Agents Looking for New Writers of Literary Fiction: What Do They Expect in a Manuscript?
Agents look for well - developed characters. The characters should be complex and multi - dimensional. They should have believable motives and grow or change throughout the story. For instance, a character who starts as a shy introvert and gradually becomes more confident as the story progresses due to the events in the story. And of course, the writing should be of high quality. This means proper grammar, punctuation, and a good flow. No agent wants to struggle through a manuscript full of errors.
They expect a unique voice. A manuscript that sounds like a thousand others won't stand out. Your writing should have a distinct style that draws the reader in. For example, the way you use language, whether it's very descriptive or more sparse and to - the - point, should be your own. Also, a strong plot or concept is crucial. In literary fiction, it doesn't have to be a high - octane action plot, but there should be something that keeps the reader engaged throughout.
