Today, I’m continuing my week-long theme from my workshop, HOW TO LAND AN AGENT: STEP BY STEP. I’m now going to share Steps 5 and 6.
STEP 5: Create Agent Tiers
You’ve finished the manuscript. Completed the query letter and/or synopsis. You’ve done the research. You have target agents. Now you’re ready to query.
Some people say you should query widely and I agree but I think you should use the tier approach.
What’s the tier approach?
The tier approach strategy is what I used. I found as many agents as I could that fit my criteria. Agents that were looking for the type of work I had completed. Once I found the agents, I ranked them in groups of five, from top wanted on down.
My first few tiers included all the top agents or most admired agents that I would like to represent me. Then I sent queries to my first tier (some via email and some through snail mail).
Be aware that it’s very competitive and when the rejections come in (and they will), you’ll feel better knowing you have more options available to you. Plus, remember novel tastes are based on subjectivity–so what one agent will reject, another will accept.
STEP 6: Revise based on Feedback
My first tier came back with rejections. A few form rejections but I did get one personal written rejection. Rejections more than likely will happen, but you don’t give up hope. You keep it moving.
After the first tier, I looked back over my query letter and decided it needed work—it was lacking the tone of the work. So I revised it and then proceeded to send out queries to the next 5 agents on my 2nd tier.
On my second tier of agents, my query letter worked. I got 2 requests for the full manuscript, and an offer of representation. I was very lucky but I was also very prepared.
We have one more step left. I’ll share Step 7 of How to Land An Agent tomorrow.
