How to Pitch Your Book to Literary Agents: 7 Steps

So, you’ve finished your manuscript, or at least the draft that feels “done enough” to share with the world.

If your dream is to land a traditional publishing deal, your first real challenge is finding the right literary agent and convincing them to take you on.

This isn’t just sending an email and hoping for the best. Literary agents get hundreds (sometimes thousands) of submissions each month. You need to stand out, quickly, clearly, and professionally.

Here’s how to make your pitch impossible to ignore.

How to Pitch Your Book to Literary Agents

1. Know What Literary Agents Actually Do

A literary agent is your advocate, negotiator, and industry insider. They pitch your manuscript to publishers, negotiate contracts, and help shape your book for market success.

Agents don’t charge you upfront. They earn a commission (usually 15%) on sales they secure.

Translation? They only make money if you do. Which means they’re selective and your pitch needs to prove your book will sell.

2. Finish (and Polish) Your Manuscript

For fiction, agents typically want the entire manuscript complete. For nonfiction, you may only need a book proposal but it must be strong and detailed.

Before you pitch:

• Hire a professional editor (yes, even if you’re great at grammar).
• Get beta reader feedback to catch weak spots.
• Make your opening chapter irresistible. Agents often read just the first few pages before deciding.

📌 At Collaborations Creative, we help authors perfect their manuscripts so they’re submission-ready.

3. Research Agents Like It’s Your Job

Not every agent is the right fit for your genre or style. Submitting blindly wastes everyone’s time.

How to find the right agents:

• Check the Acknowledgements section in books like yours. Authors often thank their agents.
• Use databases like QueryTracker, Publishers Marketplace, or the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR).
• Follow agents on social media to see what they’re looking for.

Pro tip: Keep a spreadsheet with their names, agencies, genres they accept, and submission guidelines.

4. Craft a Killer Query Letter

Your query letter is your first impression. It should be one page, professional, and make the agent curious enough to read your pages.

Basic structure:

1. Hook – A compelling 1–2 sentence pitch of your book.
2. Mini Synopsis – A short, engaging summary of the plot or main idea.
3. Bio – Relevant writing credentials, awards, or experience.
4. Why Them – Show you’ve researched the agent and explain why you’re a match.

❌ Avoid generic openers like “Dear Agent.” Use their name spelled correctly.

5. Follow Submission Guidelines Exactly

If the agent says “send 10 pages and a synopsis,” send exactly that. Not your whole book. Not three chapters.
Agents see ignoring their instructions as a red flag.

6. Be Ready for Rejection And Keep Pitching

Even great books get turned down. Sometimes it’s timing, market trends, or the agent’s current workload.

Don’t take it personally. Instead:

• Revise your pitch if you’re not getting responses.
• Keep sending queries to other suitable agents.
• Track your submissions so you’re not double-pitching.

7. Prepare for “The Call”

If an agent loves your work, they’ll schedule a call. Be ready to discuss:

• Your vision for the book
• Your future writing plans
• Any competing offers from other agents
• Your expectations for the working relationship

Final Takeaway

Pitching to literary agents isn’t just about luck. It’s about strategy.
Polish your manuscript, research agents carefully, follow their rules, and present yourself as a professional worth investing in.

And remember: A strong pitch is only possible when your book is the best it can be. If you need help perfecting your manuscript or crafting your query package, Collaborations Creative can make sure you don’t just land in the slush pile. You stand out from it.

At Collaborations Creative, we offer manuscript editing, ghostwriting, and submission package support to help authors land their dream literary agent.