represent, to see if their book fits. Get Signed is the indispensable roadmap to get noticed and become a published author. I'm going to be recommending Get Signed all of the time.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...

[Paule · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a scientist-turned-author navigating the world of publishing, I picked up Get Signed hoping for practical guidance—and what I found was a roadmap rich with strategy, clarity, and compassion. Lucinda Halpern has written the book I didn’t know I needed: equal parts industry playbook and creative pep talk.

Halpern demystifies the traditional publishing process with rare transparency, walking readers through the pitch-to-publication journey in actionable steps. From refining your unique value proposition to building your platform and writing a compelling proposal, each chapter delivers concrete advice without overwhelming. What sets this book apart, however, is Lucinda’s deep respect for authors—not just as content creators, but as people with a mission, a voice, and something vital to share.

Whether you’re an academic with a story beyond the data, a creative with a concept in search of form, or a professional looking to translate expertise into impact, Get Signed speaks your language. I especially appreciated the sections on proposal structure and platform building—Lucinda doesn’t just tell you what matters, she shows you how to make it matter.

Get Signed isn’t just a publishing guide—it’s a call to action. And for those of us with stories shaped by both science and soul, it’s a powerful reminder: the world needs your voice, and there’s a way to get it heard.

[Pete Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucinda Halpern, a literary agent with over 20 years of experience, demystifies the process of getting one's work published traditionally. I felt like I was reading a skilled roadmap filled with solid advice. One of the strengths of the book is she gives real-life examples from many of her clients. Finding a way to differentiate yourself from others is one of her key points as well as discovering your big idea. One of the sections I found particularly interesting was the four type of writers who get book deal. While I feel it's more geared to nonfiction writers (Halpern's specialty), there are many nuggests of advice helpful to any writer. If you're looking for a practical book that explains the process in an easy to read style, this is the one.

[Lydia Lucca · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title suggests, this book is about how to get a book deal and become a published author. This world is foreign to me, so I learned a lot, taking practical advice to apply now before I even seek out an agent.

It both excites and scares me as I approach a pitch, but the practical advice about reading comps and learning about published works in the same genera, finding your audience, engaging your social media, and preparing for rejection were priceless. We’ll see where it gets me, but it’s dog eared, underlined, with writing in the margins, and has already been recommended to my writer friend.

[Jeff Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're writing non-fiction, this is a great book. The application to fiction is not as strong. I wish I had read this book before I semi-retired from a successful career as a consultant and author of sales and marketing texts because that career would have been even more amazing. But now that I'm focusing on writing fiction, I found a lot of content that either wasn't applicable or basic. Where this book helped me most was in figuring out how to research my market. I also prefer her query outline to others. I'll put it to work and see if this helps me break through the clutter.

[Jo-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced reader copy of this book and even though I already have an agent and a book deal I couldn't put it down. I kept saying (out loud!) "God I wish I had this book two years ago." The author is creating a mindset for the reader/writer that not only helps with querying and finding an agent but I know would have helped me with my writing process, which turned out to be far more difficult than I, as a debut author, could ever have known. I'm re-reading the Get Seen chapter now as I gear up to promote my book. Thanks Lucinda Halpern for this invaluable guide!

[Nadya Ichinomiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pragmatic, practical, and encouraging!

I really enjoyed the audiobook, read by the author. This book is a how-to guide, giving you a step-by-step roadmap on speculating your big idea to being published. I especially appreciated the section on query letters. Even though the author makes no bones about the challenges in writing and marketing a book, Lucinda offers specific, pragmatic detailed advice on all the components of putting together your book project, whether it's fiction, memoir, or non-fiction.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Robin Riback · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so inspiring! Lucinda Halpern makes it easy to understand the complicated process of “getting signed” with a literary agent and she actually makes it fun to learn how to write a query letter. Halpern explains HOW and WHY a successful pitch grabs the attention of a super-busy agent. Her step-by-step instructions and sample letters are extremely helpful.

I highly recommend this book for writers who hope to skip over the slush pile and get a signed contract with a literary agent. Bonus: This book also helps those who are ready to pitch to small and large publishers.

[Jacci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Querying is exhausting. Especially when you hear only crickets. I found Lucinda and her book through the Women in Publishing Summit where she was a speaker. I ordered her book before her talk was over. I read it within days. This book is easy to read, well written, and practical. It gives many examples of out-of-the-box ways to write an engaging query. I can't wait to give my new one a try! Thank you Lucinda!

[Hisgirl85 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. This is helpful as an audio book, so I imagine it will be more so as a hand-held book. I'm excited to continue my reread of it in that format. I thought this was very interesting, but it did seem to have more or a non-fiction focus, and I did feel a bit of trepidation with examples of reach of people and knowing people in the industry. I did appreciate it was mentioned, though, instead of acting like it doesn't exist or matter.

[Jill Jemmett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a step-by-step guide to how to sign with a literary agent. There are great tips on things that agents look for as well as examples of real query letters.

I’ve been querying my manuscript for four months without any luck. When I heard about this book on the Happy Writer podcast with Marissa Meyer, I had to get it. I’m definitely going to implement some of these tips in my query letter!

Get Signed is a great book for querying writers!

[Paula Rizzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the guide you've been waiting for. It lays out every aspect of finding an agent, getting a book deal, and starting your career as an author. This is the bible if you want a traditional book deal - fiction or non-fiction! Highly recommend for any writer at any point in her career. Even as a published author, I've learned so much from these pages!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

An author I read recommended this book, and I’m so glad for my impulsive purchase. Halpern answered questions that had been nagging at me, and gave me a dozen useful ways to revise my book’s pitch. I wish I’d had this book months ago. I’ll return to it regularly (until I get an agent!).

[KT · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is good, but it’s probably a lot more helpful for non-fiction writers! I did find the section about choosing a title helpful though as a fiction writer! I just wish this book was advertised as made for non-fiction writers

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a confidence booster. Lucinda has an encouraging way of writing that makes you feel like you can do it. I finished the book then got up and got to work on my computer while I was hyped up. Definatly keeping this on my work desk for easy referance and a pick me up

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

reading this book was so helpful to help understand how to adjust your approach to build a query letter and what agents are expecting to help become a published author from traditional publishers. Looking forward to continuing to use this as a resource going forward!

[Dr. Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucinda's book was immensely helpful with her exercises at each stage of the journey. I would recommend it to anyone interested in writing a book or in the process. I wish I had known about it before publishing my first book.

[Joan Heiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucinda Halpern's guide to all that comes after writing the book is practical and illuminating. The publishing world feels like an exclusive mystery group with rules and norms that are hard to decipher. Halpern opens the window and lets in a bit of light. Thank you.

[Wende Whitus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a practical and encouraging guide for writers who want to take the next step and land representation! I'm working on this process myself and feel like I've gained thousands $$ worth of coaching from the wisdom in this book.

[Amanda Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful. Everything you need to know to send a query into an agent. Really enjoyed this book.

[Lauren Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an agent so I guess it worked!

[Erica Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick, useful read. Ms. Halpern includes examples of strong query letters and features concrete advice for non-fiction and fiction writers alike.

[Janet Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is a valuable, must-read for writers everywhere!

[Marsha Scarbrough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get Signed is a very helpful tool for writers who want to be published. There's plenty of information as well as insight into the mind of agents and publishers.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical guide--I needed the refresher.

[Sunday Dutro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reference book for writers looking to get published with an agent. It is all the nuts and bolts of the agenting process that’s left out of Before and After the Book Deal, including agent query letters.