For years, I have been querying books.

Not just one book. Three.

My first novel, The Silence in the Sound. Then The Summer Before. And now my third manuscript, Drive City.

If you are unfamiliar with the publishing world, a literary agent is often the gateway to the major publishing houses. While there are many paths to publication today, including independent and hybrid publishing, I always wanted the opportunity to pursue traditional publishing with a larger house. To do that, you generally need an agent willing to represent your work.

What most people do not realize is that getting a literary agent can feel like a second full-time job.

Agents receive thousands upon thousands of submissions every year. They are looking for exceptional writing, yes, but talent alone is not always enough. Timing matters. Market trends matter. Luck matters. The right manuscript has to land on the right desk at the right moment.

A wonderful book can be rejected simply because an agent already represents something similar. An agent may love your writing but not know how to sell it. The market may not be looking for your type of story at that particular time.

There are countless factors outside an author’s control.

Over the years, I have sent hundreds of query letters.

For those unfamiliar with the term, a query letter is essentially a pitch. It is a one-page introduction that tells an agent who you are, what your book is about, why readers might care, and why you are the right person to tell that story. Think of it as a cover letter, sales pitch, and first impression all rolled into one.

And every agent wants something different.

One may want only a query letter.

Another may want the first five pages.

Another wants ten pages.

Some want three chapters.

Others require a synopsis, which is a summary of the entire book, including the ending.

Some ask detailed questions about your writing background, your platform, comparable titles, future projects, marketing plans, and audience.

Many want everything formatted differently.

Different fonts. Different attachments. Different subject lines. Different submission portals.

Every submission requires research, customization, and attention to detail. Writers spend countless hours studying agency websites, reading interviews, reviewing wish lists, and trying to determine whether their work might be a fit.

Then comes the waiting.

Weeks.

Months.

Sometimes longer.

Most queries receive no response at all.

It can be discouraging. It can test your confidence. It can make you question work you once believed in.

But every now and then, something clicks.

For me, that happened with Drive City.

I am thrilled to share that I am now represented by Diego Harrison of SBR Media.

Diego was one of my top choices from the beginning.

First, Drive City falls directly within the types of stories he loves to represent, literary crime fiction with strong voices and emotional depth.

Second, and perhaps equally important, I admired the way he treated writers. Throughout the querying process, I repeatedly heard authors mention his responsiveness, professionalism, and willingness to provide thoughtful feedback. In an industry where silence is often the norm, that stood out.

Publishing is not simply Diego’s profession. It is clear that books are his passion. He eats, sleeps, and breathes this business.

Diego brings more than fifteen years of publishing experience to his role as a literary agent at SBR Media. He is actively seeking unique voices and storytellers and is dedicated to connecting his clients with publishers both large and small while helping them maximize opportunities for long-term career growth.