Query Literary Agents Without Awards: What Matters in Publishing

It is a common misconception that literary agents only represent works with awards. In reality, while awards can be a testament to the quality of a manuscript, they are not the only, or even the primary, factor agents consider when evaluating a submission. This article will explore what truly matters in querying literary agents and provide guidance on how to structure your submission effectively.

The Role of Awards in Publishing

Awards, such as those mentioned by a memoir having won numerous accolades, often come after the work has been published. Awards can enhance the visibility and credibility of a book, making it more appealing to agents and publishers. However, they are not the only factor in securing representation. A client with a memoir that has won over a dozen awards suggests that even without winning awards beforehand, a strong manuscript and marketing platform can lead to success.

What Agents Actually Look For

When agents evaluate a submission, they are more interested in the quality and marketability of the manuscript. They look for:

A strong, polished manuscript whether for fiction or nonfiction. A unique voice or concept that sets the work apart from others. A clear and well-defined marketing platform that can promote book sales. An understanding of the publishing business and the roles of agents and publishers.

In other words, agents are interested in works with a solid foundation that can be sold and marketed effectively. Awards are icing on the cake, not the cake itself.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Querying

To determine if querying a literary agent is a good step, ask yourself the following questions:

Do you have a finished, edited, and polished book-length manuscript that is ready to submit to publishers? Are you looking to publish traditionally? Have you identified your target market and researched the agents who are seeking to represent new clients in that market? Do you understand the submission guidelines of this specific agent and are you willing to follow these guidelines?

If you can answer 'Yes' to all of these questions, then it may be a good time to seek a literary agent to represent your work. The quality and readiness of your manuscript are far more important than whether you have won awards.

Strategies for a Strong Query

A powerful submission should highlight the strengths of your manuscript and your understanding of the publishing industry. Here are some tips for crafting a compelling query:

Address the query to a specific agent whose interests align with your work. Include a strong opening paragraph that hooks the agent and highlights the uniqueness of your manuscript. Provide a brief synopsis of your manuscript or nonfiction proposal. Discuss your marketing platform and your understandings of the publishing industry. Follow the submission guidelines of each agent you are querying.

By focusing on the substance of your manuscript and your readiness to market and sell the book, you can increase your chances of securing representation from a literary agent.

Conclusion

While awards can be a helpful indicator of a book's quality, they are far from the only or most important factor in securing representation. What truly matters are a strong, polished manuscript, a marketing platform, and an understanding of the publishing business. By focusing on these elements and preparing a solid submission, you can effectively query literary agents regardless of whether you have obtained awards or not.