Literary Agent Query Tracker Planner: A Step-by-Step Guide

When you're ready to submit your manuscript to literary agents, you enter a critical phase in your writing career. This stage, often referred to as the "querying" phase, is the process of reaching out to agents in the hope that they will represent your work. It can be a long and complicated process, but having an organized approach can make all the difference.

A Literary Agent Query Tracker Planner is an essential tool that can help authors stay organized, track submissions, and ultimately land the right agent. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating and using your very own query tracker planner, ensuring that you manage your submissions effectively, avoid mistakes, and keep your spirits high throughout the querying process.

Step 1: Understand the Querying Process

Before diving into the query tracker planner, it's essential to have a clear understanding of what the querying process entails. Querying a literary agent is an art as much as it is a science, and every author will experience it differently.

What is a Query Letter?

A query letter is your first introduction to a literary agent. It's typically a one-page letter that presents your manuscript, your writing credentials (if any), and why you think the agent would be a good fit for your work. You'll include information like:

• Title of your book
• Genre and word count
• A brief summary of the plot
• A short bio, including any relevant writing experience
• Why you're querying that specific agent

A good query letter will be concise, professional, and tailored to the agent you're querying.

Step 2: Research Literary Agents

Your first task is to research literary agents who might be interested in your manuscript. This is a crucial step, as submitting to the wrong agent can be a waste of time and energy. Here's how you should go about it:

• Look at Agency Websites: Most literary agencies list their agents and the types of books they represent. Read through their submission guidelines carefully, as agents vary in terms of the material they're willing to review.
• Use Databases: Platforms like QueryTracker, AgentQuery, and Publishers Marketplace allow you to search for agents based on their interests and submission preferences.
• Read Interviews and Articles: Often, agents give interviews or write blog posts where they discuss the kind of books they're looking for. Reading these resources can provide more insight into whether an agent is a good fit.

Step 3: Create Your Query Tracker Planner

A query tracker planner is a tool to help you organize and manage your submissions. It will help you track important information such as:

• Which agents you've queried
• The status of each query
• Submission deadlines
• Responses (or lack thereof)
• Notes on specific agents or agencies

Creating a query tracker planner can be done either digitally or with pen and paper, depending on your preference. Below is a suggested layout and categories for your query tracker:

Query Tracker Layout

| Agent Name | Agency Name | Submission Date | Response Date | Response Type | Notes | |----------------|-----------------|---------------------|-------------------|-----------------------------|----------------------------------| | Agent 1 | Agency 1 | 01/01/2025 | 01/15/2025 | Rejection | Personalized feedback on pacing. | | Agent 2 | Agency 2 | 01/10/2025 | 01/20/2025 | No Response | Follow up in 4 weeks. | | Agent 3 | Agency 3 | 01/05/2025 | 01/30/2025 | Request for Full Manuscript | Liked the character development. | | Agent 4 | Agency 4 | 01/15/2025 | 01/25/2025 | Rejection | Standard form rejection. |

Key Sections to Include:

1. Agent Name: The full name of the agent you've contacted.
2. Agency Name: The literary agency they represent.
3. Submission Date: The date you sent your query letter.
4. Response Date: The date the agent responds, whether they ask for a full manuscript, request revisions, or reject your submission.
5. Response Type: The type of response you receive. This could be a request for more material (partial/full manuscript), a personalized rejection, or a form rejection.
6. Notes: Any important observations about the agent, submission, or manuscript. For example, if the agent gives you feedback or asks for a specific change, write it here.

Step 4: Organize Your Agents

As you start your agent search, it's helpful to group agents into categories. This will help you manage your list efficiently and tailor your submissions. Some common categories include:

1. Tier 1: Dream Agents

These are the agents that represent the kind of books you admire and are highly selective in their client base. Their response rate might be lower, but getting them to read your manuscript could be a huge career boost.

• Research these agents thoroughly.
• Be sure to personalize your query letter.
• These agents may require additional materials like a synopsis or a chapter outline.

2. Tier 2: Good Fit Agents

These agents are also reputable, but they might not have the same level of name recognition as your dream agents. They might have a broader client base or a slightly different style.

• You still need to research each agent.
• Personalize your query letters, but these agents might be more flexible with their requirements.

3. Tier 3: Agents with Open Submissions

These agents have more relaxed submission processes, meaning they may be more willing to take on new clients. They may represent a wide range of genres.

• These agents can be a good option for newer writers.
• If they offer an open submission period, make sure your manuscript is polished before you submit.

4. Tier 4: Backup Agents

These are agents who might not be the ideal fit for your work, but you're still considering submitting to them. They might be a good option if you're struggling to get responses from higher-tier agents.

Step 5: Submit and Track

Once your query tracker planner is set up, start submitting your query letters according to the plan you've created. As you submit, track the status of each submission and update the tracker with the latest responses or lack thereof.

Submission Tips:

• Customize Each Query: Tailor each query letter to the specific agent. Mention why you're submitting to them, referencing their interests and recent sales.
• Follow Submission Guidelines: Be sure to follow the submission guidelines on the agent's website exactly. If they request the first 10 pages, don't send more.
• Be Patient: Agents often take weeks or even months to respond. Don't be discouraged if you don't get immediate feedback.

Step 6: Analyze the Responses

As you receive responses, analyze them to see if any trends emerge. Are agents rejecting the manuscript due to a certain issue? Are certain aspects of the story getting consistently positive feedback?

Response Types:

• Request for Full Manuscript: If an agent requests the full manuscript, that's a great sign! They liked your query letter enough to ask for more. Be prepared to send the manuscript quickly, and ensure it's polished and ready for review.
• Personalized Feedback: If an agent provides feedback on why they rejected the manuscript (e.g., pacing issues, character development, or genre fit), take it seriously. Use this feedback to revise and improve your work before submitting it elsewhere.
• Form Rejection: Form rejections are common, especially from agents who receive a high volume of submissions. While disappointing, these are a normal part of the querying process and should not be taken personally.

Step 7: Stay Organized and Persistent

The querying process can take months or even years. The key to success is persistence and maintaining organization. By using a query tracker planner, you'll always know where you stand with each submission, and you'll be able to make informed decisions about when to follow up or move on to the next agent.

Tips for Staying Organized:

• Set Deadlines for Follow-Ups: Set reminders for follow-up emails. If an agent has not responded after a specific period (e.g., 8 weeks), it's acceptable to send a polite follow-up query.
• Take Breaks: Querying can be exhausting and mentally draining. Take breaks when needed to avoid burnout.
• Keep Writing: While waiting for responses, continue writing your next project or revising your current manuscript. The more you write, the better you become as an author.

Conclusion

A Literary Agent Query Tracker Planner is an invaluable tool for any writer entering the often-daunting world of agent querying. By staying organized and focused, tracking your submissions, and learning from the responses you receive, you'll be well on your way to securing the right literary agent for your work.

While rejection is inevitable, perseverance is key. With each submission, you're one step closer to achieving your goal. Keep refining your query letters, keep improving your manuscript, and keep submitting---success is just around the corner.

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