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  • Writing Magazine

    HOW TO get discovered

    Jan 06, 2022 6 minutes

    January is a great time to pitch your novel to literary agents. You’ll find them re-energised and keen to discover something fresh and exciting to start the new year. To maximise your chances of getting an agent’s attention amid the deluge of submissions, it’s worth making the effort to perfect your pitch package. I’ve read thousands of pitches in my time as an agent and as managing director of the Curtis Brown Creative writing school – so here are my tips to help you nail the tricky documents that go alongside the opening of your novel as the essential ingredients of the pitch package: the agent letter and synopsis.

    THE LETTER

    1 Target the right agents

    Take time over your research when deciding who to write to. There are lots of directories and databases you can consult – but always cross-check them with the agencies’ own websites as they may not be up-to-date. Read interviews, social media profiles, and look in the acknowledgements of books you like, as agents are often thanked. Pick agents who are interested

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