1/Address an agent correctly.
2/Make sure the agent handles what you are offering.
3/Pitch by email or letter rather than phone.
4/Try and personalise the letter.
5/Follow instructions.
6/If the book is rejected don’t point out to the agent they have made a mistake. Move on.
7/Make muliple submissions but keep quiet about them.
8/Don’t expect recommendations for other agencies.
9/Presentation is important.
10/Make it easy to open the parcel and to read the manuscript (no ring binders).
11/Be clear. The concept should be obvious from the opening sentence.
12/Don’t boast
13/Not every idea makes a book – it might work for an article and tv but not for a book.
14/Not every book is commercial enough for an agent or trade publisher. If it isn’t, think about self publishing.
15/Make it easy for an agent to respond – return postage and all your contact details should be included.
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