I compiled a new list of agents to query. I’ll expand ( or contract ) that list as necessary.

Ever wondered what the odds of selling a book are? Here’s a sample of how the math breaks down. In reality the numbers may be better, or worse.

Let me temper this by stating that the book industry publishes 10,000 new books by first time authors every year.

At present there’s roughly 1,200 literary agents. Of that 200 will consider new clients ( or will admit they will ) and have a listing in Jeff Herman’s book. Of the 200 agents considering clients the rejection rate is 99%.

Assume an agent receives 1000 queries a year. This is a very low estimate, as some agents receive 10,000 queries or more.

1000 queries X 99 % rejected = 10 writers who advance to the next round per agent. Some agencies handle many clients, some less.

Still want to try and sell a book now? Really? Please repeat after me.
1) AA meets on Wednesday nights.
2) The Carrier Clinic is now accepting applications for inpatient and outpatient treatment.