Finding a Literary Agent
After Mark, my writing mentor, guided me on how to write my query letter and synopsis, I faced a new problem: Who do I send these documents to?
I didn't know anyone in the publishing industry. I didn't know which agents were reputable. I didn't even know where to start looking.
Mark had sent me a spreadsheet with about 900 literary agents listed. I opened it, stared at the rows and columns, and felt completely overwhelmed.
It looked like Greek to me.
Until I understood how the system worked, I couldn't send out queries. I had to study that spreadsheet, read the instructions, and learn to search thoughtfully through hundreds of agents.
Every Agent Is Different
Here's what I learned: every literary agent has different submission requirements.
Some only want a query letter. Others want a query letter and synopsis. Some want a query letter and the first chapter. Some want the first three chapters. Some want the first fifty pages.
And here's the rule that matters most: Never send more than what they ask for.
If an agent asks for a query letter only, send one. Not a query letter and a bonus chapter because you think it'll help. Not a query letter with a detailed outline of your entire book.
Just what they ask for. Period.
This matters because agents can tell immediately whether you're a professional who follows instructions or a rookie who doesn't.
I was a rookie with a professional query letter. I needed to follow the rules exactly.
The Spreadsheet That Saved Me
Mark's spreadsheet had columns for everything: agent name, agency, genre, submission requirements, contact information, and notes.
The most important column? Submission requirements.
This column told me exactly what each agent wanted from authors.
I decided to start simple. I filtered the spreadsheet to show only agents who required a single query letter—nothing else. This method would be the easiest route and would give me time to research each agent, read their bio, and see who they represented.
I created my own tracking system in the spreadsheet:
Date sent
What I sent (query only, query + synopsis, etc.)
Date of response (if any)
Type of response (request for more, rejection, no response)
I can't tell you how much this spreadsheet helped me stay organized.
The New York Panic
You have to realize, I knew nothing about what I'd gotten myself into.
I didn't know one person in the industry. I didn't even know how to email agents professionally.
After talking to Mark, I had the impression that the most professional and trustworthy agents were in New York City.
When we moved back to Michigan, I panicked. I thought my chances were over—not realizing that most agents only correspond by email anyway. Geography didn't matter. I didn't know that yet.
The First Requests
So here's the question: Did sending a one-page query letter work?
Absolutely.
It worked because Mark had guided me to write a professional query letter. He'd been down this road before and knew how to approach agents.
During the first few months of querying, I received several requests for more information about my novel.
Some agents wanted the first three chapters. Others wanted the first fifty pages. Others wanted the synopsis and the first chapter.
I thought I had arrived.
Getting those requests was the most uplifting period for me. I remember going to work feeling so excited whenever an agent's email came in.
Remember, no one knew I'd written a novel. Not my sisters. Not my friends. Not my colleagues. Not even my parents. Only my husband and daughter.
Not telling people had been the hardest part. But the pressure in this industry is immense, and I didn't want the added weight of everyone asking, "Did you hear back yet?" or "Are you published yet?"
To this day, I would make the same choice.
The Crash
But those exciting first requests? They were just the beginning of a long journey.
I sent out my manuscript to the agents who requested it.
And the rejections came back. Quickly.
Because my manuscript wasn't ready.
I hadn't had it professionally edited yet. Mark had told me I should, but I thought the polished query and synopsis were enough. I thought if agents wanted to read it, that meant it was good enough.
I was wrong.
The manuscript had potential—agents said so in their rejections. But it needed work. Professional work.
That's when I realized: You only get one chance with each agent.
If you send them an unedited manuscript and they pass, you can't go back later and say, "Hey, I edited it now, want to reconsider?"
They've already moved on.
All those painful lessons changed how I approach everything.
Where to Find Agents (If You Don't Have a Spreadsheet)
If you don't have someone like Mark giving you a spreadsheet, here are resources you can use:
QueryTracker
QueryTracker is the site I use today.
When I first started using QueryTracker several years ago, it wasn't as sophisticated as it is now. But in 2026, it's an incredible resource.
You can search by:
Genre (thriller, romance, fantasy, etc.)
Agency
Location
Fiction or nonfiction
Many agents use QueryTracker's submission forms, which makes querying easier. The platform tracks when you sent your query, how long it's been since you sent it, and whether you've received a response.
The premium membership is absolutely worth it.
#MSWL (Manuscript Wish List)
Agents post on #MSWL to share what they're currently looking for. It's a way to see what genres they're interested in, when they're open to queries, and how to reach them.
I haven't used #MSWL as much as QueryTracker, but it's another valuable resource for first-time writers.
Agent Websites
Always check an agent's website or agency page before querying. Look for:
Current submission guidelines (these change!)
Recent sales (do they sell books like yours?)
Client list (do they represent your genre?)
Whether they're currently open to queries
The Reality of Querying
Today, I see this process very differently from when I started.
Aspiring authors need to understand how difficult it is to break into traditional publishing. The odds are steep. The rejections are brutal. The waiting is excruciating.
If I'd known how hard it would be, I might have been too scared to start.
But I'm glad I didn't know. Ignorance gave me courage.
Where I Am Now
I'm still querying.
It's been a few years since I sent out those first queries with Mark's help.
I've revised my manuscript. I've changed the title from THE DEPARTED DAUGHTER to THE KISMET KEY. I've had it professionally edited. I've rewritten my opening chapter. I've learned from every rejection.
And I keep sending queries.
Because it only takes one yes.
My Advice
If you're starting to query literary agents:
1. Finish your manuscript first. Don't query with a partial unless an agent specifically requests it.
2. Get it professionally edited. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it's worth it. Don't make my mistake.
3. Research agents thoroughly. Use QueryTracker, #MSWL, and agent websites. Know who you're querying and why.
4. Follow submission guidelines exactly. Only send what they request.
5. Track everything. You'll lose your mind without a system.
6. Be patient. Responses can take weeks or months. Remember, this is normal.
7. Keep querying. Rejection is part of the process. It doesn't mean your book isn't good. It means you haven't found the right agent yet.
Keep writing. Dianne
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