Guide

Go to AgentInbox

What is AgentInbox?

AgentInbox is a service that connects publication-ready authors with reputable, vetted literary agents.
AgentInbox helps you create a high-quality submission and then sends it out to the right agents, so you stand out from the sea of “slush ”.
AgentInbox includes tutorials on what agents expect and how to write perfect query letters, manuscript samples, and non-fiction book proposals.

Why do I need it?

You put your blood, sweat, and tears into your writing. Why should you spend months – even years – struggling to find an agent?
Reach world-class agents today – in only a few clicks.
Save endless hours of research from outdated sources.
Save on the expense of snail mail and the unreliability of email.

How does it work?

Registration is fast, easy, and free. Already a WEbook member? Just sign in.
Create a quick author profile.
Enter your book’s vital stats, including the title, genre, query letter, and part or all of your manuscript. You can save your info and return at any time.
Search AgentInbox’s impressive roster of quality agents [link to agent list] to find the perfect match for your book, whether it’s a novel or a cookbook.
Only the agents you choose will see your work.
Interested agents will contact you directly.

Need a visual? Watch this how-to video.

Who is behind it?

AgentInbox is powered by WEbook.com, a company recognized by USA Today, The Washington Post, and Forbes for its innovative fusion of writing and social networking. WEbook is the fastest-growing community of writers on the Web – over 45,000 book projects and counting! WEbook knows that it takes more than a great book idea to make it in today’s publishing world. AgentInbox was born from WEbook’s experience working with new writers. We know what it takes to find a great agent.

Are results guaranteed?

AgentInbox guarantees that your submission will be sent to the agent(s) you select, after WEbook confirms that it meets basic submission standards.
AgentInbox cannot guarantee that you’ll be signed by an agent. The decision to represent an author is highly subjective, and can only be made by individual agents, without the input of WEbook.

Does it cost anything?

Not at present. During our initial introductory period, all Basic and Premium services of AgentInbox are available at no charge to users. In the future, Premium AgentInbox services may be subject to fees, based on user feedback.

Do literary agents receive payment from WEbook?

Absolutely not. We abide by the Canon of Ethics put forth by the Association of Author Representatives, which states that literary agents should not receive payment for reviewing submissions.

How do I know when I am ready to submit to AgentInbox?

Check out our tutorials to find out what it takes to find an agent for a fiction or non-fiction book.
Do you have a query letter?
Is your fiction manuscript complete?
Have you completed a non-fiction proposal?

How do I submit to more than one agent?

It’s easy to submit to more than one agent. When you create an AgentInbox submission, simply select “Save & Add Another Agent” after you write your first query letter. You can then choose another agent from the list of those interested in your book’s genre. You will need to write a personalized query for each agent you select.

If you have already completed a full submission via AgentInbox, visit My Submissions from your personal homepage. Select “See Details,” then “Update/Add Agents.” Tailor a query letter for each agent you choose.

Should I customize my query letter for each agent?

Yes. Many agents expect you to explain why you are interested in being represented by them. Perhaps you’re a big fan of one of their author’s books; your book is similar to a book they’ve represented; you read an article where they were quoted; or saw them speak at a writer’s conference. Agents are looking for books that resonate with their unique interests and specialties, and the query letter is your chance to prove that you’re a good match.

What if the agents I select have different submission requirements?

Literary agents look at many unsolicited submissions each week, so many have very specific requirements. Some want to see only a query letter first. If they’re interested, they will request anything from the first five pages of your manuscript to the whole thing. For non-fiction submissions, some agents ask for only a query letter, and others want both a query and a full non-fiction proposal. AgentInbox allows you to customize your query letter, but some agents who prefer not to receive a manuscript sample and/or non-fiction proposal will receive one with your submission, or will receive a longer sample than they asked for. This is okay. Agents who participate in AgentInbox understand that the system has a few limitations at present. It’s easy for participating agents to choose when and whether to read a manuscript sample or non-fiction proposal. And you never know—if an agent likes your query letter, they might just look at your manuscript sample or non-fiction proposal right away.