When a literary agent says he/she does not accept unsolicited manuscipts, what does it really mean?

Answer 1

It means they do not want you sending finished manuscripts. You should send a query letter first. The query letter should introduce who you are, summarize your story, and request information on how to submit a manuscript.

For example:

Dear (agent):

My name is Julie Ann Dawson. I learned of your agency through a listing in the IWWG newsletter. I am interested in submitting my novel, Name of Novel, for your review.

Name of Novel is a tale about a bunch of stuff that I want to tell you about. This paragraph explains the summary of my book. I won't bore you with the in-depth discussion of each and every character's motivations as that will be boring.

My work has previously appeared in Gareth Blackmore's Unusual Tales, Lucidy, Black Bough, Demonground, and a variety of traditional and electronic media. I would be happy to forward smaller writing examples for your review should they be required. You may also visit my website http://www.bardsandsages.com should you require further information.

I look forward to hearing from you. I have enclosed a self-addressed stamped envelope for your convenience.

Sincerely,
Julie Ann Dawson
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If you have no previous publishing credits, then mention something else relevent. For example, if you are writing a children's book and you are a teacher, you might say "As an elementary school teacher for 10 years, I am very familiar with the children's book market. I feel my experience well qualifies me for this project. But keep it relevelent.

Answer 2

It means that they do not take manuscripts that they did not ask for, i.e. soiliticing the author for work.

It's a weird wording, but that's the business.

If you haven't yet, get a copy of Literary Agents 2007. It is the yellow pages of literary agents, with listings of those that take unsolicited mss.

Good luck.

Answer 3

What do you recommend by potential of 'trouble-free artwork'? in many cases it potential that their lists of consumers are finished, and that in the event that they prevalent new consumers it could be on the value of their previous consumers, which they have an inclination to circumvent, on the grounds that those consumers can determine to depart for an agent who does have time for them. incredibly through fact new authors require extra artwork than latest authors, and since the payoff is far less specific, brokers ought to video show what proportion new authors they address.

Answer 4

It means you can't send entire manuscripts. You may (unless they say no queries) send a short letter and a synopsis of your book with a stamped return envelope. If they are interested, they will ask for your manuscript.

Answer 5

Don't call us, we'll call you.