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Literary Agent Resources
Literary Agent Resources
The workflow of a literary agent is filled with reading, editing, crafting pitches, and managing administrative work. The following is a list of top tools agents use to keep track of queries, communications, and the rest of their mile-long list of work while attempting to make the most of their time.
Dedicated Submissions Platforms
These tools are specifically designed to handle different parts of the querying process, allowing agents to deal with submission forms, tracking, and communications automatically.
QueryManager: This widely-used platform funnels submissions through a structured form, allowing agents to set clear rules, track statuses, and send bulk rejections. It also keeps submissions from cluttering up your main email inbox.
LitArc: Designed as a more complete, centralized workspace for agents and authors alike, LitArc helps you manage your submissions inbox, track statuses, send automated rejections or customized messages, communicate with your clients and agency, and proactively discover talented writers.
Submittable: It’s sometimes used by agencies to collect and review submissions because of its customizable and user-friendly forms.
Client Relationship and Project Trackers
These business tools are easily customizable for an agent’s workflow.
Trello: This tool involves project tracking based on cards placed on labeled boards, making it a great space for visual thinkers. Some agents use Trello to move a card for each submission through stages of their process such as “To Read,” “Partial Requested,” and “Offer Extended”
Notion: Notion allows agents to build custom databases for things like queries and clients, plus store notes, contracts, and other files all in one place. Its flexibility makes it powerful, though it often requires more setup and customization upfront.
Airtable: This option mixes spreadsheets and databases, allowing the tracking of specific data points on submissions. Agents can sort and filter large lists by genre, word count, submission date, or virtually any other data point.
Communication and Scheduling Tools
These focus more on responding to the high volume of queries agents receive. On top of sorting submissions, Agents use them to communicate with clients, other agents, and other editors.
Calendly: Lets agents share available meeting times, eliminating the back-and-forth over scheduling.
Slack/Microsoft Teams: Focus on internal communication and collaboration among agency members.
Zoom/Google Meet: These video conferencing platforms connect agents, clients, and editors through virtual meetings, no matter the distance.
File Storage
Google Drive/Dropbox: Cloud storage options allow easy storage and sharing of contracts, manuscript files, and more.
FAQs
Which tool should I start with if I only use Gmail?
We recommend you start with LitArc (although we might be biased there). It combines file storage, meeting and messaging capabilities, submissions tracking, and task management all into one place, eliminating the need for so many different platforms.
Do I need a different tool for client tracking?
LitArc does allow you to import past queries, so you can easily transition clients onto the platform to continue messaging and meeting with them while consolidating your workflow. You can also track submissions and communicate using LitArc, but you might prefer to use an additional tool like Trello for organizing the big picture with queries, existing clients, and pitches.
Are these tools expensive?
Having multiple subscriptions can be expensive or burdensome, but most platforms offer tiered pricing, meaning they have free or low-cost plans. Sometimes, the cost is outweighed by the time and effort a new tool frees up in your day.
Curious about managing publishing with less stress?
Try LitArc for free.