The site for writers of all genre, and the readers who love them. Find what you want to know.
Agents & Editors All Genre
General advice on finding agents and editors from Shirley Jump. While Jump’s resources are a valuable starting point, the publishing industry requires authors to do their own research to find a good fit. Key strategies include:
- Researching agents and deals.
- Use resources like Publishers Marketplace to find agents who have recently sold books in your specific genre.
- Querying agents: Many agents are part of agencies. Shirley Jump was once represented by Curtis Brown Ltd.. Aspiring authors should follow a structured process, including crafting a strong query letter and sending it to a curated list of agents.
- Personalizing your approach: Tailor your query letters to each agent and follow their specific submission guidelines,
Be sure to check the Young Adult & Children’s Agents and Editors page for more specific details.
Literary Agents List
A growing alphabetical list of new literary agents actively seeking writers, books, and queries.
⭐ The 2025 Guide to Manuscript Publishers
Write the Perfect Book Proposal
10 That Sold and Why, 2nd Edition
Want to publish your book? Charismatic authors and literary agents Jeff Herman and Deborah Levine Herman have successfully sold hundreds of titles and learned–through trial and error–how to write a flawless book proposal that publishers can’t resist. Now you can benefit from their hard work and publishing savvy. In this new edition, they offer guidance and advice that will inspire, educate, and, most importantly, give you the necessary edge to get your book published. They explain:
Landing An Agent Elements Of A Winning Query
Tips and Updates From Writer’s Digest
Every writer knows a strong query letter is essential for getting an agent. But what goes into a winning query and how does one go about finding representation? “Guide to Literary Agents” asked five recently published authors just that, and they all responded in detail. Here are a few of their pointers on the do’s and don’ts of querying.
Publishing, Writing Terms, Acronyms
The majority of these terms came from the glossary in “How To Publish Your Articles A Complete Guide to Making the Right Publisher Say Yes” by Shirley Kawa-Jump
Copyright Primer, Know Your Rights
Linda S. Dupie
When an editor gives you the great news your article or essay is ready for publication; do you know what rights you’re selling? As a young writer knowing your rights is key. Your work is copyrighted the moment you put your words on paper, meaning you own the rights to your work.
Windup for the (Story) Pitch
Mia Zachary
No matter how good a story you’ve written, it will never see the light of day unless you catch an editor’s or agent’s attention. In order to do that, you’ve got to become good at the art of the Pitch and, honey, I don’t mean baseball.
Agents: Knowing When To Hold One and When To Fold
Shirley Kawa-Jump
Agents can be a wonderful thing, IF they are working for you and with you. I have negotiated deals with agents, without agents, and have fired agents who didn’t seem to be on the same page as I was. Overall, I believe having an agent makes things happen faster, but they are certainly no guarantee for success.
What NOT to Do When Beginning Your Novel
No one reads more prospective novel beginnings than literary agents. They’re the ones on the front lines — sifting through inboxes and slush piles. And they’re the ones who can tell us which Chapter 1 approaches are overused and cliche, as well as which techniques just plain don’t work. Below find a smattering of feedback from experienced literary agents on what they hate to see the first pages of a writer’s submission. Avoid these problems and tighten your submission.
Preditors and Editors
Preditors and Editors is a handy site where you can check the latest information editors and agencies. See who’s good and who’s bad.
You must subscribe to use the site.
Getting Offers from Multiple Literary Agents
Mary Kole
Every writer dreams of getting offers from multiple literary agents, right? Maybe. A reader asked about what a writer should do if they happen to get offers of representation from multiple agents. First of all, congratulations are in order. An offer of representation is professional validation to a writer who has, most likely, not really gotten such praise and confidence from an expert source.
Want More? Here’s How to Get It
Shirley Kawa-Jump
When you sign a contract for your writing, your first concern might be what you’re getting paid. But then, as you study the legalese closer, you might start to wonder if there’s room to ask for more. Not that you’re a greedy person–it’s just that you’re beginning to realize the work you’ve put in and now you want terms that reflect that work.
Tips for a Successful Editor Appointment
Author Unknown
DON’T BE NERVOUS – Chances are the person across the table is just as nervous as you are.
Think about what you want to say ahead of time.. (Jot down notes on index cards if you need to.)
Be ready to tell the type of manuscript (mainstream, historical, contemporary, young adult, etc.) and the approximate word length of the completed work.
Subscribe
Author Ads
Business Ads
Business Ad
