A great agent can make or break your publishing deal and long-term success as an author. Finding the best person for you is a process, and capturing their attention is an art.

Beyond the basics of writing a great query letter or book proposal, there are exclusive steps you can take to ensure your work catches the eye of your ideal literary agent. As you organize your submissions, keep these insider tips in mind. Agents and agent assistants are sure to highlight your queries if you do it right!

10 Tips to Set You Apart

A busy literary agent can receive hundreds of query letters in a given day. On top of that, business emails consistently flood their inboxes. To catch an agent’s attention, you should wield these crucial tools to stand out from the crowd!

1. Have a Complete Proposal Ready  A well-developed proposal is necessary for any nonfiction writer looking for representation. Unlike fiction, where a full manuscript is typically requested, nonfiction agents almost always want a detailed proposal upfront. Whether an agency’s submission guidelines request a full proposal up front or mere excerpts in your initial email, any interested agent will eventually expect an impressive proposal immediately upon request, complete with: A compelling overview, a detailed chapter summaries, a marketing analysis, one or two sample chapters, etc.
   • Developing a professionally polished proposal that stands out to agents is no small job. Make sure you nail yours by learning How to Make Your Book Proposal Stand Out to Publishers. Note that you should also be prepared to provide additional materials quickly upon request.
2. Query Select Agents Strategically  Since agents often run in the same circles, it is wise to avoid mass submissions. Research potential agents and the gaps in their repertoire before deciding whether to submit, then tailor each query accordingly. You may prioritize your top choices in the beginning, but remain open to every best-fit agent you’ve selected as you continue querying.
3. Leverage Your Network  Publishing is a relationship-driven industry, so don’t hesitate to tap into your network. If you have any connections—whether through writers’ groups, workshops, or professional circles—see if anyone can introduce you to an agent or make a referral. This kind of leverage or personal recommendation can make all the difference. If you don’t have connections, attending industry events or even engaging with agents on social media can sometimes help establish a rapport. As you search for that best-fit agent, consider 10 Things to Look For in a Quality Literary Agent or Small Press.
4. Optimize Your Platform  For nonfiction authors, your platform matters. Agents want to know if you already have an audience—whether that’s through social media, speaking engagements, or a blog. If your online presence could use a little love, take the time to spruce it up before submitting queries. Use our Social Media Content Calendar for Authors to organize and schedule SEO-optimized content or hire a professional to increase engagement and reach. A solid platform shows agents that you have the ability to promote your book once it’s published, and that’s a huge selling point.
5. Perform In-Depth Research on Each Agent  It’s essential to dig deep into each agent’s background before hitting send. Nonfiction agents tend to focus on specific categories, whether it’s memoir, self-help, or history. When you personalize your query, mention why you think your project is a great fit for their interests. Set yourself apart by showcasing your in-depth knowledge of their interests and how a relationship would mutually benefit both of you.
6. Don’t Dance Around Your Book’s Genre or Other Details  With nonfiction, agents want to know what your book is about right from the start. In your query, be upfront about your book’s genre, target audience, and what makes it unique.. Your book will find the right agent faster if you are up front about the anatomy of your work.
7. Write a Succinct Query Letter  Keep your query as short as possible while including all necessary information and engaging the reader with your unique writing style. It is smart to use our expert-approved Query Letter Package (including Template, Letter, Tips) to write a letter that is sure to ensnare your dream agent!
8. Properly Address Your Queries Individually  Never use a generic greeting if you can avoid it. Your query letters should be addressed by name to the agent to whom you are submitting.
9. Do Everything by the Book  Check the agency submission guidelines. Everything you do, from curating submission materials to determining how long your follow-up timeframe should be, comes directly from the information listed there. In addition, everything you submit–from your one-page query letter to your full manuscript–should be grammatically and stylistically perfect. You want to appear as professional and aware as possible, and there’s no better way to do this than following directions and meticulously preparing materials. In preparation for querying, we’ve compiled some comprehensive resources to consider:
   1. How to Make Your Book Proposal Stand Out to Publishers
   2. The Fiction Book Proposal: Should You Have One?
   3. How to Find a Fitting Ghostwriter or Collaborator
10. Keep the Agent Abreast of any Relevant News  If something exciting happens after you’ve submitted your query—like winning an award, landing a media appearance, or securing a major endorsement—let the agents you’ve contacted know. Big news like this can make your book more appealing and push you closer to getting a response. But don’t overwhelm them with every minor update. Stick to sharing only news that significantly boosts the marketability of your book.

Be Ready for What’s Next

Throughout your querying stage, it’s important to remain true to yourself yet as professional as possible. Agents value working closely with interesting people, but they also recognize the value in an author who understands the business and acts accordingly. As you navigate this process, avoid common pitfalls that may cost you a great representation opportunity by learning the Top Worst & Best Book Proposal Practices. 

Once you’ve caught their eye, it’s time to talk about representation. Before signing anything, take a moment to do your due diligence. Make sure this agent is a good fit for your long-term goals, and that they have the experience and track record to help you succeed. Be sure to review what’s in a literary agent’s agreement and know what you want out of an agent relationship. A great agent is more than just someone with a great track record and a great pitch to sell your book—they should be someone you trust, align with as a person, and enjoy working with as you build your writing career.