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Below you’ll discover tips on finding the right literary agents for your work, crafting compelling query letters, and effectively pitching your manuscript. The key to being traditionally published is to craft the perfect agent submission pack and getting it to the right publishers – here you’ll find examples, advice, and more to doing just that.

Query letter samples for horror novels

Not knowing where to start with a query letter can make it even harder to start querying; already a big and daunting process! Here, I’ve written an example query letter and two query letter samples for horror writers to inspire you. Every query letter is unique, and agents are always looking for something different. I hope these query letters help you draft your own and start reaching out to literary agents. Query letter template for horror novels Replace all words in square brackets [] with your own information. Dear [NAME], I am seeking representation for my novel, [TITLE]. I saw… Read More »Query letter samples for horror novels

When you should follow up with a literary agent

Querying a literary agent is a daunting task, but not knowing when you should follow up with a literary agent can be even worse. You’ve sent out your agent query pack, you’ve waited weeks for a reply, but you’ve received nothing. Now you have to ask yourself: should I follow up? If this is something that turns you into an anxious mess or seems worse than just querying another batch of literary agents, that’s okay. But you might still want to think about it if you’re holding out hope for that perfect literary agent to reply to you still. Find… Read More »When you should follow up with a literary agent

How to write a query letter to a literary agent

Query letters are the first step to getting a literary agent, so you need to know the best way of writing one. One of the most common questions asked by writers is how to write a query letter to a literary agent. Here, I’ll explain what a query letter is, how to write one, some tips for formatting a query letter email, and provide both a template and a sample. This is an ideal resource for anyone who’s writing their first query letter. If you need more information on querying, check out my other blog posts on querying literary agents.… Read More »How to write a query letter to a literary agent

What is a synopsis and how long should a synopsis be?

Querying a literary agent is a daunting task, but it’s even worse when you don’t know where to start. Knowing what a synopsis is and how long it should be is one of the first steps to creating the perfect query pack. Find out the answers to these questions below! What is a synopsis? A novel synopsis is a description of the novel’s events. It summarises what happens in your novel to give a plot breakdown for a literary agent or publisher to read without needing to read your whole manuscript. You’ll likely not need a synopsis until you’re submitting… Read More »What is a synopsis and how long should a synopsis be?

How to get a literary agent in the UK

Representation from a literary agent is key to getting traditionally published, as most publishing houses don’t accept unsolicited or unagented manuscripts. This post covers how to get a literary agent in the UK, including top tips for perfecting your agent submission pack. If you’re looking for how to find a literary agent in the UK, my other post explains where to find literary agents. Do you need a literary agent to get published? If you dream of seeing your book in bookshops, or you just don’t want to deal with self-publishing, you need a literary agent. Because publishing houses like… Read More »How to get a literary agent in the UK

An introduction to submitting to literary agents

Agent query packs – also known as agent submission packs – are essential for any author hoping to gain representation from a literary agent. Submitting to literary agents involves creating, personalising, and sending agent query packs. Aspiring authors put together agent query packs when trying to secure a literary agent. Comprised of a query/cover letter, book synopsis, and an extract of your manuscript, an agent query pack is sent to literary agents in the hope that they’ll be interested in representing you and your book. If you don’t know where to start, read on to find out more. What are… Read More »An introduction to submitting to literary agents

Affirmations for writers

We’re writers – of course we struggle to stay motivated. Using affirmations can be a great way to stay motivated and challenge imposter syndrome. I’ve used affirming statements to help me get through many situations. To help myself and others more, I’ve compiled 113 affirmations for writers. Many of us could benefit from creating self-care techniques to benefit us when writing or dealing with rejections. No matter what you write or how you want to get your writing out to readers, you might find some benefits from reading through these affirmations for writers. Not all affirmations will work for everyone.… Read More »Affirmations for writers

Top tips for aspiring romance authors

If it’s your dream to be a romance author, you need these tips for writing, editing, and publishing a romance novel. Romance is the most popular fiction genre, with around 40 million romance books sold within a year. Self-published romance authors are emerging every day, but the demand for romance novels by publishing houses isn’t lessening. No matter whether you’ve still choosing between self-publishing and traditional publishing or not, this blog post will support your journey as an aspiring romance author. How to be a romance author You might already have experience writing and publishing, but for many romance authors… Read More »Top tips for aspiring romance authors

How to find a literary agent in the UK

For writers seeking traditional publishing, finding a literary agent is crucial. While not required, literary agents can be invaluable thanks to the guidance, support, and connections they provide. To find a literary agent in the UK, you need to know what to look for, where to look, and how to make the best impression. Here you’ll find links to some of the best websites to search for a literary agent, what an agent query pack is, and a list of some UK literary agencies with clear submissions guidelines. Where to find a literary agent in the UK There are many… Read More »How to find a literary agent in the UK

What you need to know about authenticity reading

You might already be familiar with the term ‘sensitivity reading’, but maybe you’ve just come across another term: ‘authenticity reading’. Whether you’ve just read it somewhere or someone has recommended you find an authenticity reader, here’s everything you need to know about what authenticity reading is. Authenticity reading is a form of beta reading focused on helping the author feel confident in how they’ve portrayed certain characters. Authors usually seek out authenticity reading when their book needs it, to ensure accurate representation of a culture or community and to support diverse voices. If your book portrays something you have no… Read More »What you need to know about authenticity reading