The August Agency accepts electronic queries exclusively. No hard copy submissions are permitted unless otherwise requested in writing. We actively pursue a diverse array of writers to represent with an emphasis in the following areas:
- popular culture, arts, and entertainment
- women's fiction (not genre romance)
- general fiction
- biographies and memoirs
- creative narrative nonfiction
- media/current events (seasoned journalists receive special favor here)
- political science
- social sciences
- history
- economics
- business and technology
We favor persuasive and prescriptive works, each with a full-bodied narrative command and an undeniable contemporary relevance.
At this time, we are not accepting the following types of submissions:
- self-published works
- screen plays
- children's books
- cozy mysteries
- genre romance
- horror
- poetry
- science fiction
- fantasy
- short story collections
- westerns
- projects by blowhards, bigots, bitches*, or bastards*
*Female canine animals (so long as they can write well) and children born out of wedlock (so long as they can write well) are not excluded from submitting. (Yes, we have a sense of humor, and a low tolerance for unnecessarily difficult people.)
PRIOR TO SUBMITTING
If you want to be an ordinary writer, write an ordinary book. But if you want to be an extraordinary author, be prepared to go the extra mile. Be sure you have:
- completed your novel or produced a comprehensive nonfiction book proposal with sample chapters
- achieved publishing credits
- written a snappy bio accompanied by a dynamic author photo
- written a synopsis to sum up your book
- identified your target audience
- planned your author-driven promotion
- read numerous books on writing craft and how to prepare your work for submission
- kept yourself current with publishing news through social media and by reading newsletters & blogs
- established your platform
- attended writers schools, conferences, workshops, or retreats
- vetted your work using peers, a critique group, and/or an independent editor
Our staff is made up of highly selective, seasoned publishing professionals who will give serious consideration to original, creative, and quality manuscripts from extraordinary writers.
We do not charge a reading fee.
Be sure you have met the requirements above and that your query includes the following:
1. Your name.
2. Your full contact information (address, phone
number, email, etc).
3. The genre of your work.
4. The approximate word count of your work.
5. A brief (1-2 paragraph) author bio.
6. A brief (1-2 paragraph) description of your work.
7. The first 1,000 words of your work.
AFTER SUBMITTING
Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to respond to all incoming email. However, know that every query is read and thoroughly reviewed by our staff.
If we are interested in your project, you should receive a response to your email within two to three weeks. At that time you will receive further instructions on how to submit a full-length copy of your proposal. Thank you in advance for the opportunity to review your work. We look forward to hearing from you.
Please Note:
Due to extreme volume, WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING OVER-THE-TRANSOM SUBMISSIONS AT THIS TIME. Please check back with us often, as we’ll resume once we’ve dug out of the backlog. We will continue to accept submissions if by referral or by request at a writers conference. Thanks.
Pitch your book to us in person one-on-one at one of the best conferences around:
Due to extreme volume,
WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING OVER-THE-TRANSOM SUBMISSIONS AT THIS TIME. Please check back with us often, as we’ll resume once we’ve dug out of the backlog. We will continue to accept submissions by referral or by request at a writers conference. Thanks.
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Please Note:
