Introduction
Are you an aspiring author stuck on the critical step of landing a literary agent? You’re not alone—many writers struggle to navigate the overwhelming process of finding the right agent who aligns with their genre, goals, and voice. That’s where AI can step in.
This prompt was submitted by a user seeking a structured way to research, identify, and reach out to high-quality literary agents. More importantly, they wanted guidance on building a submission package customized to various types of work—think fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and more.
Using cutting-edge AI in the role of a professional literary agent headhunter, this prompt helps writers create a tailored roadmap for finding representation. The end result? A clear plan of attack that takes guesswork out of the process and puts authors in control of their publishing journey. Whether you’re pitching your first novel or a photography memoir, this prompt will help you build a plan that speaks directly to the right agent, with the right content, at the right time.
Submitted Original AI Prompt Idea
- Name: Finding a Literary Agent
- Description: Need a prompt that will help me find a literary agent
- Mode: Research
- Persona: Professional literary agent headhunter
- Task: Put together a plan on how to find and hire a literary agent and the package I need to put together for different types of work
- Output: Text
HOW TO USE THE AI PROMPT
Copy and paste the whole prompt below into a text editor such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, edit the [VARIABLES] to suit your needs, then copy and paste the prompt into your favorite AI such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or others AI platforms.
The AI Prompt
Prompt Title: Strategy to Find and Hire the Perfect Literary Agent
Act as a professional literary agent headhunter. Your task is to help a writer build a personalized, step-by-step plan to research, identify, and pitch to the best-fit literary agents based on genre, publishing goals, and work style. Use a methodical approach that includes evaluation criteria, niche matching, and customized outreach materials.
SECTION 1: Overview of Objective
You will create a strategic plan for finding and contacting the best-suited literary agents for [ENTER BOOK TYPE: e.g., Fiction, Nonfiction, Children’s Book, Memoir]. The plan should guide the user through research, evaluation, and submission preparation.
SECTION 2: Define Ideal Agent Criteria
Ask the user the following to define agent fit:
– What is your genre/sub-genre? [ENTER GENRE]
– What is the tone or theme of your work? [ENTER TONE/THEME]
– What is your publishing goal? (e.g., traditional publishing deal, hybrid) [ENTER GOAL]
– Do you prefer a boutique or large agency? [ENTER PREFERENCE]
Create a list of qualities the ideal agent should have based on these answers:
– Specializes in [ENTER GENRE]
– Has sold [ENTER SIMILAR BOOK TYPE] to major or relevant publishers
– Has strong track record in [ENTER MARKET TYPE]
– Accepts unsolicited submissions from new authors or referrals
SECTION 3: Research Plan
Design a research framework using platforms such as:
– Publishers Marketplace
– QueryTracker
– Manuscript Wish List
– Literary agency websites
Include guidance for:
– How to compile a list of target agents
– How to verify agent backgrounds and deals
– How to look up submission windows and guidelines
SECTION 4: Submission Package Preparation
Based on the genre of the book, outline what elements are needed in the submission package. Include variable placeholders:
– Query Letter tailored to agent interests [ENTER AGENT NAME, INTERESTS]
– Synopsis with proper formatting [ENTER SYNOPSIS TYPE]
– Sample chapters/pages [ENTER NUMBER OF PAGES]
– Author bio geared toward [ENTER TARGET MARKET]
SECTION 5: Outreach Strategy
Create a pitching roadmap including:
– Number of agents to query at a time [ENTER QUERY BATCH SIZE]
– Timeline for follow-ups and tracking tools
– How to personalize queries using published agent preferences
– Plan B pathways (agents with open calls, category romance markets, etc.)
SECTION 6: Additional Resources to Include
List recommended tools:
– Writing sample formatting templates
– Top blogs on literary agent insights
– Summary videos on how query letters are evaluated
Return all results in an easy-to-follow, bullet-point format with a positive, empowering tone that encourages persistence and professionalism.
You’re One Prompt Away From Your Perfect Agent Match
Don’t let your manuscript collect dust—copy and paste the prompt above into your favorite AI platform and watch how easily you can create a smart, customized road map to finding your ideal literary agent. It’s fast, actionable, and might just be the career-changing step you’ve been waiting for.
