Why It’s So Hard to Get a Literary Agent Right Now—And What’s Changed

If you’ve been querying literary agents lately and feel like you’re shouting into a void, you’re not alone. It’s not your imagination—getting a literary agent has always been tough, but in today’s publishing landscape, it’s harder than ever. So what’s going on? Why does it feel like every “no” is coming faster, and every “yes” is even more elusive?

Let’s break down what’s changed, what that means for you, and how you can adapt.

5 Reasons it's Harder Than Ever to Get a Literary Agent

1. There Are Fewer Agents—and Fewer Spots

In recent years, we’ve seen quite a few agents leave the industry. Burnout, low pay, and industry shifts (more on that in a second) have led many to pivot careers or go freelance. That means there are fewer agents actively acquiring new clients. On top of that, those who are open to queries are being more selective than ever.

Most agents only sign a handful of new authors per year. When you consider they may receive thousands of queries annually, the odds suddenly feel a lot less personal—and a lot more like trying to win the lottery.

2. Editors Are Buying Fewer Books

It’s not just agents who are cautious—editors at publishing houses are tightening their lists, too. Publishing is a business, and like any business, it’s impacted by economic uncertainty, shifting reader trends, and internal restructurings. If editors are acquiring fewer projects, agents are naturally more conservative about what they take on. They want to make sure any manuscript they pitch has a strong shot at selling.

3. The Bar for “Ready” Is Higher Now

Five or ten years ago, an agent might have signed a debut author with a solid idea and a manuscript that still needed work. Today, many agents expect manuscripts to be polished, market-savvy, and near-publishable quality. That means authors who are newer to the game (or who haven’t had access to professional feedback) can feel locked out from the start.

4. Query Trends Move Fast

Thanks to Twitter, Substack, podcasts, and publishing-focused forums, information spreads quickly in the writing world. That can be a great thing—but it also means that once a certain pitch formula or comp title becomes popular, agents start seeing the same thing over and over.

The result?

Your once-fresh idea might feel overdone by the time it hits their inbox. Staying on top of trends is key, but so is originality and authentic voice.

5. It’s Easier Than Ever to Submit… and Everyone’s Doing It

Querying used to mean printing and mailing physical letters. Now, with QueryTracker and email submissions, writers can query dozens of agents in a single afternoon. That convenience is awesome...but it also means slush piles have exploded. You’re not just competing with hundreds of writers—you’re competing with thousands.

So What Can You Do About It?

It’s not all doom and gloom. Writers are still signing with agents. Books are still selling. But in a crowded, competitive space, here’s how you can stand out:

• Know your market. Research comp titles, trends, and genre expectations. A great manuscript with no market awareness is a hard sell.

• Polish, polish, polish. Query-ready means tight writing, layered characters, and a strong hook from page one.

• Get feedback. From critique partners, beta readers, or professionals. Sometimes your pitch isn’t landing because your first chapter isn’t as strong as you think it is.

• Be strategic. Tailor your query to each agent. Don’t blast 100 agents with a generic letter. Personalization matters.

• Consider all paths. Traditional publishing isn’t the only route. Small presses and self-publishing are valid (and successful) options for many authors.

Yes, it’s tough out there—but it’s not impossible. And remember: rejection isn’t always about your writing. Sometimes it’s timing, market fit, or a project that’s too close to something already on an agent’s list. Keep learning, keep improving, and most importantly—keep writing.

Your voice matters. And with persistence, the right opportunity can find you.

And if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just want expert eyes on your work before you hit "send" on that next query, that’s exactly what we do inside our coaching programs at At Home Author. Whether you’re just starting out or have been querying for months with no results, we’ll help you tighten your pitch, sharpen your manuscript, and understand what today’s publishing gatekeepers are really looking for.

Ready to feel more confident about your next steps? Click here to learn more about how we can help.