agents looking for historical fiction

Then there's 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It's set in ancient Rome and is told from the perspective of Claudius, a Roman emperor. It gives an insider's view of the political intrigue, power struggles, and family drama in the Roman imperial court.

Another option is to ask for recommendations from friends or in reading groups. People who are into historical fiction can share their favorite books. For instance, someone might recommend 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, which is set in the Tudor period and gives a vivid picture of that era's politics and society.

You can start by looking at the acknowledgments section in your favorite historical fiction books. Authors usually thank their agents there, and it can give you a lead. Additionally, join writing groups or forums focused on historical fiction. Members might share their experiences with agents. Social media platforms can also be useful. Search for relevant hashtags and engage with posts related to literary agents and historical fiction.

One way is to research agencies known for representing historical fiction. Look at their client lists on their websites. For example, some big agencies have sections dedicated to the genres they represent. Another option is to attend writing conferences where agents often scout for new talent. You can also ask other historical fiction authors for referrals. They may have had good experiences with certain agents.

Querying agents directly can also be a method. But before that, make sure your manuscript is polished. Prepare a great query letter that highlights the unique aspects of your historical fiction piece, like the period it's set in, the historical accuracy, and the engaging story. Then send it to agents who have a track record of representing historical fiction or who state that they're interested in this genre in their submission guidelines.

One characteristic is that they often have a specific mission or goal. For example, in a historical spy - related historical fiction, an agent might be tasked with gathering intelligence.

When agents are looking to represent historical fiction, authors need to be aware of the market trends. For example, certain historical periods might be more popular at a given time. However, don't just follow trends blindly. Your passion for the particular historical setting should show through. Moreover, having a clear understanding of your target audience is key. Agents want to know who will read your book. Is it for history buffs? Or perhaps for a more general audience interested in a good story with a historical backdrop? Another important aspect is your author platform. Even if you're a new author, having some presence on social media or in relevant writing communities can be appealing to agents.

They usually want a well - researched plot. Since it's historical fiction, historical accuracy is crucial. Agents look for stories that can transport readers to a different time period. Also, strong characters are important. Characters that are believable and engaging will catch an agent's eye.

The character development is crucial. In historical fiction, characters need to be believable within the context of the historical setting. They should have motives and personalities that are influenced by the era. Also, the plot should be engaging. It should not just rely on the historical backdrop but have its own intrigue. A good historical fiction manuscript weaves the history and the fictional story together seamlessly, so that's something to look for.

They can start by networking with history professors. These professors often come across students or colleagues who are writing historical fiction. Also, they can attend historical conferences where enthusiasts gather. There might be some budding authors presenting their work there.