3 Reasons Agents and Editors Say No

I often get asked what makes or breaks getting a book deal.
And I see a ton of would-be authors concentrating on what won’t help.

So I want to share what I’ve learned matters — and what doesn’t — when it comes to landing a literary agent and a book deal with a major traditional publisher.

Three components that always matter:

1. A good idea that is unique and salable to a certain demographic of readers

2. An effective marketing strategy to reach those readers

3. A proven track record of selling to those readers

Having all three of these within your book proposal makes your chances of finding an agent and landing a book deal with a traditional publisher pretty good.

That being said, most of my clients don’t have all three elements in place when we start working together. That’s actually part of the work I do for my authors before approaching an agent.

(Note: You gotta have #1 for me to work with you.)

And here’s a short list of what doesn’t matter (as much).

Typos.

An error here and there won’t ruin your chances — unless you are incredibly sloppy and have a million.