The query system asks authors to compress a full manuscript into a 250 to 300 word letter that must simultaneously introduce the book, establish its market position, signal the author's voice and convince an agent to read more — all before the agent has read a single word of the actual manuscript. The system has structural problems that are worth understanding before investing significant time in it.

How the System Works, and Where It Fails

Most established agents carry full client lists with limited room for new clients. Query volumes have grown substantially — agents now report receiving 3,000 to 5,000 queries per month. Response times average weeks to months and many agents operate on a no-response-means-no policy. As of 2025, agents are additionally alert to AI-generated query letters and are screening for the generic-sounding submissions that AI tools tend to produce.

Literary agent Wendy Lawton at Books and Such has been direct about the limitation: queries are not necessarily representative, and some of the finest writers produce some of the weakest query letters. The skill of writing a compelling 250-word pitch and the skill of writing a compelling novel are genuinely different skills.

Who the Query System Disadvantages

The structural critiques of the query system identify consistent patterns. Authors outside the US and UK lack access to industry conferences and networking events where informal agent relationships form. Authors without MFA networks or publishing connections cannot access referral pathways. Authors from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds may find that their stories do not fit the commercial templates agents use to assess market potential.

Alex Adsett Literary's submission policy reflects a direct response to this gap. The agency currently accepts open submissions only from underrepresented backgrounds including First Nations authors, authors of colour, authors with disability and authors from varied socio-economic circumstances, alongside invited and referred authors.

Active Australian Agents and What They Are Looking For

A4 Literary

Literary and upmarket fiction, narrative non-fiction and memoir. Not currently accepting fantasy, science fiction, YA or children's. Agents include Grace Heifetz, Tom Gilliatt and Michaela McGuire.

Alex Adsett Literary

Rom-com, crime, romance/fantasy, commercial fiction and literary fiction with strong narrative. Submissions currently by invitation, referral or from underrepresented backgrounds only.

Curtis Brown Australia

Commercial and literary fiction. Submissions accepted in specified windows — check the website for current open periods before submitting.

Hindsight Literary

Adult fiction, non-fiction and children's. Does not represent works written or illustrated using artificial intelligence, science fiction or previously self-published titles.

Verify before submitting: Agent submission requirements and open/closed status change frequently. Check each agency's current website immediately before submitting. Submitting to a closed agent or in the wrong genre wastes time and may affect how the agency receives future submissions from you.

Bypassing the Agent System in Australia

Australian authors have legitimate paths that do not require an agent. A growing number of Australian independent publishers accept unagented manuscripts directly — research identifying publishers currently open to unsolicited submissions is available from Australian writing organisations including the Australian Writers' Centre and Writing NSW.

Writing competitions and manuscript prizes remain effective career-launchers. The Vogel Award and Black Inc's writing prizes have a direct track record of launching Australian author careers. State-based competitions run through organisations including Writers Victoria also attract publisher attention.

Self-publishing as a legitimate alternative: For authors who cannot secure a traditional deal through agents or direct publisher submission, self-publishing is increasingly a financially comparable and professionally credible choice. The royalty rates, creative control and speed to market available through self-publishing now compare favourably with what most traditionally published Australian authors receive.

Whether you are querying agents or self-publishing, the manuscript needs to be ready.

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What Literary Agents Actually Want, and Why the Query Process Is Broken