Agent's name unknown

JimHeskett · May 23, 2013

Every bit of querying advice says not to use "Dear Agent" as the lead-in for a query letter, instead to be specific.

But so many of these lit agencies have "[email protected]" as the email and have multiple agents, often representing the same genres.

How am I supposed to target my query to a specific agent when the agency funnels everything through one email address?

Kay · May 23, 2013

I put: Dear Name of Literary Agency,

Then I start my query letter.

waylander · May 23, 2013

Address it to the agent you want, the person wrangling the submisisons will direct it to them.

Calla Lily · May 23, 2013

I used to put "Good morning" or "Good afternoon".

stormie · May 23, 2013

waylander said:
Address it to the agent you want, the person wrangling the submisisons will direct it to them.

And usually if that particular agent sees your work as being a better fit for another agent at that agency, he or she will pass it on.

Thought: type in each agent's name into a search engine. From clicking on and reading the results, you'll get a better feel for which agent in that agency who might be best for you.

VonAngel · May 23, 2013

stormie said:
And usually if that particular agent sees your work as being a better fit for another agent at that agency, he or she will pass it on.

Thought: type in each agent's name into a search engine. From clicking on and reading the results, you'll get a better feel for which agent in that agency who might be best for you.

^^ This. I don't ever just rely on the information provided on an agency's website. I love to read agents' interviews as well to get a better feel for what they like, their personalities, and what they absolutely can't stand (in a MS and even query letters). Google will yield many interviews, QueryTracker comments, AgentQuery profiles, and more. Once you've researched the agents, you should have a better idea of who would best represent you and your work. Then you would address the query to them, although the email address provided is a general one. It will get passed on to the appropriate agent.

Siri Kirpal · May 23, 2013

Sat Nam! (Literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

Dittoing that you check out each of the agents, then pick the best (or toss a coin if they're close) to address your letter to.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

mayqueen · May 23, 2013

I second the advice about Googling each agent's name (plus "interview) and picking the best fit.

Then I do:
Subject line: QUERY for [Agent's Name]: TITLE

Body: Dear [Mr/Ms Name],

Drachen Jager · May 23, 2013

For most larger agencies, the lead agent is the default. If you send it to them, they'll have a look and pass it to the best fit, if it's any good (well, most times, I suspect it's their assistant).

Agent's name unknown

JimHeskett

Writers gon write.

Kay

I wish I was as cool as this cat.

waylander

Who's going for a beer?

Calla Lily

On hiatus

stormie

storm central

VonAngel

Agented Author

Siri Kirpal

Swan in Process

mayqueen

practical experience, FTW

Drachen Jager

Professor of applied misanthropy