How to Find a Literary Agent for Your Book | Jane Friedman

Understand Your Work's Commercial Potential There are different levels of commercial viability: some books are "big" books, suitable for Big Five traditional publishers (e.g., Penguin, HarperCollins), while others are "quiet"2 books, suitable for mid-size and small presses. The most important thing to remember is that not every book is cut out to be published by a New York house, or even represented by an agent; most writers have a difficult time being honest with themselves about their work's potential. Here are some rules of thumb about what types of books are suitable for a Big Five traditional publisher: Genre or mainstream fiction, including romance, erotica, mystery/crime, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, new adult Nonfiction books that would get shelved in your average Barnes & Noble or independent bookstore - which requires a strong hook or concept and author platform. Usually a New York publisher won't sign a nonfiction book unless it anticipates selling 10,000 to 20,000 copies minimum.