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Get a Literary Agent: The Complete Guide to Securing Representation for Your Work
The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Literary Agent!
If you dream of scoring the best possible deal with a traditional publisher and seeing your book in print, you need literary representation. Filled with practical, straightforward advice and insider tips, Get a Literary Agent is a one-stop resource for writers of both fiction and nonfiction. You'll learn how
• Research agents and target the best ones for your work
• Navigate the submission process--from best practices to possible pitfalls
• Craft a polished query letter and pitch your work effectively
• Assemble a book proposal like a pro
• Form a lasting partnership with your agent
You'll also gain the advice of more than 100 literary agents who share their secrets for securing representation. If you've ever wondered what a literary agent can do for you--and why you need one--this invaluable guide provides the answers.
If you dream of scoring the best possible deal with a traditional publisher and seeing your book in print, you need literary representation. Filled with practical, straightforward advice and insider tips, Get a Literary Agent is a one-stop resource for writers of both fiction and nonfiction. You'll learn how
• Research agents and target the best ones for your work
• Navigate the submission process--from best practices to possible pitfalls
• Craft a polished query letter and pitch your work effectively
• Assemble a book proposal like a pro
• Form a lasting partnership with your agent
You'll also gain the advice of more than 100 literary agents who share their secrets for securing representation. If you've ever wondered what a literary agent can do for you--and why you need one--this invaluable guide provides the answers.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
256 pages, Paperback
First published December 17, 2014
17 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 4, 2017
While I knew much of this material through talking with agents and editors, and reading the material that is usually included in the Writer's Market, Sambuchino's complete guide is an all-access reference manual to the road to Literary Agents. The chapters are short, to-the-point, and stress many of the elements of a professional literary life in easily digestible, streamlined, yet comprehensive tidbits. Time and work will tell if this book helps me more than the stuff I have already done along this road, but I have a feeling that when it comes to querying, preparing my manuscript, and delving into making my work the best it can be, I will be visiting Sambuchino's book quite often.
October 3, 2019
4.5 stars!
April 24, 2018
"More important than finding an agent is finding the right agent."
~ Brooks Sherman (Pg. 209)
If you are at all serious about making a career as a traditionally published author, read this book.
It's 101.
Query process takes patience, research, and persistence. Give yourself the best chance by following the advice of people who know the maze-- inside out.
~ Brooks Sherman (Pg. 209)
If you are at all serious about making a career as a traditionally published author, read this book.
It's 101.
Query process takes patience, research, and persistence. Give yourself the best chance by following the advice of people who know the maze-- inside out.
February 19, 2019
I am inherently suspicious of all books claiming to help you do something difficult that everybody wants to do. Many are long on claims, but short on useful and more importantly accurate information.
However, this book is terrific. I haven't yet begun the process of querying agents, so I can't speak with any element of authority or finality as to it's efficacy, but I do feel informed, well-armed, less mystified, and generally well-prepared to begin the process. Well worth it.
However, this book is terrific. I haven't yet begun the process of querying agents, so I can't speak with any element of authority or finality as to it's efficacy, but I do feel informed, well-armed, less mystified, and generally well-prepared to begin the process. Well worth it.
March 5, 2019
This was a very helpful how-to on all the steps involved with getting a literary agent. The section on writing query letters is especially helpful. I also really appreciate the quotes from agents interspersed throughout. Some of the things agents said were their pet peeves were pretty hilarious (as in, you know people have done/said those things because the agents mentioned them, but you're left wondering, "WTF, people!?").
March 13, 2017
Spent $17 on it and read it in fifteen minutes but I guess that isn't the book's fault. Most of the advice I had already read elsewhere, but that is also not its fault. Concise and helpful and seemingly on target.
March 23, 2016
So helpful! This is one of the best resources I've yet read on this process.
April 6, 2025
Very helpful book.
In particular, I appreciated Chuck going on about the first few pages of a manuscript and how important those pages are to the agent (it should have been obvious, but I appreciated him hammering it into my brain). I also appreciated the detailed list of questions a writer should ask agents who make an offer, as well as the details about how the agent works with an acquisition editor to represent your work.
One thing I’d like to see more of (which was missing from Chuck’s book) is a more detailed timeline of the process, especially the time period between when a writer receives the full manuscript request and when the writer receives an offer of representation (Chuck skips over that time period in his book).
According to Chuck (I asked him in person), that time period is long, with little to no communication from the agent that asked for your manuscript. I’m living through that nail-biting purgatory right now, and it’s making me sweat. I met Chuck recently at a writing conference (he’s a really cool guy) and he was able to answer the questions I had.
Basically, just RELAX, Ryann. And keep sending those queries. Based on his advice, I was able to get another full manuscript request from another agent. So now I’m in double purgatory, and this time, I’m way more relaxed about it.
Anyway, I appreciated Chuck’s in-person help, and his book! Thanks for signing my copy.
In particular, I appreciated Chuck going on about the first few pages of a manuscript and how important those pages are to the agent (it should have been obvious, but I appreciated him hammering it into my brain). I also appreciated the detailed list of questions a writer should ask agents who make an offer, as well as the details about how the agent works with an acquisition editor to represent your work.
One thing I’d like to see more of (which was missing from Chuck’s book) is a more detailed timeline of the process, especially the time period between when a writer receives the full manuscript request and when the writer receives an offer of representation (Chuck skips over that time period in his book).
According to Chuck (I asked him in person), that time period is long, with little to no communication from the agent that asked for your manuscript. I’m living through that nail-biting purgatory right now, and it’s making me sweat. I met Chuck recently at a writing conference (he’s a really cool guy) and he was able to answer the questions I had.
Basically, just RELAX, Ryann. And keep sending those queries. Based on his advice, I was able to get another full manuscript request from another agent. So now I’m in double purgatory, and this time, I’m way more relaxed about it.
Anyway, I appreciated Chuck’s in-person help, and his book! Thanks for signing my copy.
April 5, 2021
I'm "one of those people" who has a habit of dismissing any kind of helpful books because they tend to make claims that they can't live up to. As someone else mentioned, they're often big on promises and short on actual advice.
Chuck Sambuchino's book, however, is in another league of its own and talks you through the whole agent submission process. I thought I was ready for it but after hearing nothing from several agents decided that it was time for some professional advice. And I'm so glad that I picked this one up. The chapters are short but packed full of the kind of advice that you wish every book had. His writing is punchy and he's included quotes from agents on what they're actually looking for. This is so much better than trundling around the internet trying to piece it together yourself. It also helps to dispel a lot of the myths around looking for an agent.
Stock up on page markers because you're going to need them!
Chuck Sambuchino's book, however, is in another league of its own and talks you through the whole agent submission process. I thought I was ready for it but after hearing nothing from several agents decided that it was time for some professional advice. And I'm so glad that I picked this one up. The chapters are short but packed full of the kind of advice that you wish every book had. His writing is punchy and he's included quotes from agents on what they're actually looking for. This is so much better than trundling around the internet trying to piece it together yourself. It also helps to dispel a lot of the myths around looking for an agent.
Stock up on page markers because you're going to need them!
November 1, 2024
yes i am in fact in the second half of a YA fantasy manuscript which is partly why i've been mia on this site since about 2022 but i did get the guts to read this and it was pretty useful, if a little overbearing on the whole "agents will look for any excuse to stop reading your query/MS" line while still trying to pass off as encouraging. like sir we get it. tis a tough market. can we stop treating agents like they can't wait to get rid of potential authors now pls
anyway i've finished updating my goodreads for the year and i'm wooshing back into the writer cave now. see y'all in a few months <3
anyway i've finished updating my goodreads for the year and i'm wooshing back into the writer cave now. see y'all in a few months <3
April 5, 2020
Covers all of the important avenues for securing an agent and understanding how one works. In the golden age of self-publishing, one may question the necessity for even finding an agent, but with foreign rights, film rights, etc., as well as traditional publishing still representing a large chunk of the market, a book about getting a literary agent will always, or at least for now, fit nicely on a writer's bookshelf. I recommend it.
July 29, 2017
Definitely wish I had read this one before I started my querying process, but it's never too late to learn more about the industry. I learned SO MUCH more than what I had researched online and ended up having copious notes to show for it when I finished the book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in finding an agent for their writing.
February 2, 2018
Spending $17 on a soft cover book was a tough one (lol) for me, but it was so worth the money. Very well-written. I thought I was prepared to query, but after reading this book, I've realized how NOT prepared I am. I've got some work to do. Glad to have this book as a guide. Great read for aspiring authors everywhere! Loved the input from different agents!
May 18, 2017
This was a good read. It seems like it will be immensely helpful. My only complaint is that some of the info was repeated in the Guide to Literary Agents books. But that's ok. Maybe that will help reinforce the info.
July 8, 2023
I have been reading over 100 pages of this book today and I am in love with this book. it teaches you on how to write a query letter, and how to get a literary agent. It's also by Writer's Digest, which is a really good magazine I've read some of.
May 5, 2017
Useful read and lots of great advice
Definitely worth the read if your considering traditional publishing. I will be starting my query letters and synopsis of my book this weekend.
Definitely worth the read if your considering traditional publishing. I will be starting my query letters and synopsis of my book this weekend.
August 25, 2017
This book is an essential resource for any writer looking to be traditionally published.
September 25, 2017
Immensely useful guide for those seeking representation. This has reenergized my quest for an agent and given me insight as to why my past efforts may not have been quite enough.
January 19, 2018
Lots of great info!
October 16, 2018
GREAT information
February 17, 2019
Excellent advice for finding agents for all types of creative works as well as do's and don'ts that will help you achieve your goals.
February 15, 2020
Quick read, informative, great resource!
February 25, 2020
This book was filled to the brim with the kind of helpful information that will be a game changer as I move from revising my novel to querying agents. I’ll refer back to this one a lot!
April 10, 2020
If you’re considering publishing your book START WITH THIS BOOK!! Such a great resource with examples of query letters and synopses.
September 26, 2020
Really enjoyed the linear approach and the clear message. Lots to learn from reading this.
February 14, 2021
Quick, easy to read, but good advice that makes it so much easier to get a package together to send out to agents and then to know what to expect in your new relationship.
December 13, 2024
Lots of solid info and advice.
December 8, 2016
Valuable insights and information
This book clearly lays out what every author needs to know about crafting an effective query letter and finding the right agents to pitch to.
This book clearly lays out what every author needs to know about crafting an effective query letter and finding the right agents to pitch to.
September 28, 2015
Practical, useful guide that covers writers of both fiction and nonfiction seeking a literary agent. My only real beef with the book is that it completely skips over how to write a query letter for a short story collection, and sort of dismisses short story collections as unmarketable (while at the same time encouraging people to write what they feel passionate about). I have no fantasies about the current market for short stories and short story collections, but there are some that make it into print with major publishers, and even some by debut authors. So yes, please do tell me my chances are not good, but at least tell me how to maximize them.
Even so, I got a lot out of this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a literary agent, even if you are trying to sell a short story collection.
Even so, I got a lot out of this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a literary agent, even if you are trying to sell a short story collection.
April 23, 2016
This is a very informative and easy-to-read guide to the daunting process of querying. I am currently starting the query process for my new novel, and this book answered a lot of my questions. It also reinforced what I learned from Chuck at the recent Philly Writing Workshop.
The only thing I would add are images showing the exact format of a query letter, synopsis, etc. The book does includes examples, but they focus on the content of the letter rather than the actual look (where the address goes, indentations, etc.). Some of that is described, but it would be nice to have an image.
Overall, this is a great resource for anyone pitching a novel, memoir or non-fiction book. I'd also recommend seeing Chuck speak if he comes to your area. His talks are focused and full of humor, plus you might even get a chance to pitch a few agents!
The only thing I would add are images showing the exact format of a query letter, synopsis, etc. The book does includes examples, but they focus on the content of the letter rather than the actual look (where the address goes, indentations, etc.). Some of that is described, but it would be nice to have an image.
Overall, this is a great resource for anyone pitching a novel, memoir or non-fiction book. I'd also recommend seeing Chuck speak if he comes to your area. His talks are focused and full of humor, plus you might even get a chance to pitch a few agents!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews