How to build your list of agents
Ready to query literary agents? Okrrrr let's go.
Ah, yes. The topic that sends a shiver down the spine of many a writer. Querying agents. Not only is the rejection aspect scary, but so is the whole aspect of…you know…how do you even start??
Well, as someone who has queried three books, is about to sign with my second agent, and also works part-time as a lit agency assistant, this is my advice for building a list of agents that will actually work for you.
Step 1: Know Your Book Inside and Out (and Your Comps!)
If you’re pursuing traditional publication, you need to know where your story fits in the market. That’s how an agent will be looking at it, and how they’ll be pitching it to editors should the time come.
Before you even think about an agent, you need to have a strong grasp of your manuscript.
★ Genre: Be specific. Is it upmarket women's fiction, epic fantasy with a political bent, a cozy mystery, or contemporary romance? “Fiction” isn't a genre (and neither is age group).
★ Target Audience: Who is reading this? What age group? What are their interests? This is where you categorize by young adult, adult, middle grade, etc.
★ Word Count: Is it within industry standards for your genre? (If not, do some research and address this first. Rejections based solely on word counts that are too high or too low happen all the time.)
★ Comparable Titles (Comps): This is HUGE. You need 2-3 recent (published in the last 2-5 years) and successful books that share a similar genre, tone, or theme with yours. This is so an agent can view it like, This is like X, meets Y, with a touch of Z. These should probably not be mega bestsellers. It’s better to use mid-list or debuts that did well.
Step 2: Core Resources + Starting Points
Alright, so you know your book now. Hoorah. Now it’s time to build your list! Here’s where to find agents.
★ Publisher's Marketplace (PM): The monthly subscription can be a tad pricey, but this resource is so valuable.
How to use it: Go to the “Deals” section. Search by genre, keyword, or even by specific editors. See who is selling books in your genre. When you find a deal that looks like your book, click on the agent’s name. You’ll see their other deals, their agency, and often a link to their agency profile or their personal website. So you can see agents actively selling books right now that are similar to yours.
Pro-Tip: Look for agents who have recently sold debut novels in your genre. That means they’re likely open to new writers.
★ QueryTracker.net: This is a free (with paid upgrade options) database where authors track their queries.
How to use it: You can search for agents by genre. It shows their submission status (open/closed), recent deals (pulled from PM, often with a delay), and user comments. There is often data about their responsiveness or preferences. You can also see a timeline of your queries sent.
Note that I only tried the paid version using a trial. I liked it, but this was right before I got a couple offers, so I didn’t need it at that point. I can see how it can be helpful, but a lot of writers say it gives them stress, since you can see where your query is in an agent’s inbox. I’m sorta glad I never used the paid version, not gonna lie.
★ Manuscript Wish List (#MSWL): This is an amazing free resource. Many agents post their specific wish lists on this platform (and on Twitter using the #MSWL hashtag).
How to use it: Search by keyword, genre, or even trope. If an agent says they’re looking for “a dark academia novel with a strong female lead” and that’s your book, add them to your list! Follow agents on Twitter who post under #MSWL.
Agency Websites: Once you’ve identified a few potential agents, go to their agency's website. Look for:
Agent Biographies: Do they represent your genre? What are their specific interests? Do they have a good track record?
Submission Guidelines: Read these meticulously. This is non-negotiable.
Client Lists: Look at their current clients and their books. That’s a good indicator of an agent’s taste.
Bonus Resources
Once you’ve exhausted the core resources, consider these:
Acknowledgements Pages: Pick up books in your genre that you love. Go to the acknowledgements page. Often, authors thank their agent by name.
Conferences & Workshops: Many writing conferences have agent pitch sessions or panels. Even if you don't attend, check out the list of agents who will be there. These are agents actively seeking new clients.
Literary Blogs & Podcasts: Many agents and literary professionals have blogs or podcasts where they discuss their wish lists, industry trends, and what they're looking for. A quick search for “literary agent blog” or “writing podcast agents” might turn up some good stuff.
Twitter: Oops, I’m not calling it X. Anyway, this app is a cesspool, but sometimes you can find little treasures. Like I said before, many agents still post their MSWLs here, and there are a plethora of pitch events happening where you can pitch your manuscript and possibly get eyes on it. That’s how I got an offer on my book from a small publisher.
Step 3: SPREADSHEETS, BABY!
Wow. I love spreadsheets. And in my opinion, having one for querying is absolutely necessary. Like for real. Cannot stress this enough. KEEP TRACK OF YOUR QUERIES.
If you want the one I used, I made it into a free resource on NovelBound’s website! https://www.novelboundcommunity.com/
But if you want to make your own, here’s what I’d recommend including (at a minimum):
Agent Name
Agency Name
Submission Guidelines (like “Query letter + first 10 pages, no attachments”)
Date Queried
Response time (how long it typically takes them to respond, if disclosed)
Response Received (Yes/No/Partial/Full Request)
Notes (Any specific feedback, red flags, next steps, etc.)
Project Name (if you’ve queried more than one book)
I also liked to keep a separate tab in my spreadsheet for agents I wanted to query later on, so I’d add their name, agency, a link to their website, and notes on what specifically would make them a good fit.
Final Thoughts
Quality over quantity, babes. Don’t rush into anything. Building your list is a marathon, so take your time and do your research. Aim for a highly targeted list of 20-30 agents to start. As you get responses (or don't), you can adjust your query package and expand your list.
Remember, agents want to find good books. They want to be a partner in your career. If you invest in finding the right fit, your future self will thank you. Now go forth and conquer. Godspeed.
i've been waiting for this one!!! turn it up!!!