
How To Get a Literary Agent: Query Letters, Synopses and Traditional Publishing Explained
About this episode
Learn how to write a query letter, craft a strong synopsis, and find a literary agent with practical advice from industry experts.
Getting a literary agent is one of the biggest hurdles in traditional publishing—but with the right approach, it’s absolutely achievable.
In this panel episode, we’re joined by Laura Bennett to break down exactly what agents are looking for and how to give your submission the best chance of success.
We answer real questions from writers and cover the key steps to securing representation, including:
- How to write a compelling query letter that stands out
- What agents look for in a synopsis (and common mistakes)
- How to craft a blurb that hooks attention
- Where and how to find the right literary agents
- Red flags and pitfalls to avoid when querying
- What to expect from the traditional publishing process
If you’re serious about getting published traditionally, this episode gives you the clarity, strategy, and insider knowledge to approach agents with confidence.
FOLLOW LAURA
https://twitter.com/Losbennett
ABOUT THE LIVERPOOL LITERARY AGENCY
https://www.liverpool-literary.agency/
RESOURCES ON FINDING LITERARY AGENTS
Cover letters - https://www.liverpool-literary.agency/news/guide-to-query-letters /
https://www.mushens-entertainment.com/blog/the-perfect-cover-letter
Publisher's Marketplace: https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/
The Bookseller: https://www.thebookseller.com/home
R/Pubtips: https://www.reddit.com/r/PubTips/
Jericho Writers: https://jerichowriters.com/
I AM in Print: https://www.iaminprint.co.uk/
JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITY
https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITING
To join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

Can I Save This Terrible High Fantasy Story? | Fixing Bad Writing
The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

How To Write A Query Letter Literary Agents Will Love (With Stephen Aryan)
The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

Writing the Fae, Present Tense Storytelling and Confined Fantasy Worlds | Rym Ke...
The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

How to Build a Profitable Author Business (Without Burning Out) | Joanna Penn
The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed