You’ve written the book. You’ve edited it. You’ve rewritten the ending seventeen times and maybe cried once or twice along the way. Now comes your next and probably biggest challenge: getting it into the hands of someone who can help launch your publishing career.
Let’s talk about how to pitch a book to a literary agent, and how to do it quickly, clearly, and confidently.
Whether you’re writing children’s stories, epic fantasy, or the next big business bestseller, you’ll need more than a brilliant manuscript. You’ll need a pitch that actually gets read. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Understand What You’re Really Pitching
Almost any book from traditional publishers gets to the market with the help of a literary agent. They’re the ones who connect you with editors, negotiate your contract, and often help shape your career. But that can only happen if you can get one on board. To form a partnership with a literary agent, you need to show that your manuscript is worth it. You can only do it with a strong pitch.
For that to happen, you must first understand what you’re pitching, that means taking key notes on your manuscript’s specific genre, story, character, plot points etc. The better aquainted you are with the details the better your pitch will turn up. So, do the work in hopes that you get your pint across to the literary agent.
Step 2: Craft the Perfect Subject Line
Your subject line is your first impression. Keep it professional, clear, and informative. Here’s a format that works:
Submission: [Book Title] – [Genre] – [Word Count]
Example:
Submission: The Fog Walker – Fantasy – 95,000 words
The idea behind such a subject line is that you’re not the only one who is trying to get the literary agent’s attention. In most cases, literary agents receive around 100 pitches each month, from which they pick out a handful to partner with. That means you have a very narrow window for getting your point across.
As the subject line is what they can see in their email, these snippets of information about your book’s genre, title, and word count will make things easier for your literary agent to decide whether to get you on board or not. Additionally, even if the literary agent is not looking for work in the genre, they can consider sending it to other literary agents who are associated with the genre.
Step 3: Format Your Email Like a Pro
Now, you’re sending a pitch to a literary agent. You want to keep it professional and show what you’re working on in a manner that makes it readable. Anything that conflicts with it will lead to an immediate rejection. That means you don’t use weird or unreadable fonts. No bold red titles. Just keep it simple:
- Your email should open with a personalised greeting (never “Dear Agent”).
- Follow with a concise cover letter—yes, we’ve written about how to write a cover letter for a literary agent before, and this is where it goes.
- Attach the first three chapters or whatever the agency’s guidelines ask for (never more, unless requested).
Step 4: Nail These Key Elements in Your Pitch
This is where most authors either shine or sink.
Introduce the book. Mention the title, genre, word count, and target audience. Make sure it aligns with the agent’s interests—whether you’re querying a literary agent for nonfiction in the UK or someone from a list of literary agents for children’s books.
Hook with your blurb. This should feel like the back-cover summary. Intriguing, punchy, and no spoilers. It’s a good idea that you consider starting with the protagonist.
Why them? Mention why you’ve chosen that agent. Maybe they recently signed an author in your genre, or they’re known for working with picture book literary agents or nonfiction authors.
About you. Keep it brief. Share your writing background, relevant credentials, or publishing experience.
Wrap it up. End with a polite note and make sure they know the full manuscript is available on request.
Step 5: Be Real About the Publishing Process
Even with the perfect pitch, traditional publishing can be a waiting game. Agents may take weeks to respond, or not reply at all. Rejections happen. Sometimes many. That doesn’t mean your book isn’t good. Remember, even authors like J.K. Rowling had a rough start in finding a publisher before becoming a global sensation.
And while landing an agent is the dream, it’s worth knowing that some smaller publishers accept unagented submissions, and there’s also the self-publishing route, which, done well, can lead to just as much success.
The point is, having a great pitch puts you in the best position, but it’s not the whole journey.
Alternatives Worth Knowing
If the traditional route isn’t working (yet), consider:
- Submit to indie presses that welcome direct submissions.
- Exploring hybrid publishing models.
- Self-publishing and building a readership (which ironically can attract an agent).
Or, if you’re feeling a bit lost trying to find top literary agencies in the UK, there are also professionals who can help you fine-tune your pitch.
Final Note
Learning how to pitch a book to a literary agent is one of the most valuable skills a writer can have. It doesn’t require gimmicks. Just clarity, a compelling voice, and a professional tone that shows you’ve done your research.
And if you’re still unsure where to start, take this blog as your sign—it’s time. Your book won’t pitch itself, but you’ve got everything you need to do it well.