Submissions

We know it takes courage to reach out to an agent, and we appreciate you considering us.

While we are very selective, we also do believe that some of the best books are

yet to be published, and we would be honored to hear from you.

 

(Please carefully read our website and the following guidelines before contacting us.)

Genres & Categories

We specialize in and are open to proposals from writers of adult nonfiction, especially in the categories of lifestyle, spiritual growth, memoir, faith & culture, business & leadership, church & ministry, family & relationships, and personal development. (We do also handle fiction, children’s, gift, devotionals, and Bible study curriculum, but typically just for our existing clients who also write adult trade nonfiction.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking to partner with writers who are strong in what we call the Four C’s:

Concept

compelling message or story, unique angle

Craft

writing skill,
unique voice

Crowd

large platform, ready readership, promotional opportunities

Character

relational fit, work ethic, potential for long term partnership

Because we exist to shine the light and love of Jesus into the world, our clients’ books may be deeply spiritual or lightly infused with a Christian faith perspective; faith is always present, whether at the forefront or as a subtle backdrop. 

 

 

Do you have a published book with sales in excess of 25,000 units
and/or an email list + social media followers in excess of 50,000?

Or, were you personally referred to us by an Illuminate client?
If so, click here to say Hello through our fast track option.

(NOTE: Only use this option if you exceed the minimum parameters.)

 

OR

 

Are you an aspiring author?
If so, read on to submit your query and book proposal.

What Not To Do
  • We accept only email submissions. Please don’t send unsolicited “snail mail”; it will be recycled.
  • Currently, we do not accept new submissions for:  fiction, children’s books, poetry, photography, screenplays, or graphic novels. 
  • If this is a simultaneous submission, we ask that you specify, and notify us if you are considering an offer of representation from another agent.
How To Submit
  • Please email your book proposal document (see Illuminate Proposal Guidelines and free downloads below) and three sample chapters to Submissions@IlluminateLiterary.com.
  • Subject Line: Your Book Title by Your Name
  • Paste your query letter into the body of the email.
  • Attach your book proposal and 3-chapter writing sample as a single Word document.
What To Expect
  • We will contact you within four weeks if your proposal catches our interest. Typically, this would be an email asking for more information or to schedule a phone call with the interested agent.
  • Unfortunately, the volume of submissions does not allow us to reply personally to each one or to provide feedback. If we have not contacted you after four weeks, you can assume we have determined that your submission doesn’t fit our current needs and we are unable to offer representation.
What Not To Do
  • We accept only email submissions. Please don’t send unsolicited “snail mail”; it will be recycled.
  • Currently, we do not accept new submissions for:  fiction, children’s books, poetry, photography, screenplays, or graphic novels. 
  • If this is a simultaneous submission, we ask that you specify, and notify us if you are considering an offer of representation from another agent.

ILLUMINATE Proposal Outline

Here are the sections your book proposal should include; you can use this outline as a proposal template. 

Download word file
Download PDF

Overview

  • Title, subtitle
  • Author’s name & contact 
  • Genre/Category
  • Word count range & number of chapters
  • Manuscript status (X chapters complete)

 

 

Summary

Please provide a compelling summary of your book in each of the following lengths:

  • One sentence.
  • One paragraph.
  • One half-page.

 

 

Target Market

Identify your primary and secondary audiences, including specific demographic information (external characteristics; Who is your reader?) and psychographic information (internal motivations; Why will they want to buy your book?). How will this book help them?

 

 

Table of Contents & Chapter Summaries

Number and title your chapters. Write a concise one-paragraph summary of each chapter.

 

 

Author Biography

Tell us about yourself. Include your qualifications and motivations for writing this particular book, and explain your current platform/sphere of influence/built-in audience. 

 

 

Platform & Promotion ideas

Tell us how you will promote your book. Please include relevant data, such as email list, social media followers, media experience, and pertinent statistics whenever possible. Discuss the marketing/publicity venues you are able to personally pursue, including speaking opportunities, influencer connections for endorsements or interviews, etc.  

 

 

Comparable Works

Research and provide other books in your genre/subject area:

 

  • List 3-5 books that will directly compete with your book.
  • Include title, author, publisher, year, number of pages, any special features, and retail price.
  • Explain how your book is similar and how it is distinct from each of these other books—what are you offering that is new to the discourse on this subject?