In pursuit of being traditionally published

This week, I’ve started trawling the internet in search of a literary agent to represent my work. My goal is to be traditionally published, but man does this process remind me of job interviews!

Right now, I have multiple readers reviewing my manuscript and editing my story for grammar, plot holes, things they love, things they hate, and all the rest. While I absolutely adore reading their feedback, it does mean I’m stuck in a holding pattern before I can start sending out query letters. So in order to stay productive during this waiting period, I’ve put together a huge excel doc full of potential agents, agencies, and all the documents I’ll need to successfully submit my manuscript.

It really does remind me of looking for a new job - putting together a cover letter, tweaking my resume, sending in any other documents that are required of me. And I hate applying for jobs! But if this is what it takes to be traditionally published, I’ll put in the grunt work and do what it takes. But it certainly does feel like “work”, rather than writing or editing my story, which is the love of my life.

At the very least, it’s fortuitous that I have nothing better to work on during the period where I’m waiting for reader feedback. Rather than pace the living room in my apartment, at least I can channel my energy towards putting together a killer query letter and an author bio that makes agents believe I have what it takes. I’ve been reviewing other author’s query letters - which are crazy helpful - to make sure I get the biggest hook and reel in as many agents as I possibly can.

Have you submitted to literary agents? What helped you through the process? And what’s the best hook you’ve ever read on a back cover of a novel? Send me a message or comment below - I’d love to hear from you!