10 tips: How to write a stand-out pitch letter to an agent

Who better to tell you how to write a cover letter to an agent than creative writing teacher and published author, Russ Thomas. Russ is the author of the DS Adam Tyler series including Firewatching, Nighthawking, Cold Reckoning, and Sleeping Dogs (published by Simon & Schuster). You can find him over at www.russthomasauthor.com or follow him on X and Instagram @thevoiceofruss.

Over to you, Russ:

Firstly, I’d just like to put this into perspective. I’ve been rejected by agents many, many times, and each one was gut-wrenching and awful. BUT… I honestly don’t think any of those were because my query letter wasn’t quite right. Keep that in mind and hopefully you’ll find the process of pitching to a literary agent a little less agonising.

How to write a perfect pitch letter to an agent:

Here are my top 10 tips.

1. Do your research and target individual agents.

Your favourite author probably mentions their agent in the acknowledgements. But don’t just aim for the big-hitters! Consider approaching newer agents who areactively building their client list. They are often more hungry to find a new fiction manuscript and will have more incentive to sell your work.

2. Keep the cover letter short.

Three or four paragraphs maximum! It should fit on one side of A4. Don’t be gimmicky! No flowers, presents, scented paper, or multi-coloured fonts. Keep it clear, clean and professional. 12pt Times New Roman (or similar), and always strictly follow the literary agent submission guidelines found on their website.

3. Para 1 – Introduce yourself and your book.

Tell the agent why you are writing to them specifically. Mentioning their current client list shows you’ve done your homework.

4. Para 2 – Pitch your novel.

This is where you need your elevator pitch—one or two sentences that sum up your book, the main character(s), and the stakes. Be clear about your genre (e.g. Thriller, Romance, Science Fiction). An agent needs to know exactly where your book fits in the UK publishing market.

5. Para 3 – Sell yourself.

Mention any successes - prizes, short stories published etc. If you don’t have these, then sell yourself in some other way, even if it’s only to say something interesting about yourself. If you don’t have these, give a small flavour of who you are, especially if your background is relevant to your manuscript. If you have a professional author website, include the link.

6. Don’t oversell yourself in the cover letter.

You’re likely not the next J.K. Rowling, and claiming so can be a red flag. It is, however, helpful to mention 'comp titles'—authors you admire or whose work is in a similar vein to your own.

7. Use a professional salutation.

Open with 'Dear [Agent Name]' and sign off with 'Yours sincerely'. Never address the letter to the agency as a whole. Most agents specialise in specific areas, so ensure your book proposal is going to the right person.

8. Send only what they’ve asked for.

This is usually about three chapters or 10,000 words. Don’t be tempted to break their rules; if you can't follow submission instructions, they may assume you’ll be difficult to work with during the editing process.

9. Make sure your manuscript is finished.

If an agent 'bites', you need to have the full file ready to send. Never query a fiction work that isn't complete. (Non-fiction is different; agents may only want to see a book proposal and a sample).

10. The dreaded Synopsis!

Don’t let the synopsis stall your submission. While important, it is rarely more vital than your opening chapters. f you’re struggling, check out my other post: Top 10 tips: How to write a knock-out synopsis.

Finally, and most importantly: Never EVER pay for someone to represent you! A reputable UK literary agent only makes money when you do (typically a 15% commission).

---

Ensure your submission is agent-ready

A brilliant pitch letter only works if the chapters you attach are polished to a professional standard. Agents receive hundreds of queries a week; don't give them a reason to reject yours due to avoidable typos or structural issues.

As a British English editor with over 20 years of experience, I provide high-level manuscript editing and proofreading for authors preparing for the submission process. My work is 100% human-led, ensuring your unique authorial voice remains intact while meeting the rigorous standards of the publishing industry.

View my Manuscript Services or email ktproofreading@hotmail.com to secure your editorial audit.

Note: I am a senior specialist and do not offer free samples. I provide dedicated, elite support to authors committed to their craft.

About the author

Kat Taylor is a professional proofreader and editor based in the UK, specialising in British English. She works with authors, academics and professionals to help refine their writing for clarity, accuracy and confidence. Learn more about Kat or explore her proofreading and editing services.

Learn More

write a perfect pitch letter to an agent