There’s a lot of advice out there about ‘querying’ literary agents.
Every year, aspiring novelists send out hundreds of approach emails, follow submission guidelines religiously and wait months for replies that may never come.
Could there be a better way?
Hello! I'm Scarlett Thomas, internationally bestselling novelist and Honorary Professor of Creative Writing. I've spent 30 years in the publishing industry, and I've helped numerous writers secure literary representation.
In this guide, I'll tell you what I've learned about getting an agent, including some things you certainly won't hear on a conventional creative writing course.
You'll discover:
How to identify the right literary agents for your novel.
Why I think conventional querying advice is often wrong.
How to get an agent's attention and make them want to read your manuscript immediately.
How to write a short, irresistible approach email.
The mistakes that can sabotage an otherwise promising submission.
How to recognise genuine interest from an agent and what to do next.
Plus, two example approach emails: the actual email I sent to my current literary agent, and a model email showing how a debut novelist might approach an agent.
This is practical (and sometimes a bit outrageous) advice from someone who's spent three decades on the inside of publishing.
Your novel deserves to be read. Here's how to give it the best possible chance.
Instant digital download. PDF format.
Already written your approach email?
Try The Agent Pitch Test (£95) and receive a score out of 10 plus 200–500 words of personalised feedback on your submission.
There’s a lot of advice out there about ‘querying’ literary agents.
Every year, aspiring novelists send out hundreds of approach emails, follow submission guidelines religiously and wait months for replies that may never come.
Could there be a better way?
Hello! I'm Scarlett Thomas, internationally bestselling novelist and Honorary Professor of Creative Writing. I've spent 30 years in the publishing industry, and I've helped numerous writers secure literary representation.
In this guide, I'll tell you what I've learned about getting an agent, including some things you certainly won't hear on a conventional creative writing course.
You'll discover:
How to identify the right literary agents for your novel.
Why I think conventional querying advice is often wrong.
How to get an agent's attention and make them want to read your manuscript immediately.
How to write a short, irresistible approach email.
The mistakes that can sabotage an otherwise promising submission.
How to recognise genuine interest from an agent and what to do next.
Plus, two example approach emails: the actual email I sent to my current literary agent, and a model email showing how a debut novelist might approach an agent.
This is practical (and sometimes a bit outrageous) advice from someone who's spent three decades on the inside of publishing.
Your novel deserves to be read. Here's how to give it the best possible chance.
Instant digital download. PDF format.
Already written your approach email?
Try The Agent Pitch Test (£95) and receive a score out of 10 plus 200–500 words of personalised feedback on your submission.
