“80% of manuscripts submitted to agents are rejected simply because the author didn’t follow submission guidelines” (Writer’s Digest). That’s not due to bad writing—it’s a lack of strategy. When it comes to publishing advice, most first-time authors focus solely on polishing their manuscript. But understanding how to approach literary agents and traditional publishers correctly can be just as crucial as the writing itself. As an author, your work deserves the best shot at publication—not a rejection caused by avoidable missteps. In this guide, we’ll unpack actionable, strategic steps to help you approach agents and publishers with confidence, clarity, and professionalism. You’ll get publishing advice grounded in industry best practices—not vague generalizations—so you can set your manuscript apart before it even hits their inbox.

In This Article

• Do Your Research: Know Who You’re Querying
• Build Your Platform Before You Submit
• Craft a Query Letter that Works
• Why Submission Guidelines Matter (A Lot)
• Timing Your Submission Like a Pro
• Managing Expectations and Responses
• When to Follow Up—and When Not To
• Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Agents and Publishers
• Paws and Reflect: Wrapping It Up

Do Your Research: Know Who You’re Querying

Before you even draft a query letter, take time to curate a list of agents and publishers who are actively acquiring work in your genre. Not all agents are the right match, and querying widely without careful targeting can waste opportunities. Successful querying starts with strategic matchmaking.

Use resources like Manuscript Wish List, Publisher’s Marketplace, and agency websites to understand each agent’s preferences. Look at what books they’ve represented, which publishers they’ve sold to, and what they’re actively looking for now—not what they bought five years ago. For instance, agent Tamar Rydzinski has noted in interviews that she looks for authors with both voice and vision. That kind of insight helps you decide if your manuscript fits their list.

Track and Organize for Efficiency

Create a spreadsheet or project tracker with columns for agent name, agency, submission preferences, response time, and notes tailored to your interactions. Keep a “why them” column to clarify your reasoning—this helps you personalize submissions later and ensures you stay focused on quality matches, not just quantity.

Common Pitfall: Some authors rely on outdated directories or second-hand advice. This often leads to querying agents who have left the business or changed genres. Publishing is fluid—so your research should be too. Always go directly to the agent’s official homepage for the most current preferences.

The extra effort you invest here lays the foundation for an effective submission strategy. When your query is clearly aligned with an agent’s interests, it signals professionalism—and sets the tone for a potential working relationship built on mutual understanding.

Build Your Platform Before You Submit

While your manuscript is the main event, your author platform functions as your collateral. Publishers increasingly look for authors who can support a book’s lifecycle post-acquisition. Think of your platform as pre-publication credibility.

This doesn’t mean you need a viral TikTok account or interviews on national television. But having an active author website, a basic newsletter signup, and consistent branding on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Threads demonstrates that you’re taking your career seriously. Agents notice that.

What Counts as a Meaningful Platform?

• A regularly updated website with a clear bio, contact info, and information about your book
• Email list signup (even with just a few readers) to demonstrate audience-building efforts
• Moderate social media presence used for authentic engagement, not spammy self-promotion
• Previous publication credits—even in anthologies or niche journals—carry weight

Author Kelly Barnhill credits part of her early success to engaging in writing communities and contests, which helped her build authentic relationships that boosted her visibility when she submitted her manuscript. Your platform is not about being internet-famous; it’s about being findable, approachable, and credible.

If building a platform feels overwhelming, Book Barker’s author book marketing services can help ease the load. These services are designed with querying authors in mind, offering support that aligns with your submission journey.

Craft a Query Letter that Works

Your query letter functions as your audition—it’s the moment an agent decides whether to keep reading or move on. Done right, it opens doors. Done poorly, it slams them shut.

The Anatomy of a Successful Query

1. The Hook: One sentence that captures the heart of your book. Think of it like the logline in a film pitch. This should hint at tone, stakes, and core conflict.
2. The Blurb: A short paragraph summarizing your story—similar in tone to jacket copy. Present the protagonist, conflict, and unique angle without overloading with subplots.
3. The Bio: This is where you highlight your writing credentials, relevant expertise, or anything that adds credibility (such as awards, mentorships, or education).
4. The Personal Touch: Mention why you’re querying this specific agent. Reference a project they represented, a tweet, or a line from their website that made you think they’d enjoy your work.

Author Celeste Ng once shared that her successful query didn’t try to do everything—it was clear, professional, and concise. Avoid the urge to summarize your entire plot or embed humor hoping to charm. Respect and clarity win every time.

Finally, polish your letter relentlessly. Every word should serve a purpose. Ask critique partners or a peer writing group for feedback. You only get one shot per agent—make it count.

Why Submission Guidelines Matter (A Lot)

Each agent or publisher has specific submission preferences—and they don’t just make these up for fun. These guidelines help sort serious authors from those who aren’t ready to work professionally. Ignoring them is a quick way to get rejected, unread.

What to Look for

• Do they want pages pasted in the email or as attachments?
• Should the subject line follow a particular format?
• Which genres are they open to right now?
• Are synopses or author bios required at this stage?

Publishing veteran Janet Reid has repeatedly emphasized the importance of submission protocol on her blog. She’s noted that authors who can’t follow simple instructions likely won’t manage editorial and marketing demands either. It’s not just about the sample—it’s a reflection of your ability to work in a structured, professional environment.

Take the time to double-check each set of requirements before sending. Create a checklist for every submission and verify formatting, file types, and requested materials against the original instructions. It may seem tedious, but it protects your work—and your reputation—from preventable rejection.

Timing Your Submission Like a Pro

Good publishing advice often overlooks a subtle but crucial factor: timing. While you may feel eager to send your query the moment your manuscript is polished, sending it during high-volume months or industry events can reduce your visibility.

Strategic Submission Windows

Ideal times for submission typically fall between early spring (February to April) and early fall (September to November). These windows avoid major trade shows like the Frankfurt and London book fairs, as well as traditional holidays where agent inboxes swell faster than they’re read.

Author Erin Bartels has spoken about how submitting during a quiet period led to faster responses and eventually landed her a book deal. It wasn’t her first query—but it was strategically placed. Agents are human, and catching them when they’re not drowning in pitches increases your chances of a thoughtful read.

Also monitor social media or agency websites for temporary open calls or events like #MSWL or Twitter pitch contests. These are often tied to more active manuscript reviewing efforts.

Resist the urge to hit ‘send’ on New Year’s Day or the week before Thanksgiving. Patience combined with precision can give your manuscript a crucial edge.

Managing Expectations and Responses

Querying is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. And it’s normal to feel discouraged by silence or generic form rejections. Understanding what to expect, and how to emotionally manage the wait, is key to maintaining momentum.

What Responses Really Mean

Some agents respond quickly. Others may take months—or not reply at all. If their site says “no response means no,” don’t chase. But if they invite follow-ups after a certain time, go ahead. More importantly, track the tone of any personalized rejection you do receive.

Suppose you get several form letters with no feedback. That might mean your query or first pages need revision. But if you’re consistently receiving comments like, “I loved the premise but didn’t connect with the voice,” that’s a valuable signal. Take time to workshop those weak points before resubmitting elsewhere.

Author Madeline Dyer revised her manuscript three separate times based on early rejections before finally landing a deal. Each rejection, while painful, offered a clue on how to improve her pitch or pages—and that persistence paid off.

Maintain detailed notes of who you sent your work to, when, and what they said. This not only streamlines your follow-ups, but it also helps you make informed decisions about revisions or resubmission.

When to Follow Up—and When Not To

It’s tempting to nudge agents as soon as silence stretches into weeks—but patience is part of the professional process. Following up is appropriate, but only when done with timing and tact.

How to Follow Up the Right Way

First, check the agency’s stated response window. If their site says they respond within 8 to 12 weeks, don’t check in at week six. Give them the time they request. If you reach the deadline with no response and a follow-up is welcome, send a concise and respectful nudge:

“Dear [Agent’s Name], I’m following up on a query I sent on 2025 for my novel [Title]. I understand your schedule is busy, and I appreciate your time and consideration. Please let me know if any additional information is needed.”

What Not to Do? Don’t complain, vent, or pressure. Even vague frustration can damage your impression. Agents talk. Maintaining professionalism at every point matters.

There’s a time to follow up, and there’s a time to let go. If guidelines specify “no response means no,” take it at face value. Repeated nudges won’t win favor—and could block future opportunities.

Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Agents and Publishers

If querying agents doesn’t yield traction, that doesn’t mean your manuscript has no future. The traditional path is one of many—and sometimes not even the best match for your book’s trajectory.

Viable Alternatives to Consider

• Small Presses: Many accept unagented submissions and offer hands-on editorial support.
• Hybrid Publishers: These offer professional services typically at a shared cost model. Vet them carefully via outlets like the Independent Book Publishers Association.
• Mentorship & Contests: Programs like Pitch Wars or RevPit connect authors with industry mentors and editors, often leading to agent interest.
• Self-Publishing: With a professional approach—editorial input, design, and marketing—this can be a strong, fully legitimate option.

Author Beth Revis, long published through traditional channels, also experiments with self-publishing for certain projects, treating both avenues as complementary. There’s no single path to success. The key is finding the right match for your goals, your genre, and your long-term vision.

Staying open to different routes can reduce the mental toll of querying and keep your momentum alive. Whether through agents, small houses, or hybrid ventures, there are multiple, valid ways to bring your story to readers.

Paws and Reflect: Wrapping It Up

Navigating the querying process may seem daunting, but with strategic preparation and clear publishing advice, you can present your work in the best possible light. From researching agents to crafting compelling query letters and following submission protocols precisely, each step is a chance to strengthen your professional presence. Remember, it’s not just about your manuscript—it’s about how you bring it to the industry. Use timing, etiquette, and flexibility to your advantage, and remain open to feedback and alternative routes. The right connection may take time, but it only takes one agent or editor to say yes. Your next step? Take what you’ve learned today and put it into focused action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I include in my query letter to an agent?

When crafting your query letter, begin with an engaging hook that succinctly captures your book’s essence. Follow this with a concise summary that highlights the main plot without excessive detail and concludes with a brief author bio that showcases your relevant credentials. Personalize each letter for the agent you’re querying, demonstrating a tailored approach. Remember, clarity and professionalism are key, as this is your first opportunity to impress them.

How can I effectively research agents before submitting my manuscript?

To research potential agents, focus on those who represent your specific genre and actively accept submissions. Utilize platforms like Manuscript Wish List and Publisher’s Marketplace for up-to-date information. Create a tailored spreadsheet to track each agent’s requirements, their response times, and their publication history. This meticulous approach not only shows your dedication but also enhances your chances of finding the right fit for your manuscript.

Why are submission guidelines so important when querying?

Submission guidelines are critical because they outline the specific formatting and content an agent or publisher expects. Not adhering to these guidelines can lead to immediate rejection, as it signals a lack of attention to detail or professionalism. Each agent may have different requirements regarding document structure, sample submissions, and subject lines. Following these rules closely demonstrates your capability to meet industry standards and facilitates better evaluation of your work.

When is the best time to submit my manuscript?

Timing your submission is crucial to avoid falling into the busy peaks of the publishing industry. Ideal windows to query are generally between February to April and September to early November, steering clear of major holidays or book fair months like Frankfurt. Additionally, stay alert for any open reading periods that agents may announce. By strategically timing your queries, you maximize the likelihood that your pitch will receive timely and meaningful attention.

What should I do if I receive a rejection?

Receiving a rejection can be disheartening, but it’s important to remain positive and proactive. Take note of any personalized feedback—it can provide valuable insights into what needs improvement. Keep track of all responses to identify patterns in the feedback. If you notice consistent comments, consider revisiting your query or manuscript. Remember, numerous successful authors faced rejections before achieving publication, and each response can serve as a stepping stone on your journey.

Can I follow up on my query, and if so, how?

Following up on your query is acceptable, but it should be done professionally and tactfully. Wait at least 8–12 weeks after your submission unless the agent’s guidelines state otherwise. When you do follow up, keep your message brief and polite, expressing your continued interest without sounding accusatory. Understanding the right timing for follow-ups helps maintain good relationships in the industry, which can be beneficial in your journey as an author.

What alternatives exist to traditional publishing routes?

Beyond agents and traditional publishers, authors today can explore various alternatives to get their work published. Options include hybrid publishing, small presses, contest entries, or tailored self-publishing strategies. Programs like Pitch Wars or RevPit can also help connect you with publishers. Understanding these diverse paths enhances your flexibility and gives you more agency in the publishing process, allowing for broader opportunities to showcase your work.