8 red flags to a literary agent

by Virginia Lloyd | Aug 11, 2013 | Blog, Publishing | 7 comments

Book publishing is a commercial business full of highly professional and sophisticated people who love books of all kinds. We’re all looking for new authors with wonderful stories. It’s a complicated and difficult way to make money, but the goal is simple. Book publishers acquire manuscripts which they believe they can market to a particular demographic of readers in order to make a profit.

Among other things, a literary agent attempts to find manuscripts she believes publishers will want to acquire for publication.

Given the infinite information available online about the business of publishing, and the constant reminders about how difficult it is to find and agent and/or a publisher, it continues to astound me how unprofessional so many unpublished writers can be. This weekend I’ve been catching up on queries from unagented writers. On more than one occasion I’ve had to pick up my jaw from the floor.

Here are eight red flags that — rightly or wrongly — make me suspect you are not professional about the business of getting published.

You query me about your manuscript without having read my submissions guidelines.
You pitch your manuscript to me in a comment on one of my old blog posts.
You ask me to assess your memoir even though you have not yet finished a complete first draft.
Despite reading that I’m not accepting fiction queries at the moment, you query me about your novel in the hope that I will make an exception just for you.
You provide your own book cover artwork. (Contracted authors will probably be consulted about cover design, but the publisher almost always has final say over the cover.)
You send the full manuscript as an email attachment without having been invited to do so.
You send an email with four separate attachments and a cover note that says, “Hi Virginia, please see attached.” Would you feel confident about opening an email attachment from a sender you’ve never heard of?
You ask me to connect on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is not for querying agents. Not this one, anyway.

Lots of readers tell me they like my website because I’m open and straightforward. I want to help unpublished writers find publishers, but I’m not a charity and I can’t help everyone. So I want to know: what questions do you have for me as an agent that I haven’t covered on my website? Please don’t be afraid of asking questions. I won’t bite.

Check out what my clients are saying…

Savy Guthrie

			Querying is a daunting process and finding the right editor to work with is critical. I had a wonderful experience utilizing the Agent Strategy Session with Virginia. The review was done quickly, she communicated well during the process, and her level of professionalism on the conference call was impressive. She definitely knows what agents are looking for and her input was extremely helpful. For my previous manuscript, I utilized similar services from other editors  and they were disappointing. Definitely stop your search here.		 - 1/16/2024 				
Sarah Gale

			I worked with Virginia Lloyd in an Author Strategy package and I felt in good hands from the initial conversation. She was masterful in her editing and strategic in her approach. She took the time to understand the content and was delightful to work with. Real and honest in her feedback ... I would highly recommend her to others.		 - 11/26/2023 				
Angie Zmarzly

			My author strategy session with Virginia was extremely worthwhile and spared me a lot of wasted time and stress. Previously I’d read in multiple online sources about how to write an effective query letter and synopsis, but not until I spoke with Virginia and read over her written feedback did it click for me. (I cringe at the thought of what I might’ve sent to agents before speaking with her.)  Virginia even identified a glaring issue with my chosen subtitle that I suspect could’ve caused my manuscript to be instantly rejected. You sometimes hear titles/subtitles don’t matter because they can be changed out later, but in my case it certainly did matter — I’m grateful Virginia helped me see that as well. In short, I highly recommend her services.		 - 11/13/2023 				
Franceska J

			Virginia brought unusual insight and highly developed assessment skills to guide me on how to develop scenes and key moments in a manuscript. Being an author herself and coming from the university of life, Virginia brings an extra dimension and expertise to her work. I received clear guidelines on how to improve my manuscript. Her approach is clear cut, astute and detailed. She gives honest feedback and encouragement, as well as being respectful and sensitive. I highly recommend working with Virginia on your writing and publishing journey --Franceska Jordan AM, author UNDER THE BOAB TREE (2022)		 - 10/19/2023 				
Michael Richards

			Virginia Lloyd is the real deal. I found her advice clear, incisive and generous. It was obviously informed by deep understanding both of the writing journey, of its personal costs and rewards, and of the pragmatic realities of the publishing industry. I strongly recommend her services.		 - 9/27/2023 				
Clare Carter

			I booked an Author Strategy Session with Virginia after realising that I was getting nowhere by myself. As well as helping to refine my synopsis, she has given me valuable advice towards securing an agent or publisher. It was a hugely beneficial service and restored my confidence.		 - 8/04/2023 				
Jim English

			Virginia is a masterful editor. She had so many helpful comments about the first 30 pages of my manuscript. She was particularly helpful about how to launch the plot and engage the reader. I would definitely seek her services again.		 - 4/22/2023 				
Ingrid J. Adams

			As my debut novel, descended, is finally launching this month, I look back on my journey to becoming a published author, and I know I wouldn't be here today without Virginia's help. Her mentorship was invaluable to me. She was honest from day one, and told me what I needed to hear (definitely not what I wanted to hear!). Her wealth of knowledge is vast, and my book definitely wouldn't be what it is without her input.		 - 4/08/2023 				
David Seal

			Writers need to subdue their egos in the name of craft.  Virginia LLoyd knows the craft.  Listen to her.  She knows how to connect you with the hearts of readers.  It may also connect you with your own.		 - 4/01/2023 				
Melissa Goode

			Virginia has been exceptionally helpful in my search for a literary agent. She has helped identify a strategy for me and has given me insights into the market. She is on top of what is happening in the publishing world, her knowledge is current and exact.  I think the fact that she has been on both sides, an author and an agent, means she has a deep understanding of the market and the pressures that come to bear on all players. For writers, this is highly valuable. Virginia is a fabulous resource, she is very approachable and empathic, but also won't waste your time.  I highly recommend Virginia's guidance for those on this journey. Her direct, tailored advice is precisely what is needed for writers who are having to develop a completely different skill set to try and sell their work.		 - 3/01/2023 				
Martin Settle

			I had never used a literary service before I dealt with Loyd Literary Services but now that I've experienced Loyd's I shall make this a part of my publication process. What this service did for me is to save me Time, Time, Time. For me, time is not money it's creative work. When it comes time for the onerous task of researching agents and agencies for my memoir, Loyd's sent me this wonderful spreadsheet with a researched list of who best I could sent my work to.  Virginia Wade, who runs this operation, is both friendly and profession, and she saw me through many of the tasks needed to send out queries. Further, she offers packages of services to meet your specific needs, packages that are reasonably priced. Finally, you won't be waiting around a long time for her and her staff to deliver your requests. The company is efficient and thorough in getting back material to you.  I was just going to give them a try, but now that I've seen what they can do, I'm aboard with using them.		 - 1/06/2023 				
Bibinaz Pirayesh

			Virginia is a rare find. In my experience with writing coaches/editors, you usually need to find one person to help with the literary skills to help with writing and another to help with promoting the book. Virginia is the unique coach who can do both. I was also looking for someone who could really work with me in a tailored way, and help me develop my book proposal. She was thoughtful about coming up with a plan from the start and really went beyond what I expected because not only did she help me shape a solid proposal, she also helped me develop the actual book in the process. She’s clear, direct, and transparent and she actually knows what agents are looking for (she used to be one). If you’re looking for support in writing your book proposal or developing your book, don’t hesitate. Call her. You won’t be disappointed.		 - 12/06/2022 				
Katherine MK Mitchell

			Virginia Lloyd put on her agent hat and worked with me through the eyes of an agent. It was exactly what I needed. I recognized her clear thinking as both my Query Letter and Synopsis took a new form, and made new sense.  In addition to her practical guidance, she was quick, pleasant and reliable.  I highly recommend her for her editorial thinking and also for pointing you to the right direction as she did me.  All her questions and answers have professional value. KMK		 - 5/17/2022 				
Ubud Yoga House

			This is a recommendation for Virginia Lloyd. I contacted Virginia to help me navigate the process of getting my novel published. It is the best decision I could have made.  Virginia is not only extremely professional but her prices are reasonable and she did an outstanding job. First Virginia edited my query letter and synopsis incorporating my feedback as part of the editing process. She then did thorough research to target 30 agents that represent books comparable to mine. She presented these agents to me on the most amazing, detailed and professional spreadsheet I have ever seen. The spreadsheet was  accompanied by a video she made explaining the layout and  how to use the information. It was extraordinary.  I highly recommend Virginia and encourage anyone who is serious about getting their book published to use her services. She is at the top of her game. This is New York City at its best. So if you want the best, Virginia is your person.		 - 4/17/2022 				
alice cook

			Virginia has the answers to everything.  As a new writer trying to connect with agents, Virginia was able to help me find greater traction in getting my work on the desks of agents for their consideration.  In meeting with Virginia, not only was I able to ask her questions, but she too asked me the questions I needed to find the answers to in order to produce a manuscript that was better conceived and contextualised.  Virginia is wonderful company online; I enjoyed all our meetings. Her feedback was deeply considered and has helped me to better understand myself as a writer and too, the world of publishing.		 - 4/17/2022 				
grant p cunningham

			Virginia Lloyd is simply wonderful!  She led me through the maze of what agents and publishers need from an author as opposed to what I believed they would like.  Intelligent and well informed advice is not always easy to hear but is the basis for all successful proposals.  I can recommend Virginia without hesitation to all who wish to see their projects proceed.  She provides an excellent service which will serve you well.		 - 3/17/2022 				
Richard Cibrano

			Working with Virginia was rewarding beyond my expectations.  She not only helped me through the challenging task of creating an effective synopsis, but offered valuable insight into what a literary agent will look for when deciding whether to take on a novel.  She helped me to become a better writer, and I highly recommend her services to anyone endeavoring in this challenging field.		 - 12/17/2021 				
Alison Sweeney

			Virginia knows the book publishing industry better than most. Her suggestions and guidance are spot on. Whatever happens to my beloved manuscript, Virginia's help with the Query Letter and Synopsis means I gave it my best shot.		 - 12/17/2021 				
Sharon Connolly

			Virginia’s editorial input, advice about submission materials and strategies for approaching publishers were wise, and ultimately effective. Thanks to Virginia, I have a publishing deal!		 - 11/17/2021 				
Nick Bennett

			Working with Virginia, not only made me a better writer but was the reason I was able to get my first book deal. I couldn't recommend working with Virginia and her team enough, whether you're looking to get an agent or pitch publishers!		 - 11/17/2021 				
madi rose

			The best! I have been using Virginia’s editing packages for well over a year and she has been an incredible help, especially for someone new to the industry. She helped me clean up my manuscript for submissions, which helped me grow as a writer. She is not only someone I trust with my work, but I feel like I now have someone in the industry I can turn to for advice. I highly recommend her services.		 - 11/17/2021 				
Scott WIlliams

			Virginia's help in getting my query materials up-to-scratch has been invaluable. She guided in ways to improve, and challenged me when necessary. A more coherent, attractive chapter outline, first chapter, and query letter has been the result! I thoroughly recommend Virginia's services.		 - 11/17/2021 				
Romi Grossberg

			I highly recommend working with Virginia. She not only worked with me on my manuscript but helped me prepare my submissions materials for agents and publishers, something I knew very little about. Virginia has great knowledge, experience and oodles of patience. Even through time zones she responds quickly, is always honest, positive and encouraging. The submissions process is very overwhelming with each agent/publisher asking for different documents at different word lengths, in different formats and it seems there is a secret code in their clubs. Not to worry, Virginia knows the code. Her help in editing and advising on my synopsis, bio, query letter and chapter outline has been incredible and SO needed. Her patience with me (and all the back and forth emailing) has been such a blessing. I will forever be grateful and can't wait to publicly thank her when my book hits the big stage 😉		 - 11/17/2021 				
Peter Mills

			For me as an unpublished novel author, it was great to have Virginia's professional support at my side.  Her patient work on my letter, synopsis and book sample has given me the confidence I need to start the agent submission process.  I look forward to working further with Virginia as a professional advisor on this – and, hopefully, other projects in the future.		 - 11/17/2021 				
Karen Casey

			Virginia's experience and knowledge of the publishing industry has been invaluable. Her editorial feedback set me on the right path with my manuscript and synopsis, giving me insight that can be applied to all my other work as well. She is both sensitive and ruthless (in the most helpful way), applying each exactly where it's needed. Highly recommend.		 - 11/17/2021 				
madi rose slade

			The best! I have been using Virginia’s editing packages for well over a year and she has been an incredible help, especially for someone new to the industry. She helped me clean up my manuscript for submissions, which helped me grow as a writer. She is not only someone I trust with my work, but I feel like I now have someone in the industry I can turn to for advice. I highly recommend her services.		 - 10/04/2021 				
Chladil Mail

			Virginia Lloyd is a highly skilled and intuitive editor. Her assistance has been invaluable. Kate Chladil		 - 11/17/2020 				
Ryan W

			Amazing! I used the Agent Query Package from Lloyd Literary Services that helped tidy up my submissions & get them ready for an agent.  Virginia is amazingly insightful & has tons of experience in the industry. Her advice was hugely helpful.  Definitely recommended for all hopeful authors!		 - 11/17/2020

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