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What do literary agents look for in a manuscript before agreeing to represent an author?

Ogden Linklater

Well, as an avid reader and aspiring writer, I have always been curious about what literary agents look for in a manuscript before agreeing to represent an author. After doing some research and talking to a few literary agents, here's what I've gathered.

First and foremost, literary agents look for well-written and captivating stories. The writing should be polished and free of errors. The story should be engaging from the very beginning and should be able to keep the reader interested until the end. Agents also look for unique and original ideas that stand out from the rest.

Apart from the story itself, agents pay close attention to the characters. They look for characters that are well-developed, relatable, and have a clear arc throughout the story. The characters should be likeable, yet complex and multi-dimensional. Literary agents also want to see diversity and inclusivity in the characters, which in turn will appeal to a wider audience.

Another important factor literary agents consider is the marketability of the manuscript. They want to know if the story has the potential to sell. Agents look for books that are timely, relevant, and fit within a specific genre. It's essential for authors to research the current market and target audience before submitting their manuscript.

Furthermore, literary agents also examine the author's platform and their ability to market themselves. Agents want to see that authors have a strong online presence, with an active following on social media and a well-established blog or website. They also want to know if the author has any connections within the industry, which could help with the promotion and success of the book.

In terms of formatting, literary agents expect manuscripts to be well-presented and follow industry standards. The manuscript should be properly formatted, with chapter headings and page numbers. It should also have an engaging synopsis that summarizes the story and captures the reader's attention.

Overall, literary agents are looking for engaging stories with well-developed characters, marketability, and a strong online presence. It's important for authors to put in the time and effort to make their manuscript stand out and be the best it can be before sending it off to agents.