Insights Gained While Working Hand in Hand with a Literary Agent: Lessons Learned

When I first started working closely with literary agents, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew agents were the gatekeepers to traditional publishing, the people who connected authors with editors, negotiated contracts, and helped shape a book’s journey from manuscript to published work. But the reality of working alongside them offered a wealth of insights I hadn't anticipated—insights that have shaped how I coach writers today and how I approach my own writing.

Whether you’re querying agents or considering professional book coaching, here are some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from working hand in hand with literary agents.

1. The Query Process is Both an Art and a Numbers Game

Writers often see querying as a personal trial by fire, but agents view it as part of a larger matchmaking process. One of the biggest takeaways from working with agents is that rejection is not necessarily a reflection of a book’s quality—it’s often about fit. Agents are looking for projects that excite them, align with their market knowledge, and fit their personal tastes.

Many writers make the mistake of taking rejection personally, believing it means their book isn’t good enough. But in reality, agents receive hundreds—sometimes thousands—of queries a year. Even a well-written, compelling book may not align with an agent’s current client list, interests, or the market demands at that moment.

Another factor at play is timing. Agents sometimes pass on a manuscript not because it isn’t good, but because they already represent something similar or they don’t think they can sell it in the current market. Some books that get rejected today might find success later simply because trends shift, an agent’s list changes, or a different agent sees potential where another didn’t.

Successful querying requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to keep refining your approach. Researching agents thoroughly—understanding their preferences, represented titles, and submission guidelines—can significantly increase your chances of getting a request for pages or an offer of representation.

Lesson: Rejection is inevitable, but persistence and strategic querying are key. Tailor your queries, research agents carefully, and don’t take a 'no' as a sign to stop—it may just mean you haven’t found the right agent yet. Keep querying, keep improving, and keep believing in your story.

2. Agents Want Writers to Succeed, But They Can’t Work Miracles

One of the misconceptions I had early on was that once a writer landed an agent, their work was done. In reality, an agent is your advocate, not your savior. They can open doors and provide invaluable industry insight, but they can’t make a publisher buy your book if it’s not ready or marketable. Your manuscript must be strong before an agent can confidently pitch it to editors.

Lesson: Don’t rush to query. Spend time revising and polishing your manuscript. A great agent-writer relationship starts with a strong book that they can confidently represent.

3. Market Trends Matter—But So Does Authenticity

One of the most eye-opening aspects of working with literary agents is how much they balance market trends with individual storytelling. Yes, they pay attention to what’s selling, but they also emphasize that a well-crafted, original story is always in demand. Chasing trends without authenticity often leads to disappointment.

Lesson: Write the book only you can write. Pay attention to the market, but don’t let trends dictate your creative choices. Agents are looking for fresh voices, not just copycats of current bestsellers.

4. A Strong Hook is Everything

If there’s one thing literary agents emphasize over and over, it’s the importance of a compelling hook. Whether in a query letter or a pitch, agents need to be able to succinctly explain why a book stands out. If they can’t capture it in a sentence or two, selling it to an editor becomes much harder.

Lesson: Before querying, refine your hook. Can you pitch your book in one to two sentences? If not, work on clarifying your story’s core premise.

5. Professionalism and Patience Go a Long Way

The publishing industry moves at a glacial pace. I’ve seen writers send queries and get responses months later, sometimes even a year later. I’ve also witnessed how a writer’s professionalism—how they handle feedback, timelines, and rejection—can make or break opportunities.

Lesson: Be patient and professional at every step. Agents remember writers who are easy to work with, and that reputation matters long-term.

6. Storytelling is a Craft, Not Just a Talent

Working with literary agents has deepened my respect for the craft of storytelling. Great writing isn’t just about raw talent; it’s about refining skills, studying structure, and continuously learning. Agents can spot a writer who has put in the effort to master their craft versus one who is hoping natural ability will carry them through.

Lesson: Commit to learning the craft of writing. Read widely, study storytelling techniques, and be open to feedback. The most successful authors are lifelong learners.

7. Publishing is a Business—Treat It Like One

One of the biggest shifts in my perspective came from seeing how agents approach publishing from a business standpoint. Writing is an art, but publishing is an industry. Understanding contracts, rights, marketing, and positioning are crucial parts of long-term success.

Lesson: Educate yourself on the business side of writing. Know what you’re signing, understand your rights, and think beyond just getting an agent—consider your long-term career.

The biggest takeaway from working closely with literary agents is that success in publishing isn’t just about writing a great book—it’s about persistence, professionalism, and a willingness to learn. If you’re on the path to publication, whether traditional or self-publishing, these lessons can help you navigate the journey with greater confidence.

I’d love to hear from you—what have been your biggest lessons from querying, working with agents, or navigating the publishing industry? Let’s chat in the comments!