Advice for writers
for writers
How to Find a Literary Agent Who Specializes in Your Genre
Why Finding the Right Literary Agent Matters
If you’re aiming for traditional publishing, securing a literary agent is one of the most important steps you can take. But with so many agents out there—and each one specializing in particular genres—the search can feel overwhelming. The good news is that finding an agent who not only represents your genre but also believes in your work is absolutely possible with the right strategy.
In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned from researching the process, what industry professionals recommend, and how you can set yourself up for success. Whether you write fantasy, romance, nonfiction, or any other genre, the principles remain the same: research, strategy, and persistence.
Why You Need a Literary Agent Who Knows Your Genre
Every literary agent has preferences. Some focus on commercial fiction, others on literary fiction, while others specialize in nonfiction, fantasy, romance, or children’s literature. Choosing an agent who already represents books like yours makes all the difference.
An agent who knows your genre will:
✱ Understand the current market trends and comparable titles.
✱ Have established relationships with editors who buy in that category.
✱ Recognize the unique tropes, themes, and expectations of your audience.
✱ Advocate for your work with confidence, because they already have experience selling similar manuscripts.
Simply put, the right agent won’t just submit your book to publishers—they’ll position it for success.
Step 1: Researching Literary Agents
When beginning your search, start with resources like Publisher’s Marketplace, QueryTracker, and the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR) directory. Each of these tools allows you to filter agents by the genres they represent.
I recommend creating a spreadsheet (yes, this part can feel a little tedious, but trust me—it pays off). Here’s what to track:
➥ Agent’s name and agency
➥ Genres they represent
➥ Notable clients and sales
➥ Submission guidelines
➥ Contact information
➥ Personal notes (such as interviews or tweets where they mention what they’re seeking)
This level of organization will help you feel less like you’re sending queries into a void and more like you’re making informed submissions.
Step 2: Narrowing Down the Right Fit
Not every agent who represents your genre will be right for you. Some prefer established authors; others are actively seeking debut voices. Pay attention to the tone of their bios, the kinds of books they’ve sold, and how they describe their ideal projects.
Ask yourself:
Would I be happy having this person as a long-term career partner?
Do their client lists inspire me?
Do they seem approachable and communicative?
Remember: signing with an agent is a professional partnership. It’s not about finding any agent—it’s about finding the agent who will champion your voice.
Step 3: Crafting a Strong Query Letter
Even the most perfect match won’t respond if your query letter doesn’t make a strong first impression. Think of the query as both a pitch and a professional introduction.
Here’s what matters most:
✦ Personalize the opening – Reference why you chose to query this agent specifically.
✦ Pitch your book clearly – Include the title, genre, word count, and a concise but compelling summary.
✦ Showcase your credentials – Mention writing experience, publication credits, or relevant background.
✦ Keep it professional and concise – Agents read hundreds of queries per week. Make yours stand out for clarity.
If you’re unsure whether your letter hits the right notes, ask a critique group or beta reader for feedback before sending it out.
Step 4: Submitting Strategically
It can be tempting to blast your query to fifty agents at once, but it’s smarter to submit in small batches—say, five to ten agents at a time. That way, if you realize your query isn’t landing, you can revise it before sending to your full list.
Keep detailed notes on:
➥ When you submitted
➥ If/when you received a response
➥ Any personalized feedback agents gave
This method will help you stay grounded during the inevitable waiting period. (And yes, waiting is part of the process—it’s not you, it’s the industry!)
Step 5: Handling Offers and Rejections
Rejections will happen, and they’re not always a reflection of your writing. Sometimes an agent loves your work but just signed a similar project. Sometimes the timing isn’t right. And sometimes they simply didn’t connect.
The key is not to take it personally.
If you do get an offer, don’t accept immediately. Ask questions like:
What’s your vision for my book?
How do you typically communicate with clients?
What’s your submission strategy?
A good agent will welcome these questions and respect your diligence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Literary Agents
How much does it cost to hire a literary agent?
Nothing upfront. Reputable agents work on commission, typically taking 15% of your earnings from book deals. If someone asks for money upfront, that’s a red flag.
How do I find the right literary agent for me?
By researching their genre specialties, reading interviews, following them on social media, and making sure their client list aligns with your goals.
What are the odds of finding a literary agent?
It’s competitive, but not impossible. Thousands of writers land representation every year. Persistence and professionalism matter just as much as talent.
Who is the best literary agent for new authors?
There’s no single “best” agent—it’s about who’s best for you. Many agents are eager to discover debut authors, especially if your manuscript fits their wishlist.
Why is it so hard to get a literary agent?
Because agents receive hundreds of queries per week. But remember: difficulty doesn’t mean impossibility. The writers who succeed are the ones who keep going.
Finding a Literary Agent
Finding the right literary agent isn’t easy, but it’s worth the effort. An agent who understands your genre and your vision can be a game-changer for your writing career. While the process may test your patience, persistence pays off.
If you’re serious about publishing, invest the time to research, query strategically, and build the foundation for a long-term professional partnership.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Finding an agent is one path to publication—but it’s not the only one. If you’re exploring different publishing options, Atmosphere Press offers packages tailored to every stage of your journey.
Find the Perfect Publishing Package for Your Needs!
Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.
