How To Annoy Literary Agents When Submitting Your Book!

Writers and authors often wonder how many literary agents they should submit to at one time.

Faced with a cut-throat publishing environment, it's tempting to try to 'speed up' the process by sending a mass mail-out. However, this is a strategy to avoid at all costs.

I recently heard of one writer who submitted to 200 literary agents in one go. Two HUNDRED! I nearly fell of my seat... This reeks of desperation, as well as a total lack of confidence, in both your pitch and your book.

If your pitch and manuscript is strong enough to attract a literary agent's or publisher's attention, then you only need to send it to three or four agents at a time. Or, if you're really impatient, to half a dozen, maximum.

Sending a pitch randomly to 200 agents is NOT the way to go.

First of all, it will wind them up enormously if word gets about. (And it does - publishing is a small and incestuous world). You will very quickly be 'blacklisted' and anything you send from that point will be ignored.

Secondly, should you really be sending out your pitch if you're that uncertain about it?

On the other hand, if you believe hand on heart, that you have a fantastic pitch, do you really want to print 200 manuscripts and send them to 200 literary agents when the feeding frenzy begins? Is that really the best way to spend your precious time?

What all writers should be aiming for is precision marketing. That means a precise and targeted campaign where you have maximized your chances with a killer pitch and a submission letter that hits them right between the eyes. This way, you are confident of getting results before you even start out...

If you find yourself thinking of a random spraygun approach, then something is seriously wrong. Get your pitch right BEFORE you send it out to literary agents. It is no good crossing your fingers and hoping for the best.

Understand what they are looking for, what will sell in the market, and then deliver... Read books, attend seminars, get a mentor, and learn as much as you can. This is what will open doors for you.

By: Stephanie J Hale

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Stephanie J Hale is a leading writers' coach and publishing scout. She's worked with bestselling authors and top literary agents for over 20 years. She specializes in helping writers get the publishing deal and readership they deserve.
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