Crafting Your Way to a Book Deal: Writing and Pitching a Successful Letter to a Publishing Agent

Crafting Your Way to a Book Deal: Knowing about the Statistics 

So, you've poured your heart and soul into writing your book, and now you're ready to take the next step towards getting it published. One crucial aspect of this process is crafting a compelling letter to pitch to a publishing agent. This letter is your opportunity to make a very strong first impression and convince the agent that your book is worth their time and attention. There are many books published annually.

Let's drill into this in a little more detail. Back in 2010, Google attempted to definitively estimate how many books are in the world, enumerating 129,864,880. ISBNDB more recently suggests the number is higher at 158,464,880, accounting for the many literary contributions throughout history and into the modern era. In the US market, just to choose one, (WordsRated, February 2, 2022) report the total number of new titles being published each year in that territory—combining self-published and traditionally published titles—is approximately 3 million. Yes. 3 million. 

Of course, there is no standardised way to track the actual number of books published annually, therefore making it extremely difficult to accurately compare countries or, indeed, track the industry. One method frequently used is to track how many International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) are registered by each country. Not everyone buys ISBNS for their books (I wrote about this in my last blog). 

Research and Personalization

Before you start writing your pitch letter, it's essential to do your research. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the agent you are targeting. What types of books do they represent? Have they worked with authors in your genre before? Personalizing your letter and showing that you've done your homework can make a big difference in capturing the agent's interest. There are over 400 literary agents in the UK alone and one needs to review each one to get a sense of whom to target with a pitch letter. 

Crafting a Compelling Hook

The opening of your pitch letter should grab the agent's attention right away. Start with a compelling hook that encapsulates the essence of your book in a few sentences. This is your chance to showcase what makes your story unique and why it deserves to be published. Be concise, engaging, and showcase your writing style from the get-go.

Here's an example from Readers Digest, chosen at random, from the book, After the Hurricane, by Leah Franqui: "A young woman’s search for her father who has disappeared after Hurricane Maria leads her through Puerto Rico and forces her to confront everything she doesn’t know about her father’s past and her own identity."

Highlighting Your Credentials

Agents want to know why you are the right person to tell this story. Use this section to highlight your writing credentials, any relevant experience, and what inspired you to write this book. If you have any previous publications, awards, or writing-related accomplishments, be sure to mention them here.

Synopsis and Marketability

Provide a brief synopsis of your book, focusing on the main characters, plot points, and themes. Highlight what sets your book apart from others in the market and why readers would be drawn to it. Agents are looking for stories that are not only well-written but also have strong market potential, so make sure to convey the marketability of your book.

Call to Action

End your pitch letter with a clear call to action. Invite the agent to request a full manuscript or schedule a meeting to discuss your book further. Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to work together and thank them for considering your submission. Remember to include your contact information for easy follow-up.

Polishing and Proofreading

Before sending out your pitch letter, make sure to thoroughly proofread it for any errors or typos. Your letter should be polished, professional, and free of grammatical mistakes. Consider having a trusted friend or colleague review it as well to provide feedback and ensure it makes a strong impression.

Follow-Up Strategy

After sending out your pitch letter, be prepared to follow up with the agent if you don't hear back within a reasonable timeframe. A polite and professional follow-up email can demonstrate your persistence and commitment to your work. Remember to respect the agent's time and be patient while waiting for a response.

By crafting a well-written and persuasive pitch letter, you can increase your chances of capturing the interest of a publishing agent and ultimately securing a book deal. Put in the time and effort to make your letter stand out, and you may just find yourself one step closer to seeing your book in print.

*Niall MacGiolla Bhuí PhD is an author, editor, ghostwriter and blogger. He has edited over 100+ books and has presented workshops and lectures throughout Ireland, the UK, Sweden and Canada. His latest publication is 'The Author's Playbook' (ShadowScript Publications, 2024). 

Works Cited 

https://isbndb.com/blog/how-many-books-are-in-the-world/https://

www.writersdigest.com/getting-published/examples-of-book-hooks-elevator-pitches

WordsRated, (February 2, 2022).