There is a moment in almost every writer's journey when the question arises: Is my manuscript ready to send to an agent?
It is an important question, and one that is often answered incorrectly.
A manuscript does not need to be flawless before it is submitted. Few manuscripts are. But there is a significant difference between a manuscript that still needs development and one that is ready to be considered professionally.
The manuscript should be complete
For most works of fiction, this means having a finished manuscript rather than a promising opening and an unfinished story.
A strong concept can generate excitement, but representation ultimately concerns the book itself. Before approaching agents, writers should take the manuscript through its complete arc and give themselves the opportunity to discover what the story actually becomes.
The central idea should be clear
A manuscript can contain beautiful writing and still leave an agent wondering what the book is fundamentally about.
The central premise does not have to be reduced to a single sentence, but the project should have a recognizable identity.
Revision is part of the writing
Finishing the manuscript is not necessarily the same thing as finishing the book. Revision is where many manuscripts begin to reveal their true strengths.
The opening needs to earn attention
Agents read a great deal of material. The opening pages therefore carry considerable responsibility. The opening should give the reader a reason to continue.
Your voice should be visible
A technically competent manuscript is not necessarily a memorable one. Agents are often drawn to writing that feels specific to its author.
Know what kind of book you have written
Authors do not need to become publishing experts before approaching representation. But it helps to understand the broad category in which their book belongs.
The query should open the door
A query letter has one fundamental job: to make an agent want to read the manuscript.
Think about representation as a relationship
Finding an agent is not simply about finding someone willing to submit your manuscript to publishers. An agent may become a long-term professional partner.
Presentation should be professional
The manuscript itself should not require elaborate design. Follow the submission guidelines of the particular agency carefully.
Ready does not mean perfect
A manuscript can be ready for representation while still having room to improve. What matters is that the author has taken the manuscript seriously, revised it thoughtfully, and brought the work to a point where its strengths can be seen clearly.
At some point, the writer has to decide that the work is ready to meet its next reader. And sometimes that next reader is an agent.