Getting a literary agent is a major milestone for any writer. It’s often seen as the golden ticket to success in the traditional publishing world. However, while landing an agent is an exciting achievement, it’s only the beginning of your publishing journey. What comes next? How does the path from agent to book deal unfold? And how long does it take to get published?
In this article, we’ll walk through the key steps after you get a literary agent, so you can better understand what happens after the offer of representation is signed and what to expect on your way to getting published.
Table of Contents
1. Revise Your Manuscript
After signing with an agent, the first step is to revise your manuscript. This is where your agent becomes an active editor. They will help you fine-tune your book to meet the demands of publishers and maximize its appeal.
Why Revise?
Your agent has experience in what publishers are looking for. They know what works in the market, what editors want, and how to make your manuscript stand out. As a result, your agent will likely suggest revisions—sometimes large, sometimes small—to strengthen your story.
It’s rare for the manuscript you submitted to be the final version sent to editors. You may go through one or more rounds of revisions, collaborating closely with your agent. This can include:
- Editorial notes on pacing, character development, and plot
- Line-by-line edits for clarity, grammar, and style
Remember, your agent respects your creative vision but will push you to refine the story for the best chance at a publishing deal. It’s a partnership, and constructive conversations are key. If there’s something you feel strongly about, don’t be afraid to speak up.
2. Your Agent Submits to Editors
Once your manuscript is polished, it’s time for your agent to send it out to publishers. This is where your agent takes the lead.
The Submission Process
Your agent will write a personalized pitch letter to editors, explaining why your book is a good fit for their publishing house. This letter includes a brief description of the manuscript and your author bio. Then, they’ll submit the manuscript to a carefully selected list of editors they know and trust. The goal is to match your book with editors who are likely to be interested in it.
Waiting Game
Once the submissions are out, there’s a waiting period. Editors receive countless submissions, so it may take a few weeks or even a couple of months for them to respond. During this time, you’ll be in a holding pattern. Your agent will check in for updates, but for the most part, it’s just a matter of waiting and hoping for a positive response.
3. Hear Back from Editors
After the editor has read your manuscript, they’ll either offer you a book deal or decline. If the editor is interested, they will contact your agent with an offer. The offer will include important details like:
- Advance: The upfront payment you’ll receive for the book
- Royalties: How much you’ll earn per book sold
- Rights: Who controls the audio, foreign, and film rights
If the editor is not interested, they’ll typically send a polite rejection. Sometimes, they might offer constructive feedback on what didn’t work for them, which could help guide your next round of submissions.
Multiple Offers
If you’re lucky enough to get more than one offer, your agent can help you evaluate the options. If multiple editors express interest, they may even hold an auction where the publishers bid for your book. This is a rare and exciting situation that can lead to higher advances and more favorable terms.
4. Negotiate the Book Deal
Once an offer is made, your agent will help you negotiate the terms of the deal. This includes reviewing the contract and ensuring that everything is in your best interest.
What Your Agent Negotiates
Your agent will carefully evaluate several key aspects of the offer:
- Advance: How much the publisher is offering upfront
- Royalty rate: The percentage of sales you’ll earn
- Rights: Who owns rights to adaptations like audiobooks, translations, and film
- Timeline: How long it will take for the book to be published
If you receive multiple offers, your agent will guide you through the process, helping you make the best decision for your career. This is where your agent’s expertise truly shines, helping you get the best possible deal.
5. Collaborate with Your Publishing Team
After signing the book deal, the real work begins. Your agent will stay involved throughout the publishing process, ensuring that things stay on track.
Role of Your Agent After the Deal
While the publisher takes over the production and distribution of your book, your agent is still your advocate. If any issues arise with the publisher—whether it’s a disagreement over cover design, marketing strategy, or royalties—your agent will step in to help mediate.
Your agent will:
- Support you during the editing process: They’ll ensure you’re not overwhelmed and that the editor’s changes align with your vision.
- Negotiate any issues: Whether it’s marketing, royalties, or contract terms, your agent ensures you get what was agreed upon.
- Advocate for your career: Your agent is your business partner, invested in your long-term success.
6. Work on Your Next Book
After your first book deal, the journey doesn’t stop. Your agent will likely be involved in your next book project too.
Long-Term Relationship
Signing with a literary agent often means entering into a long-term partnership. While you may be focused on your current manuscript, your agent will likely become one of your first readers for future works. If you’re working on a sequel or a completely new project, your agent will guide you through the same submission process once the manuscript is ready.
Even if you decide to switch agents later on, it’s normal for authors to stay with the same agent for multiple books, especially if the relationship has been productive.
New Manuscripts
When you complete a new manuscript, you’ll go through a similar process with your agent. The agent will help revise, submit to editors, negotiate a new deal, and collaborate on the next project. They are in it for the long haul, working with you to build a sustainable career.
7. What If Things Don’t Work Out?
It’s important to remember that the road to publication isn’t always smooth. You might face rejection, delays, or setbacks along the way. However, don’t be discouraged.
If You Don’t Get a Deal
If the first round of submissions doesn’t result in a book deal, your agent may suggest further revisions or submit your manuscript to a new list of editors. It can take time to find the right match, and not all books land a deal on the first try. But your agent is committed to helping you improve and keep pushing forward.
Changing Agents
If, for any reason, you feel that your agent is not the right fit, you do have the option to switch agents. This happens more often than you might think. However, it’s important to approach the process carefully, as changing agents can affect your career.
The Long-Term Partnership
Getting a literary agent is a huge achievement, but it’s just the beginning of your publishing journey. The relationship you build with your agent will play a key role in your career, from revising your manuscript to landing a book deal, and beyond.
Understand that the process can take time. Be patient, trust your agent’s expertise, and keep an open line of communication. With the right agent, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success in the publishing world.
Key Takeaways
- Revisions: Your agent will help you refine your manuscript before it goes to editors.
- Submissions: Your agent submits the manuscript to carefully selected editors.
- Negotiations: Your agent will negotiate the best possible book deal.
- Ongoing Support: Your agent continues to advocate for you throughout the publishing process and beyond.
By following this journey with your agent, you’ll be better prepared for the challenges and rewards that come with being traditionally published. Keep writing, stay patient, and enjoy the process!