Authors Unfiltered: On Literary Agents

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🎙️ Authors Unfiltered: On Literary Agents

Watch now | Traditional publishing insights from the trenches

, and

Jun 20, 2025

Thank you

141st Generation American

Marcy Kelly

, and the other 50+ viewers who joined today’s Substack Live session with

Katie Gee Salisbury

and

Aimee Liu

, where we talked about literary agents, our experience with them, if you need them, and what to think about if you decide to go that route.

Subscribe to be notified of the next “Authors Unfiltered” Substack Live:

August 12, 205 (Tues), 4:00 pm PT: Authors Unfiltered on Niche
September 23, 2025 (Tues), 3:00 pm PT: Authors Unfiltered on Platform

Here are a few take-aways from our conversation:

1. On agent relationships

Finding the right agent is about matchmaking for a long-term professional relationship. Don’t say yes to the first agent who offers representation; interview them as much as they’re interviewing you. As Darien noted, “once you sell a book with an agent, it’s like having a child with somebody—you’re bonded for life because of that property.”

2. On researching agents

Use Publishers Marketplace ($25/month subscription) to research agents, see recent deals, and find agents who represent books similar to yours
Check acknowledgments in books you love—authors almost always thank their agents
Look for agents who have editorial backgrounds if you want developmental feedback
Consider whether you want a boutique agency (more personal attention) vs. a powerhouse agency (more connections and leverage)
Substack has a lot of wonderful resources for agent searches, including agents themselves, such as Katie’s agent,
Alia Hanna Habib
(Delivery & Acceptance). Sub Club does a round-up of lit agents and how to query.

3. On keeping your focus

When querying, focus on the book you have right now rather than presenting yourself as multi-genre. Don’t overwhelm agents with everything you could write. You really want to look at your book and find a good fit for that book.

4. On other agent benefits

Editorial guidance: Many agents now provide substantial editorial feedback before submission
Strategic submission: Experienced agents know which editors to target and how to create buzz
Negotiation power: Agents consistently secure better financial terms than authors could alone
Additional opportunities: Ghostwriting gigs, speaking engagements, and other income streams
Industry navigation: Helping with career decisions and pivots

5. On communication

Don’t expect your agent to be your best friend or therapist. A professional relationship built on mutual respect and clear communication is more valuable than a buddy relationship.

6. On red flags to avoid

Agents who charge reading fees or excessive additional costs (photocopying, etc.)
Agents whose lists are closed but who aren’t upfront about it
Poor communication or making you feel unimportant
Agents who don’t understand your book’s vision or suggest major changes that don’t align with your goals

7. On querying

Getting an agent often takes multiple rounds of querying
Be willing to revise your query letter based on feedback and results
Consider different pathways: referrals from other writers, connections through publishing work, or agents reaching out after seeing your published pieces
Remember that agents are picked “out of the slush pile all the time”—it’s absolutely doable

8. On timing and manuscript readiness

Never start looking for an agent until your work is truly ready. As Amy emphasized: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” If you show undercooked work, that agent is likely closed to you forever.

9. On relationship building

For emerging writers, partnering with a younger, hungrier agent who can grow with you might be better than landing a top agent who’s nearing retirement. You want someone invested in building a long-term career with you.

10. On the agent’s 15%

For traditional publishing, the standard 15% agent commission pays for itself many times over through better deals, industry connections, and career guidance. As Darien put it: “I do think...you will leave money on the table if you try to represent yourself with a larger house versus if you have an agent doing that for you.”