Academy · Publishing
How do I query an agent?
How do I query a literary agent?
Beginner
You write a query letter — a one-page pitch with your hook, comparable titles, word count, and a couple of paragraphs about you. You send it to agents who represent your genre, one at a time or in small batches. They'll either pass, ask for a partial (50 pages), or ask for the full manuscript. The first response usually arrives within a few weeks; some agents take months. Most queries are passes. Most successful authors had between fifty and two hundred passes before signing. It's normal. Pendraic has a Query Letter prompt template if you'd like a starter.
What to try
- Open the Query Letter prompt
- Browse agent databases
Related questions
- What goes in a query letter?
- How do I find an agent?