Literary Agents and Manuscript Wish Lists (MSWL)
Literary agents act as advocates for authors, helping them navigate the complex publishing industry. These professionals possess industry expertise, knowledge of market trends, and connections with editors and publishers. By representing authors, agents aim to secure book deals, negotiate contracts, and provide strategic guidance throughout the publishing process. Having said all that, I thought that getting an agent was an immediate shoe-in to getting a book published, unfortunately as I found out the hard way, that’s not always the case; they are simply the first ‘gatekeeper’, and then you have to get past commissioning editors - plus an array of other people in the background. Still, your chances of getting traditionally published are significantly increased by getting one, so knowing what they are looking for can be really helpful…
Manuscript Wish Lists (MSWL): A Manuscript Wish List, often abbreviated as MSWL, is a tool used by literary agents to communicate their specific preferences and interests regarding the types of manuscripts they are actively seeking.
Understanding the MSWL: The Manuscript Wish List typically outlines the genres, themes, and specific elements that literary agents are currently looking for in submissions. This can range from specific settings and character types to overarching themes and narrative styles. Agents use MSWL to provide transparency to authors and streamline the submission process. Sometimes they post their MSWL on Twitter/X, (will X as a name ever catch hold?) or the dedicated website manuscriptwishlist.com.
How to Use MSWL Effectively:
Research Extensively: Before submitting your manuscript to any literary agent, research their background, client list, and, most importantly, their Manuscript Wish List. This information is often available on the agent's website or on dedicated platforms like Manuscript Wish List (manuscriptwishlist.com) or Twitter/X.
Tailor Your Submission: Once you've identified agents whose MSWL aligns with your work, tailor your submission accordingly. Highlight elements in your manuscript that resonate with the agent's preferences, making your submission stand out.
Be Authentic: While it's crucial to align your work with an agent's preferences, authenticity should never be compromised. Agents appreciate unique voices and fresh perspectives, so focus on showcasing your individuality within the parameters of the agent's wish list.
Stay Updated: Manuscript Wish Lists are not static. Agents may update their preferences based on market trends, personal interests, or client needs. Regularly check the agent's website or social media for any changes to ensure your submissions remain relevant.
Conclusion: In the mysterious, closed shop of publishing, Manuscript Wish Lists can help with ‘lifting the veil’ on what agents are specifically looking for. This transparency is especially useful since rejections from agents rarely contain any sort of feedback. Anything that can go a small way to demystify the seeimingly arbitrary nature of agent’s decisions is helpful, it can empower the author to refine their approach and tailor their submissions, without flailing about in the dark.
By understanding the role of literary agents and doing your due diligence, writers can increase their chances of finding the perfect advocate for their work. Aspiring authors should view the Manuscript Wish List not as a set of restrictive guidelines, but as a collaborative tool to connect with agents who share a passion for their unique stories.
