How to get your book published, according to a top UK agent

Browse the shelves in bookshops, find the genre you are writing in and read the blurb on the back of these books. See how publishers refine their pitches to get a reader excited by a book before they’ve read a word of it and take note of the book titles that draw your attention – these are what get a reader to pick up a book. Make sure your own title is just as strong – choose one that resonates with someone who knows nothing about the story you have written. Practise pitching your book in the mirror or to friends and family.

Keep your cover letter conversational yet professional, and don’t start it with reams about yourself, get straight to the pitch and then include your bio further down. We read hundreds of covering letters a day and really appreciate a concise letter that gets straight to the point. Once we’re excited by the pitch, we’ll prioritise the opening chapters. It’s important to practise writing a synopsis, but most agents are drawn to the chapters first and will only look at the synopsis to find out where the story is heading once they’re intrigued by the opening.  

Really polish those opening three chapters – these will get an agent hooked so you want them to be as enticing as possible. Think about character – this is what typically draws a reader in before they get embroiled in the plot. Keep submitting to agents until you’ve exhausted every option. If you’ve had multiple rejections and haven’t heard back, then do consider self-publishing – there are so many opportunities through Amazon alone.

The writers I represent who originally self-published their book know more about the digital landscape than any publishing professional. It’s an amazing education and this extra insight bodes extremely well for all the writer’s future books and the growth of their brand as an author.

Whichever route you decide to go down, my main tip is to persevere. Most agents are looking to represent new talent, and we compete for new writers if we are compelled by the pitch and if their story feels right for the times. We know what publishers are looking for as we study the market trends, so timing plays an important part, and there’s always some luck involved. You need to be submitting to the right person at the right time.

Don’t pay attention to rejections unless they are specifically pointing out an area that can be improved. One of my authors was about to pack it in having written seven unpublished manuscripts, but now she’s a Sunday Times bestseller and her work has been adapted for screen. So many writers are riddled with self-doubt, even highly successful authors who’ve written multiple books – there’s anxiety with every manuscript. Don’t let those critical thoughts put you off. Persevere despite doubting yourself. Just keep going. 

Madeleine Milburn is one of the UK’s leading literary agents, representing multiple Sunday Times and New York Times bestsellers and is the Director of Madeleine Agency.

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