So, you’ve written a book. Maybe it’s your heart-on-the-page memoir, a witty children’s story, or that business book idea you’ve been sitting on for years. You’re finally ready to publish… only to discover that publishing isn’t something you just knock on the door of (traditional publishing, anyway). To get in, you’ll need a literary agent, and to get a literary agent, but to reach them and accept you as your own, you’ll need a stellar cover letter.
Let’s break down how to write a cover letter for a literary agent in a way that’s simple, effective, and genuinely you. No stuffy templates. No cringe-worthy copy-paste intros. Just a clear roadmap to help your manuscript land in the right hands.
Why You Can’t Skip the Cover Letter
Here’s a hard pill for you to swallow: most major publishers won’t accept unsolicited manuscripts. They work directly with literary agents, who act as gatekeepers, dealmakers, and your book’s loudest champions. Whether you’re submitting to top literary agents for business books, fantasy literary agents in the UK, or literary agents for children’s books, the cover letter is your first impression. Nail it, and you just might get your manuscript read. Botch it, and it likely won’t make it past the inbox.
Now, is there a way to bypass agents and pitch? Here’s how we do it. Directly to publishers? Technically, yes. Some independent and university presses accept submissions without an agent. But if you want your book on shelves (and not just digital ones), the agent route is still the most viable—and competitive—path.
The Anatomy of a Great Cover Letter (In 7 Smart Steps)
As any good thing in life follows a structure, so does a cover letter. If you want to make an impression on the literary agent, here’s how you get there:
1. Personalise It (No “Dear Sir or Madam”)
This should go without saying, but “To Whom It May Concern” is a fast track to the trash folder. Research the agent. Know what genres they rep. Check if they’re open to submissions. Use their name, and spell it correctly.
If you’re submitting to literary fiction agents UK or literary agent nonfiction UK, you’ll want to make sure your genre aligns with their list before reaching out.
2. Start with a Hook
Begin with one or two lines that instantly set the tone of your book. It could be the elevator pitch, a striking comparison, or a one-sentence premise. Think of it as the blurb you’d see on the back cover.
Example: “My 90,000-word debut novel, ‘The Glass Garden,’ is where ‘The Secret History’ meets ‘The Midnight Library’—a literary suspense exploring grief, guilt, and obsession in a small English village.”
3. Give the Book’s Vital Stats
Include the title, genre, word count, and intended audience. Be concise. If you’ve written a nonfiction book, explain why you’re the one to write it—this matters especially when reaching out to a literary agent in the UK.
4. Share the Blurb (But Keep It Tight)
This isn’t the place for a full synopsis. Just 2–3 punchy sentences that capture the plot, themes, and tone. Think emotionally compelling, not dry summary. Don’t reveal the ending—leave them wanting more.
5. Explain Why You’re Submitting to Them
This is where you show you’ve done your homework. Mention why this agent is a good fit—maybe they represent similar authors, or you liked a book they helped publish. Whether you’re trying to find top literary agencies in the UK or emailing a boutique agency, the goal is to sound selective, not desperate.
6. Add a Brief Author Bio
A couple of lines max. Mention relevant writing experience, published work, awards, or professional background—especially if it’s related to the book’s content. If you’re new, that’s okay. Just keep it clean and professional.
Example: “I’m a freelance journalist with bylines in The Guardian and Stylist. This is my first novel.”
7. Close Politely (And Don’t Beg)
Thank the agent for their time. Mention that the full manuscript or sample chapters are available upon request. End with confidence, not desperation.
“Thank you for considering my submission. I’d be delighted to send the full manuscript should it be of interest.”
Bonus Tips: How to Pitch a Book to a Literary Agent Without Sounding Salesy
Agents are readers first. They’re not looking for hard sells or gimmicks but rather for great stories told well. Be clear. Be professional. And always follow the agency’s submission guidelines to the letter.
And if you’re wondering how to approach a literary agent in the UK, here’s the short version: respectfully, thoughtfully, and never via social media DMS.
For those in niche markets, whether you’re targeting picture book literary agents or seeking literary agents looking for new authors, the strategy remains the same: write well, submit smartly, and let your cover letter speak volumes.
And If You’d Rather Not Do It Alone…
Writing your own cover letter, blurb, and pitch package can be exhausting, especially if you’re doing it alongside edits, querying, and managing full-time work. That’s where we quietly step in.
At Lincoln Writes UK, we’ve helped writers craft query letters, book proposals, and submission packages that hit the right notes with agents. While our focus is on helping writers create and refine strong manuscripts, we also understand what agents want to see and how best to present your story.
Whether you’re pitching to literary agents looking for new authors or submitting to a specialised list of fantasy literary agents in the UK, we help your writing shine at every step.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to write a cover letter for a literary agent isn’t about following a rigid formula—it’s about showing that you’re serious about your craft. With the right mix of clarity, tone, and professionalism, your cover letter can open doors you didn’t know existed.
And if you’re still stuck staring at a blinking cursor, remember—there’s always help. Start where you are, and keep writing forward.