What Agents Look for in Sample Pages

[@kanashiiookami6537]

Somehow made me feel better when you say that a rejection likely wasn't based off the sample pages, that they probably didn't read them. Because at least that makes me feel like my sample pages may still be great, but that the query just didn't have anything that intrigued them. Which I get, because, just like I pass by some books because of their blurb (or lack thereof) an agent will do the same for my query. (Hurts, yes. But I have to remind myself it's nothing personal)

[@elissahunt]

"It's nothing personal" should be the mantra for all writers.

[@monamehas5989]

I listened to a very famous author speak last year. She said even if they ask for only 10 pages, send 50. I yelled at my laptop, "No!"

[@ashforceone]

The rule is not to query two agents from the same agency at the same time, but does the same etiquette hold true for pitch events? If I attend an event, can I pitch to agents from an agency where I already have an outstanding query?

[@harpo345]

A lot of agents ask for the first 3 chapters which could mean 10 pages or half the book.

[@asdfghjklasdfghjkl321]

Question: Is a red flag if: You sent a query to an agent who is active and is part of a reputable agency, and is open to querys, but doesn’t seem to have accepted any full requests in months or even years, according to query tracker (so I wonder why they even say they're looking for something on thier Twitter as I then wonder why they're still open for querys, as why not just say you're closed, and if people are just then waisting thier time) And likewise, you sent a query to an agent who is active and part of a reputable agency, and is open to querys, but seems to accept a lot of fulls, according to query tracker (but it's to the point where it seems unrealistic where a single person would be able to read let's say 30 manuscripts every month in a timely manner) I know no agent is the same, but I'm wondering if these are indeed red flags, but for different reasons, or if I'm just missing something? Because I know I've learned on this very channel that Jess only accepts a certain amount of fulls every month as that's what she's able to do. So I'm scratching my head why an agent would seemingly be doing "too little" or doing "too much" 🤷🏽‍♀️ Edit: Spelling

[@elissahunt]

I personally don't see how these are "red flags." If they are reputable agents and say they're open to queries, go ahead and shoot off a query. What do you have to lose? You should be querying widely and often anyway. It's not wasting your time to query as many appropriate agents as possible (preferably in batches of about 5 at a time, so you can make adjustments to your query as necessary).

[@PNWsince89]

Thank you both for your insight! I have a question about why some manuscripts that agents really enjoy and believe are sellable are not ultimately picked up by publishers. What are the main reasons you've found that this happens?

[@BookEndsLiterary]

Great question, we've put it on our list of potential videos!

[@raffaeletropeano4341]

I was wondering if it is okay to query an agent who critiqued sample pages at a literary conference or event. Thank you both for all the insight you provide to us. :D

[@BookEndsLiterary]

absolutely! they want to be included

[@ephanieblue]

Question about comparative titles against your novel. Is it better to use current mainstream novels or classic novels everyone knows. Is it a good idea to compare your work to books only published through Amazon?

[@BookEndsLiterary]

Watch our video on this....it's better to use titles that have sold or published in the last 3 or so years. Most publishers aren't buying the same books they bought 10, 20, or 100 years ago.

[@harpo345]

@@BookEndsLiterary I've heard that advice before. Unfortunately I haven't read any books in my genre published in the last 3 years that are very comparable to mine. Flicking through books in a bookstore to get some vague idea of them seems a bit of a cheat.

[@Justafox305]

This might be a silly question, if an agent asks for 10 pages, does it matter if I single space so I can get more words over or should it be double space?

[@elissahunt]

As James said, sample pages should be based on the pages in your Word doc, and those pages should be double spaced, about 250 words per page. That is standard. Cramming more words in is NOT going to generate more interest in your work if the first 500-1250 words don't already hook the agent.

[@Justafox305]

@@elissahunt thank you

[@andreahartman9656]

@@elissahunt The detail about double spaced is helpful, because I don’t keep my docs double spaced when I’m drafting or writing for pleasure, but I know it’s ubiquitous in standard academic formatting.

[@WilliamBilsters]

I don't have a prologue, but I do have an epigraph. And I decided not to include it either because I'll just save it for the time when the agent request material from me.

[@MrDanroche]

I’ve done that before, rounded up with my sample pages, and I always wondered if that was okay

[@robertmilstidbooks]

Great advice Thanks!

[@Zjivarra]

Either of you open to picture book submissions currently? I’ve been hesitant to send my work (2books), because my projects both involve music and I’ve only recently gotten audio files that I can send as part of queries. With family over the next three weeks and didn’t bring any work with me because I haven’t seen them in over 5 years, living out in the world as an expat. So, sorry for reaching out in the comment section instead of e-mail. 🙇🏻 🙏

[@BookEndsLiterary]

Hi there! We have some agents open for picture book submissions, but it looks like at the moment James and Jessica are not open to picture book submissions. James is, however, open to illustrators who may want to work on picture books! You can find all of this under the Submissions tab on our website 😁

[@clintoreilly]

Well noted. Thanks.

[@catcrazed]

Very helpful. I send what the agent asks for. Most are 10 pages. I wonder what causes the agent to ask for more ...the query or the sample pages. I have had some luck and wonder if the requests are off my sample pages or my query.

[@elissahunt]

It probably varies by agent, but I would assume it's a combination of both. The query interests them enough that they continue on to the sample pages, and the pages interest them enough that they ask for more.

[@MrDanroche]

it sounds like the takeaway here is to write a great query letter. If the query is good, but the sample pages are lacking, will an agent sign that writer and walk them through the problems with the manuscript?

[@BookEndsLiterary]

probably not

[@Ruthie888]

Thank you!

[@angelusv18]

The "get it as polished as possible" is confusing me. What does that mean for an agent? I'm not even close to a professional editor but removed any plot inconsistencies, grammar, and spelling errors. Also worked on flow, filler words, etc. Am I missing something?

[@BookEndsLiterary]

It means that if it went to bookstores today you would be comfortable and ready for that.

[@angelusv18]

@@BookEndsLiterary Thank you!

[@starbright6579]

It's best to have a male agent because male agents aren't as picky as female agents. Another thing male agents represent fiction crime more than women agents, they also know how to hustle harder than women. Women agents accept book genres that's romance, young adult, historical fiction, and thriller a little. Men agents take stories that is more likely to become a movie or TV show. Women literary agents are very picky and I will never want to do business with a woman because us women don't stick together. I'm a woman myself but I will never do business with a woman they're to picky and sensitive. Men can be picky too but especially women.

[@grandmastersethy]

Thanks so much for answering my question! That was very helpful! And "Grandmaster" or "Sethy" is fine, and if you're feeling formal, you can use the entire, "Grandmastersethy."