How to Research Literary Agents

A newsletter about writing, art and living more creatively
Welcome to the other side aka 2021. I did a quick survey on Insta late last year about what info might be most useful on this newsletter. (Thank you for being here, PS!)
One of the topics was how to research literary agents so I am here to share some of my tips to get you started on that journey.
When I talk to people about my path in submitting to literary agents and agencies, I usually say something like “okay, it’s kind of complicated.” (I'm happy to say I'm now repped by the amazing Amanda Orozco, btw!)
By complicated I mostly mean it’s a long process. So I figured I’d offer some tips if you are at the very beginning of your journey in researching agents.
Use Twitter to your advantage.
I really kicked off my search by checking the acknowledgments section of my favorite books and by stalking Twitter. A lot. Authors will often put their agents in their bio or give them a shout-out now and then. I also looked at who the agencies re-tweeted.
Go to the agency website.
Once you find an agency/agent you like, it’s time to do some digging. Let’s say, for example, that you noticed a writer you love tagged their agent. Go to the agent’s account and see the agency they work for. Then go to the agency’s website and browse around to see what other titles they’ve published. THEN look up the agent and see what genres they’re currently interested AND if they are open to submissions. Agents open and close to submissions throughout the year (or if they go on maternal/paternal leave).
Pay attention to info on the agent and submission requirements.
Read the whole description of the agent. Beyond genres, they sometimes post VERY specific things like “searching for a historical fiction romance about a female inventor who falls in love with a ghost” or whatever. If you don’t know who they’ve published yet, take a look at their client list. Click through the clients’ work and social media to see if you have any overlap. THEN see if they take submissions to a general email (like an info@ email address) or if the agent has their own individual email. Some agents and agencies want a certain number of pages and a full proposal, or sometimes just one or the other. Some want a query letter, others don't. Make sure you pay attention to the requirements.
Stay organized.
Keep track of where you’ve submitted — most agencies don’t want you to submit to more than one agent at the same place (they work together, it makes sense!) Also double, TRIPLE check that you have the right name when you send your email over.

Some great resources:
People of Color in Publishing
The Manuscript Academy
Eric Smith's Perfect Pitch
Just a few quick tips! Hit that REPLY button if you have a topic you want me to discuss.
In my own work:
I wrote an essay on growing up in South Central LA and going to USC for Blood Orange Review.
I wrote a short guide in getting your creative work seen, funded and supported.
Your favorite small but feisty writer,
Eva
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Opportunities of the Month

Joshua Tree Highlands Artist Residency 2021
Applications due Jan 10
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2021 New American Poetry Prize
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Women's Studio Workshop
Parent Residency Grant
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Tulsa Artist Fellowship
(based in Oklahoma)
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City of Berkeley Individual Artist Grant
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The Fountainhead Residency
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Bronx Poet Laureate
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Barbara Deming Memorial Fund
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Virginia A. Groot Foundation 2021 Grant
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LACE Emerging Curators Program
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Jerome Emerging Artist Residency Program
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The Undocupoets Fellowship
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