How to Find the Right Literary Agent in 2025: New Trends & Smart Strategies
Finding a literary agent has always been a challenge, but in 2025, the landscape has changed more than ever. With AI-driven tools, shifting genre demands, and evolving submission trends, writers must adapt their querying strategies to stay ahead.
In this guide, we'll break down:
✅ How AI and data-driven tools are reshaping the query process
✅ Which genres are trending in 2025 (and which are fading out)
✅ Why your online presence matters more than ever
✅ How literary agent response rates have changed—and what that means for you
If you're looking for an agent this year, these insights will help you refine your approach and increase your chances of landing representation. Let's dive in!
1️⃣ AI & Data-Driven Agent Matching: The Biggest Querying Shift in 2025
What's New?
For years, authors relied on databases like QueryTracker and Manuscript Wish List (MSWL) to research agents. Now, AI-powered tools are making agent research faster and more targeted.
Platforms like Writer's Rolodex use real-time data to:
✔ Analyze your manuscript's genre, style, and themes
✔ Match you with agents actively seeking similar books
✔ Track agent response patterns to optimize your submission strategy
What This Means for Writers
📌 AI-generated agent lists are now more accurate than manual research.
📌 Generic queries are easier to filter out—so personalization matters more than ever.
📌 Agents themselves may be using AI to sort and assess submissions.
💡 Tip: Use AI tools to refine your agent list, but still personalize each query letter to stand out.
🔗 Related Read: How AI is Changing the Way Writers Find Literary Agents
2️⃣ Genre Demand is Shifting: What Agents Want in 2025
What's Hot in 2025?
📈 Genres on the rise:
✔ Upmarket fiction & high-concept thrillers
✔ Hybrid genres (e.g., fantasy-romance, horror-mystery blends)
✔ Climate fiction ("cli-fi") & near-future sci-fi
✔ BookTok-driven categories (romantasy, dark academia)
📉 Genres facing more competition:
❌ Dystopian YA & pandemic-related fiction (oversaturated)
❌ Traditional epic fantasy (unless with a fresh spin)
❌ Standard contemporary romance (needs a strong hook to stand out)
What This Means for Writers
📌 Check recent deals and agent wish lists to ensure your book aligns with market trends.
📌 If your genre is facing more competition, position your book with a fresh angle.
📌 Use modern comp titles (from the last 3-5 years), not outdated bestsellers.
💡 Tip: If your book falls into a declining category, focus on what makes it unique rather than assuming the genre alone will sell.
3️⃣ Querying in 2025 Requires a Stronger Online Presence
What's New?
More fiction agents are considering an author's platform, especially for commercial genres.
Nonfiction agents increasingly require a newsletter, social media following, or industry credibility.
TikTok (BookTok) and Instagram play a growing role in agent decision-making.
What This Means for Writers
📌 If you write nonfiction, include platform metrics (followers, newsletter subscribers, speaking experience) in your query bio.
📌 If you write fiction, having some online presence can help, but your book still matters most.
📌 Agents may Google you—so keep your online presence professional.
💡 Tip: You don't need millions of followers, but if you have an engaged audience, mention it!
🔗 Related Read: How to Write a Query Letter That Gets Literary Agents' Attention
4️⃣ Query Response Times Have Shifted—Here's What It Means for You
What's New?
📉 Slower response rates for cold queries as agents struggle with backlog.
📈 Faster responses for conference pitches and referrals (higher priority).
📊 Query rejections are increasing for books that don't match market trends.
What This Means for Writers
📌 If an agent is open to queries, submit quickly—spots fill fast.
📌 Consider pitching at conferences and online events for better chances.
📌 If your query isn't getting responses within 6-8 weeks, revise and reassess.
💡 Tip: Use tracking tools like Writer's Rolodex to monitor which agents are actively responding to queries in your genre.
🔗 Related Read: How to Handle Literary Agent Rejections (and What to Do Next)
5️⃣ More Agents Are Moving Toward Hybrid & Online-First Models
What's New?
Some major literary agencies have restructured or merged, impacting submission policies.
More agents are open to hybrid and self-publishing paths, helping authors across multiple formats.
Some agencies are testing online-first query models (e.g., using query submission portals instead of email).
What This Means for Writers
📌 Be open to different publishing models—some agents now help authors with hybrid deals, serialized content, or digital-first publishing.
📌 Double-check agency policies before querying—some well-known agencies may have new submission rules due to mergers.
💡 Tip: Follow agents on Twitter/X, agency websites, and industry newsletters to stay updated on who is actively open to queries.
Final Takeaway: How to Succeed in Querying in 2025
✅ Use AI-powered tools to identify the best agents for your book.
✅ Ensure your genre is in demand (or has a strong marketable angle).
✅ Keep your online presence professional—agents may check.
✅ Submit queries strategically (timing and personalization matter more than ever).
✅ Stay flexible—publishing is evolving, and so should your approach.
🚀 Want to streamline your query process? Writer's Rolodex uses AI-powered recommendations to match authors with the best literary agents based on real-time publishing trends. Try it today!