The goal for many of our blog readers is to find a literary agent and get their books published. Today, in hopes of helping you to be ready for an agent, I’m going to cover some “red flags” that would potentially cause me not to represent a writer either because the person isn’t ready yet for an agent or has shown that he or she isn’t a good fit for me.
It’s a possible red flag when the writer:
1) Has been pitching the same project for more than three years. This person might very well be stuck. I look for clients who will work hard on a project, try to find an agent for it, and then will move on to the next book if that one isn’t finding a home. Those early books might well have a place in the publishing world someday, but you don’t want to get hung up on something when it might not be the right time for that particular project.
2) Isn’t careful online. Be very careful what you on Facebook/TicTok/Instagram/Threads/X etc. Making fun of others, gossiping, or posting links that could be offensive are big turnoffs to me as an agent. I won’t want to represent someone who doesn’t think carefully before posting online.
3) Hasn’t completed his or her fiction manuscript. This is a sign that the novelist isn’t ready for an agent. Nonfiction can usually be sold on proposal only if the author’s platform is strong. I always ask that a novelist complete the manuscript before I even look at a proposal because it proves that the writer is dedicated to writing and can complete a manuscript. In the past, when I requested proposals before the project was finished, I ended up wasting my time. I’d read the proposal and then request the rest of the manuscript, and then a number of times the writer never finished the project or those early chapters end up completely changed by the time the book is fully written.
4) Hasn’t had critique partners look at the manuscript or won’t do revisions. If a writer hasn’t had anyone look at the manuscript, I have to assume that he or she isn’t ready to have that project published for the world to read and critique. Also, smart critique partners can bring your manuscript to the next level and make it easier to secure agent representation. I have also run into writers who won’t revise the book based on my feedback. This shows a lack of trust in my abilities and shows me that a relationship won’t work with that person.
Working on your craft is always a good idea! There are many ways to grow as a writer and I hope you will all continue to work toward stronger writing.
I hope these “red flags” have helped you to figure out what you should and shouldn’t be doing as you make your way down the path to publication.
We still have some slots left for our upcoming virtual writing intensive! The early bird discount goes through August 31, so don’t wait to apply.
It is going to be a wonderful, in-depth time of growth for all of the attendees. We agents are so excited! Please consider joining us. The details can be found here: https://www.booksandsuch.com/writing-intensive/
Three Things to Do When Your Publishing Path Hits a Dead End
These are great tips, thank you so much!
I thought self-publishing would bump
me to the line’s bright head,
and so I chose to make the jump,
not work on craft instead.
I did not study marketing
and all it does entail,
and so the book did not take wing,
and was a simple fail,
so, burdened with that big mistake,
I won’t approach an agent, now.
I must eat what I did bake,
and in that bitter bread see how
my proud and hubristic mien
doomed the good that might have been.
Those early books might well have a place in the publishing world someday, but you don’t want to get hung up on something when it might not be the right time for that particular project.