The Ultimate Guide to Querying Literary Agents: Tips & Best Practices

Querying literary agents can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of getting noticed. A well-crafted query letter is your ticket to securing an agent who will champion your book and help you land a publishing deal.

In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about querying literary agents, including how to write a compelling query letter, common mistakes to avoid, and how to track your submissions effectively.

What Is a Query Letter (and Why Does It Matter)?

A query letter is a short, professional pitch that introduces your book to a literary agent. It's your first (and sometimes only) chance to make an impression.

A strong query letter should:

✅ Grab the agent's attention immediately.
✅ Clearly convey your book's premise, genre, and audience.
✅ Show why you're the right person to write this book.
✅ Follow industry-standard formatting and etiquette.

Remember: Agents receive hundreds of queries each week, so yours needs to stand out—for the right reasons.

Step 1: Research the Right Literary Agents

Before you send out a single query, it's essential to research agents who represent your genre. Querying agents who don't handle your type of book is a waste of time and can hurt your chances.

Here's where to look for agents:

Literary Agency Websites – Check individual agency pages for submission guidelines and wish lists.
Agent Databases – Platforms like QueryTracker and Manuscript Wish List help filter agents by genre.
AI-Powered Tools – Services like Writer's Rolodex analyze your book and provide tailored agent recommendations based on proprietary data.

🔹 Tip: Make a spreadsheet of agents, including their preferences, submission guidelines, and response times to keep yourself organized.

🔗 Related Read: How to Find the Right Literary Agent in 2025: New Trends & Smart Strategies

Step 2: Craft a Strong Query Letter

A great query letter is concise, compelling, and professional—ideally 250–300 words long.

📌 Query Letter Template

Dear [Agent's Name],

I'm reaching out because I believe my [genre] novel, [Title], would be a great fit for your list. It's a [word count]-word story that blends the intrigue of [Comparable Book] with the emotional depth of [Comparable Book].

[Insert a 2–3 sentence synopsis of your book, highlighting the main plot and stakes.]

I discovered your interest in [specific theme/genre] and admire your work with [specific author]. I'd love to share my manuscript for your consideration.

Bio: [Include relevant writing credentials, publications, awards, or experience.]

Thank you for your time and consideration!

Best,
[Your Name]

What Makes This Query Effective?

✔ Personalized – Shows the agent you've done your research.
✔ Clear & Concise – Quickly communicates your book's concept and marketability.
✔ Professional – Well-structured and grammatically correct.

Tools like Writer's Rolodex can also give your query letter a quick score and make suggestions for improvement. It's free and secure so give it a try today!

🔗 Related Read: How to Write a Query Letter That Gets Literary Agents' Attention

Step 3: Avoid Common Query Mistakes

🚫 Mistake #1: Querying the Wrong Agents → Always ensure the agent represents your book's genre.
🚫 Mistake #2: Sending a Generic Query → Personalize each query with the agent's name and preferences.
🚫 Mistake #3: Writing a Query That's Too Long → Stick to 250–300 words for maximum impact.
🚫 Mistake #4: Focusing Too Much on Yourself → The book should be the focus, not your life story.
🚫 Mistake #5: Ignoring Submission Guidelines → Every agent has different requirements—follow them carefully.

🔹 Tip: Before sending your query, ask a trusted writer or mentor to review it for clarity and impact.

Step 4: Send & Track Your Queries

How Many Queries Should You Send?

Start with 5–10 queries at a time.
Wait for responses before sending more (you may receive feedback worth implementing).
Expect rejections—even successful authors get them!

How to Track Your Submissions

📌 Spreadsheet: Create a Google Sheet with columns for agent name, agency, date sent, response received, and notes.
📌 Query Management Tools: Use platforms like QueryTracker to monitor responses and follow-ups.

🔗 Related Read: How to Handle Literary Agent Rejections (and What to Do Next)

Step 5: What to Do If You Get an Offer (or Rejections)

If You Get an Offer of Representation

🎉 Congratulations! But don't say yes immediately—first, ask:

What is your vision for my book?
Which publishers do you plan to submit to?
What is your communication style and frequency?

If You Get Rejected

Rejections are part of the process. Some are form rejections, but personalized feedback is gold—use it to improve your next round of queries.

🔹 Tip: If you're receiving all form rejections, it may be time to tweak your query or manuscript opening.

Final Thoughts: Stay Persistent & Keep Improving

Querying literary agents is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep these key takeaways in mind:

✅ Research agents carefully to ensure they're a good fit.
✅ Write a strong, personalized query that highlights your book's strengths.
✅ Track your submissions and stay organized.
✅ Handle rejections professionally and keep improving your pitch.

🚀 Need help finding the right agents? Writer's Rolodex uses AI-powered recommendations to match authors with agents based on genre, style, and market trends. Try it today!