How to Effectively Sell Your Book to an Agent: What to Do, What to Avoid

I recently stopped by a virtual writer's conference, Inkling to Write, and shared insight on how to effectively sell your book to an agent. If you want to hear my tips and tricks -- secrets I've shared at conferences across the country -- feel free to check the post out by clicking here! (And yes, this virtual conference is free to attend.) ;)   

How to Submit to an Agent: Do's and Don'ts

Pin This!

The other day I stopped by one of my favorite writing blogs, The Write Conversation, and shared tips on how to submit to an agent. {Check it out by clicking here!}

Attn. aspiring authors: Literary agency searching for new clients!

Pin This!

For the past year, I've been working at Hartline Literary Agency--first as an intern, and now as a Jr. Agent for Cyle Young. I love having the opportunity to work with other writers. Help them prepare their proposals, send it off to publishers, and potentially play a role in the unfolding of their writing dreams. 

We're now searching for new clients to add to our roster. Aspiring or established authors who have a completed manuscript, established platform/web presence, knowledge of the craft/industry, and understand what goes into marketing a book. I'd especially like to work with writers who understand their brand, vision as a writer, and have multiple ideas for future books.

Does that sound like you? If so, please review the below submission guidelines ...

What I'm searching for:

Genres across the spectrum -- YA, MG, NA, children's picture book (ABA market preferred), non-fiction, devotionals, Christian, romance, historical, fantasy, sci-fi, and speculative.  I am NOT searching for erotic or amish fiction.

I specialize in MG/YA fiction and would love to find fresh voices in these genres, especially projects that we could sell to the general market. Of course, being a young writer myself, I would love to find a teen or young adult who has a project that's ready to be sent to publishers. This means that it's well-written, edited, and polished. (You can check out my advice for teen/young writers by clicking here.) Submissions must be sent according to the guidelines posted on Hartline's website. 

How we work at Hartline:

• We make sure that your proposal and manuscript is in top shape before it's sent to publishers. This does not mean that we provide edits; however, we will walk you through a polished draft before the contract is signed. I will also provide feedback on your proposal/opening chapter that you can use to make sure your proposal is top quality before it's sent to publishers.
• I like to establish a relationship with the clients -- understand their brand, vision, and dream publishers before I send off the proposal.
• We give our current clients top priority. 
• We stay informed with the pulse of the publishing industry -- where it's been, where it's headed.
• We're innovative, hard-working, and use modern methods to help clients achieve their publishing dreams. We're focused on building your career as an author.
• If I choose to represent you, I will remain your main point of contact, whereas Cyle Young will be your agent of record.
• We do not charge a fee to our clients. 
• You're welcome to get in touch with me any time you have a specific need/question. 
• Clients have access to client-only portal which is where Cyle and I post resources such as workshop podcasts, video tutorials, sample proposals, and more. 

We like to work with clients who ...

• Have industry knowledge, especially in the market/genre they write in
• Are well-educated on the craft 
• Are professional
• Have a long-term vision for their writing career
• Have more than one book idea
• Actively work to build an online presence and platform
• Understand what it takes to market a book
• Understand that publishing moves at a turtle's pace
• Can accept constructive criticism

More info

• About Hartline
• FAQ
• Recent releases

How to submit

After following these proposal guidelines, please send your query and proposal to me: Tessa@HartlineLiterary.com. I look forward to hearing from you! =)

Clients I work with...

• Nichole Parks
• Dana Romanin
• Jennifer Froelich
• Shannon H. Sullivan
• Caroline George
• Melissa Ferguson
• Laura Zimmerman
• Diana Sharples
• J.M. Hackman

Question for you...

What are your short-term and long-term writing goals? What do you look for in a literary agent?

Tweetable:

Attn. aspiring authors: Literary agency searching for clients across all genres! http://bit.ly/2lQjmK1 #askanagent #publishing