Navigating the Search for Agents for Children’s Books: Tips and Insights
Finding the right literary agent for your work can feel a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack. With so many agents out there, where do you even start? In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of finding the perfect agent for your beloved manuscript. Let’s dive in…
Why Do You Need an Agent?
First things first, why do you even need an agent? Agents are your ticket to the publishing world. They have the industry connections, knowledge, and experience to get your book into the right hands. Plus, they negotiate the details of your contracts, ensuring you get the best deal possible. And they help oversee your royalty payments, marketing plan, and career choices. Essentially, they’re your work’s best advocate.
How to Find the Right Agent
Finding an agent is like dating—you have to find the right match… and as hard as it might be to believe, the wrong agent can be worse than no agent at all. With few exceptions, a pass from one agent or editor represents a pass from that entire agency or publishing house, meaning if one agent or editor rejects your manuscript, you cannot then submit it to another agent or editor at the same house. So you want to be absolutely sure that the agent or editor you’ve chosen to submit to is the best choice for your work. Here’s how to start:
- Research: Check out market guides like Children’s Writers and Illustrators Market and Literary Marketplace, as well as online resources like QueryTracker.net and the American Association of Literary Agents (AALA).
- Know Your Genre: Make sure the agent represents the type of book you’ve written. Some agents specialize in picture books, others in middle-grade or YA—don’t waste a submission opportunity sending your work to an agent who doesn’t represent the kind of thing you write.
- Follow Submission Guidelines: Each individual agent has their own submission preferences. You will find them listed on their website. Make sure to follow them to the letter. No one likes a rule breaker, especially in publishing!
Crafting the Perfect Query Letter
The standard form of inquiry between an author and an agent is the query letter. Your query letter is your first impression—and it must hit all the marks and really shine, since agents get thousands of them a year. Here’s a quick guide:
- Personalize: Address the agent by full name (first and last) and mention why you’re querying this particular agent.
- Pitch Your Book: Sum up your book’s essence in a compelling pitch paragraph. Think of it like a movie trailer—short, sweet, and intriguing. The pitch is designed to make the agent want to read the manuscript, so don’t give it all away. Just the main character, their problem or goal, and the theme or takeaway – but in an artful voice that reflects the tone of your manuscript.
- Include Your Bio: Share relevant details about your writing journey or accolades. If you’re a debut author, mention any educational experience with writing or paid memberships in writing organizations or programs.
- Keep It Concise: Agents are busy. Get to the point swiftly, and keep it to one page.
What to Expect After Sending Your Query
The waiting game begins! It can take weeks, sometimes months, to hear back. Some agents will respond with a form letter, some with a personalized note, others have a “no response = pass” rule. Check the website to know what to expect. Patience is your best friend here. Use the downtime to work on your next project! The first thing an agent will ask is what else you have, and you should have at least 3 submission-ready manuscripts to share when asked.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Not all agents have your best interests at heart. Here are some red flags:
- Reading Fees: Legitimate agents don’t charge for reading your manuscript.
- Upfront Payments: Agents earn a commission from book sales, not from you directly.
- Lack of Communication: A good agent will keep you informed and involved in the process.
If you’re ready to take the plunge and need some more guidance, check out this free training I created with my colleague Julie Hedlund: The Picture Book Publishing Roadmap: 3 Insider Secrets That Will Skyrocket Your Chances of Landing a Book Deal.
