What are the Odds?

What are the odds...of an author finding an agent?

The honest answer: difficult, but not impossible.

Very rough industry estimates:

• Many agents accept far less than 1% of submissions.

• A good query may get a request for pages from perhaps 5–20% of agents queried.

• Getting an actual offer of representation is uncommon but achievable with a strong project.

The odds improve dramatically if:

• the writing is excellent

• the concept is clear and marketable

• the author has expertise or a platform

• the manuscript has been professionally edited

• the author queries strategically

  
  

What agents are really looking for

Agents ask themselves:

1. Can I sell this to publishers?

2. Is there a clear audience?

3. Does the writing stand out?

4. Is the author professional and collaborative?

5. Can this author build a long-term career?

   
   

A first-time author does not need fame. But they do need:

• a compelling book

• professionalism

• persistence

  
  

  One important reality today

  Many excellent books never get agents.

  That is why:

  • hybrid publishing is an excellent alternative

  • independent publishing

  • boutique presses

  • direct-to-reader marketing have become much more respected than they were 20 years ago.

    
    

  Some books are actually better served outside traditional agent/publisher channels especially niche nonfiction, memoirs, family legacy books, regional books, and highly personal projects.

  
  

  That does not diminish the value of the book at all. Some projects succeed because they connect deeply with readers rather than fitting a large commercial category.

  A good agent can open doors, but an agent is not the only path to publishing a meaningful or successful book.

Publishing Exceptional Books of all Genres for Over 18 Years

www.BarringerPublishing.com