How I got my agent

I can’t tell you the number of interviews I’ve read with writers recounting their experiences with getting an agent. It’s fair to say I was completely obsessed with finding out how it happened for other people. As if they might share the secret and it might help me!

Of course there is no secret, no key ingredient to securing an agent, but everything I read helped prepare me.

I’ve recently signed with Darley Anderson Literary TV and Film Agency. Here’s how it happened for me…

How did I know I was ready to submit to agents?

An author I chat to on Instagram told me to take my time and make my manuscript as tight as possible. She reminded me there’s only one shot at submission for the MS (manuscript). That was valuable advice. I wrote the MS in three months but spent several months re-reading, editing closely, tweaking and sharing it with a very small circle of trusted people. After re-drafting several times, I couldn’t see the wood for the trees - basically, I had no idea what more I could do to it! So I knew it needed professional eyes and that I was ready to start submitting to agents. I’m so glad I didn’t rush the process because when I finally submitted, I sent it knowing I had done everything I could.

How many agents did I submit to?

You can submit to as few or as many agents as you want to. I started by submitting to five agents, then each day I submitted to a few more. I had a list of my top 5 agents and didn’t submit to them until last. Mainly because I lacked confidence to submit to the ‘big’ ones first. In hindsight, I wish I’d just submitted to my top 5 first as my agent, Tanera Simons, was my top choice and it would have saved me a lot of time worrying!

How did I choose the agents?

Through a lot of research. Some people recommend buying The Writer’s Handbook but I’m inclined to say it’s not essential. In this day and age, the internet gives you access to everything. I spent time compiling a comparison list - authors who are similar, stylistically and in genre - then googled who their agent was. That gave me a considerable number of leads. I researched every agent individually, read blog interviews with them and tracked down interviews with their authors where they’ve talked about the agent. All of it helps build a picture of the agent and I used the information to personalise my submission.

How did I keep track of my submissions?

I had a spreadsheet with all the details - agent names, dates, etc. I used it to note down anything relevant from the agent’s bio, eg, if they were looking for books that take them on an emotional rollercoaster (which mine does) that I could then include in my query letter. I recorded when an agent came back and said it wasn’t right for them, or if I was still waiting to hear. So when my first full MS request came in, it was easy to see which agents I could then inform about the full request.

How long did I have to wait to hear back?

My first round of submissions was late November, then my second set was in early December. I didn’t hear anything back until early January. Given that there were Christmas and New Year holidays, that might have delayed responses, although I was grateful for the distraction!

What happened after the full MS request?

My first full request came through from Tanera, my agent, and six days later she responded by email saying she loved the book. She had a few questions for me which I replied to via email and she then asked if we could have a chat on Zoom. Everything I’d read about the process of getting an agent told me that was a good sign, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. We had a great first conversation and I immediately had the sense Tanera really ‘got’ my book. She so eloquently and astutely picked things out, and I was blown away by her comments. She offered me representation and told me to take some time to think about it. By this point, I’d informed other agents about the full MS request but still heard nothing back. With Tanera, there wasn’t much to think about though! She loved the book, loved the characters, had some insightful ideas for how to strengthen the story and Darley Anderson is one of the most commercial literary agencies with some huge names on their list. The next day, I happily accepted. Less than a week later, I was signed.

Does it matter if only one agent shows interest?

The most important thing is that the right agent shows interest. Yes, it would be a confidence-booster to have every single agent request a full MS, but you only need one. One agent is all it takes. As long as that agent shares your vision, not just for this book but for your career, and feels passionately about your book, then that’s all matters. After chatting to Tanera, I had a strong gut feeling we were on the same page.

My reaction to being offered representation?

I was in shock! Total shock for several days. It’s simply the most incredible feeling in the world to know that someone believes in your work and thinks you have the potential to become a published author. To hear the words “wow, evocative and compelling” in relation to my book was so surreal. Truly an experience I’ll never forget.

What’s happening next?
Since signing, my agent has re-read the MS twice and given me some structural notes. I’ve worked my way through those and sent back an updated draft. Everything she suggested has helped make the MS stronger and her expertise reassures me I’m with the right person.

It was fascinating to read her comments. When you keep your book to yourself for so long, the story feels private. It’s as if you’re the only who knows the characters. But Tanera picked out so many good points, it feels like she knows them too.

There may well be more round of edits before it’s ready to submit to publishers, but until then, I’m working on book 2.

I hope you find this helpful or, if you’re a book-lover, interesting at least. The publication process is long, arduous and slow sometimes, but it’s also hugely exciting and rewarding. I can’t wait to take you along on the ride!

Next up, I’ll be sharing a conversation with debut author Caroline Khoury. Her book It Must Be Love published on 3rd Feb.

Thanks for reading,

Sara x