How To Query A Literary Agent Novels & Stories

I imagined he had to call in a few favors, which meant he owed someone and I owed him. I walked four blocks, checked the address, and went inside, doing my best to appear confident. My heels clacked against the hard tile floor as I made my way to the reception desk. I had been playing phone tag with Gabriel and managed to talk to him on the phone a few times, but I had yet to actually meet the man who was going to be my agent. He was taking me solely on Terran’s word and my portfolio. “Hi,” I said with a friendly smile to the woman busy on her computer.

“I’m ahead of you on that. He’s an artist who does various types of work. One thing he’s known for creating is unique book covers. Including several covers for A.K. Crusader. I’m wondering if perhaps Mrs. Barron is planning to publish a novel soon. It would make sense that she’d sign the divorce documents before she signed with an agent, or more specifically, signed a publishing contract. That way, you wouldn’t receive any of her book’s earnings. Michael couldn’t believe it. Was she trying to sell a tell-all book about him? He considered taking her back while she contemplated selling their shared secrets. How did she make time to write? He’d found no writing and, as far as he knew, she owned

“I came here to let you know I started editing my manuscript. It’ll be done in a few weeks, and then I’ll start sending the query letter to literary agencies.” That reminded me of the contract again, and I growled internally. “Let me know when you do. I’ll swing in my word, like I’ve stated in the contract.” The vibrant look in her hazel eyes disappeared, and she didn’t speak. Just nodded and closed the door. Fuck! As pissed as I was, I could tear the whole bloody contract.

Two weeks after the article ran, Riley got a call that changed everything. She was in her apartment, working on a business proposal for the online publication Max had suggested, when her phone rang. Unknown number. She almost didn't answer. But something made her pick up. "Riley Chen?" "Speaking." "My name is Victoria Ashford. I'm a literary agent with Ashford and Associates. I read your article in National Pack Weekly." Riley sat up straighter. "Oh?"

Catherine took her half-day off very seriously. Donovan had been gracious enough to give her a small break from him. A trip to the book store would make all her problems go away. Everyday for the last month, she had been religiously sending out emails to publishing companies. At least seven out of a hundred responded. And one out of the seven would be what an average person would term a positive response but they were often accompanied with negative terms and conditions.

“Really?” “Yeah.” I took out my wallet and handed them a business card. “You can call that agency and ask for Lauren. Tell her that I was the one who refer them to you.” They took the card and stared at it. “They have excellent people who have the ability of a great secretary and hold enough connection to help you with your business,” I explained. “Just talk to them directly.” They nodded. “Thank you.” “Hey…” Castiel called me. “Are you still involved in Lauren’s agency?”

She nearly skipped over it—just another pitch, probably, like the dozens she received from publishers hoping to attach her name to something predictable. But then her eyes caught the phrasing. “Clarity to your voice that lingers…” She frowned. That wasn’t boilerplate. That felt like someone who knew. She reread the email twice before forwarding it to Mara with a simple: “This seems… different?” Two minutes later, her phone buzzed. Mara: Girl, that is NOT your average publishing scout. This is so intentional. So curated. Did you G****e him? Layla: Tried. Minimal online footprint. No photos. Just a few anthologies under Rue d’Ether Press.

With a deep breath, she composed a message to her editor, the words on the screen a reflection of her mounting worries and internal conflict: "Hi there, it's Bella. I hope you're doing well. I wanted to reach out because I've been thinking about increasing my writing work. I know I haven't published much lately, but with my current circumstances, I could really use some extra income. Is there any way to take on more assignments or increase my pay rate? I'd be more than willing to take on additional work or explore new topics. Please let me know if there's anything I can do. Thank you."

Two weeks later, my agent called. I was in the backyard watching Liam practice his butterfly when the phone rang. I stepped inside, heart already racing. “Brooks, they loved it. Major publisher. Big offer. They want to move fast.” “That’s… amazing.” The words felt surreal. “There’s a condition.” My agent paused. “They want a full publicity push. The works. Interviews, documentary tie-in, public appearances. They’re saying the story only lands if you and Callan are willing to reveal everything publicly one last time. No holding back.”

“Yes, I am.” “What are you studying?” “English Literature.” “That’s cool too.” She smiled again. “What do you plan on doing with it?” “I love books. So maybe a literary agent or an editorial reader.” I shrugged. “I’m not all that sure because I haven’t really given much thought to it yet. I’m just going with the flow for now.” “That’s nice.” She engaged me in more small talk until we reached the salon and by that time I was already warmed up to her sweet-natured personality.