Finding Literary Agents: QueryTracker, Publishers Marketplace and Cold Queries

The Search for Your Champion

Finding the right literary agent is like dating—except with higher stakes and worse odds. You’re looking for someone who loves your book, understands the market, and has the skills to sell your work. They’re looking for books they can sell from authors they can work with long-term.

The good news: tools exist to make this search more strategic than spray-and-pray. The better news: doing your research dramatically improves your chances of finding the right match.

QueryTracker: The Database

What It Is

QueryTracker is a free database of literary agents with premium features for subscribers. It’s become the default tool for querying writers because it combines agent listings with response-time tracking and query-tracking features.

How to Use It

Search by genre: Filter agents by what they represent. Looking for someone who handles adult thrillers? Science fiction? Middle grade? QueryTracker lets you find agents who actually want what you’re writing.

Check response times: The free version shows average response times based on user reports. If an agent averages 45 days, a non-response at 30 days isn’t a rejection. If their average is 7 days and it’s been a month, they probably passed.

Read comments: Other writers report their experiences. Someone might note “requests partials quickly” or “form rejections only” or “incredibly detailed feedback.” This intel helps you set expectations.

Track your queries: The premium version ($25/year) lets you log queries, track responses, and see your statistics. Essential for managing a serious query campaign.

The Premium Features Worth Considering

• Detailed response-time breakdowns (request rate vs. rejection rate)
• Direct tracking of your submission history
• Alerts when agents open to queries
• More detailed agent information

Publishers Marketplace: The Industry Tool

What It Is

Publishers Marketplace (publishersmarketplace.com) is the industry’s professional networking and deal-tracking platform. It costs $25/month—not cheap—but it’s the most comprehensive source of who’s selling what to whom.

Why It Matters

Deal tracking: PM tracks reported book deals, showing which agents are actually selling books. You can see not just that an agent represents thrillers, but that they sold three thrillers this year—proof they can move work in that category.

Agent profiles: Agents list their interests, recent sales, and client lists. More importantly, you can see their sales history over time.

Market intelligence: What’s selling? What publishers are buying? What’s described as “major deal” versus “nice deal”? This context helps you understand where your book fits.

How to Use It for Research

Before querying any agent:

1. Search their recent sales
2. Check if they’ve sold books similar to yours
3. Note their client roster
4. Verify they’re actively selling (not just “accepting queries”)

The Cost-Benefit Calculation

$25/month adds up. Consider subscribing for one month during your query research phase, downloading and organizing all relevant agent information, then canceling until you need it again.

Manuscript Wish List: Direct from Agents

What It Is

MSWL (manuscriptwishlist.com) is a site where agents and editors post exactly what they’re looking for. “I’d love a thriller set in a museum” or “Looking for adult fantasy with non-European settings.”

Why It’s Valuable

When your book matches a specific MSWL entry, mention it in your query: “I saw your MSWL post about wanting thrillers with unreliable narrators, and I think my book might be a fit.” This shows you’ve done your research and explains why you’re querying this specific agent.

How to Use It

Search by genre and keyword. Follow agents on social media to catch new wish list updates. But remember: MSWL is a bonus, not a requirement. Many great agent matches won’t have specific wish list posts.

Cold Queries: The Reality

Despite all the database searching and wish list matching, most queries are cold—you’re approaching an agent who’s never heard of you, based on research rather than connection.

Cold queries work. Many successful authors found their agents this way. But the numbers are daunting: agents receive hundreds of queries weekly and can only take a handful of new clients yearly.

Making Cold Queries Effective

• Research thoroughly: Show you know what they represent and why you’re approaching them specifically
• Follow guidelines precisely: Nothing says “amateur” like ignoring submission requirements
• Craft a compelling query: In a pile of hundreds, yours needs to stand out
• Be professional: No gimmicks, no desperation, no “I’m the next Stephen King”

Building Query Lists

The Tiered Approach

Create three tiers of agents:

Tier 1 (Dream agents): The perfect fits. Extensive sales history in your genre. Clients whose work you admire. These get your best query after you’ve tested it on others.

Tier 2 (Strong candidates): Good fit, some sales history, solid reputation. Your main querying pool.

Tier 3 (Worth trying): Less certain fits. Newer agents building lists. Agents who represent adjacent categories.

Query in batches: 5-10 agents at a time, starting with Tier 2. Use their responses to refine your query before approaching Tier 1.

Research Checklist for Each Agent

Before querying, know:

• Their recent sales (Publishers Marketplace)
• Response times (QueryTracker)
• Specific interests (MSWL, agency website, interviews)
• Submission guidelines (always check the agency site directly)
• Red flags (lawsuits, complaints, bad contracts)

Red Flags to Avoid

Not all agents are legitimate. Watch for:

• Upfront fees: Real agents make money from sales, not fees
• No verifiable sales: If they can’t name publishers they’ve sold to, be wary
• Steering to “editing services”: A common scam
• Contract issues: Ask in writing communities about specific agents

Resources like Writer Beware (sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/) track problematic agents and agencies.

The Long Game

Finding an agent often takes months—sometimes years. The process requires patience, persistence, and continuous improvement. Each rejection is data. Each request is encouragement. Each revision makes your book stronger.

Use the tools. Do the research. Query strategically. And remember: you only need one yes from the right agent to change everything.