Andrew Lanoie is a literary agent focused on commercial fiction and select nonfiction, operating at a mid-size agency where he builds long-term writer relationships. This profile explains his typical slant, what he looks for in submissions, and how authors can approach representation. It covers his career background, day-to-day responsibilities on the agent side, common pitfalls in submissions, and practical steps for writers seeking an agent. The aim is to serve as a durable reference for writers researching representation and deciding whether to pursue an agent relationship.
Who Andrew Lanoie Is and What He Does
Andrew Lanoie works as a literary agent helping writers prepare manuscripts, pitch projects to editors, and negotiate deals. In this role, he evaluates submissions, builds targeted lists of editors and houses, and guides clients through contract decisions. His focus areas shape what he actively seeks and what he typically declines. Understanding his subject and category preferences helps writers determine fit before submitting.
His Editorial Focus and Preferred Slant
Lanoie generally represents commercial fiction and certain narrative nonfiction, with particular interest in specific genres and project types. He tends to favor work that balances strong concept with clean prose and clear market positioning. Writers should match their project to his active categories and follow current submission instructions closely. Below is a concise reference table summarizing his common focus areas and typical approach.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Literary Agent | Agency listing and professional profiles |
| Typical Categories | Commercial fiction, select nonfiction | Agency guidelines and public submissions lists |
| Representation Focus | Projects with strong concept and market clarity | Agency focus notes and editorial commentary |
| Client Support | Manuscript shaping, pitching, negotiation | Agency process descriptions |
| Common Submission Method | Query letter and partial or full manuscript as directed | Current agency submission instructions |
How He Started and Built His Career
Lanoie entered the industry through roles that provided exposure to editorial, rights, and sales functions. Many agents begin as assistants, interns, or editorial staff at houses or small agencies, and his path likely followed a similar model of learning operations firsthand. His subsequent move to representing grew from relationships, reading experience, and repeated exposure to how publishing decisions are made. This background informs how he evaluates risk, pacing, and fit when reviewing new projects.
Milestones and Industry Experience
While exact dates and firm role histories may not be fully public, it is typical for agents at mid-size firms to have earlier stints in-house or at neighboring agencies. These experiences shape their submissions discipline and editorial instincts. Career stages often include assistantship, junior agent work, and then independent client representation with increasing autonomy over list building and negotiations.
What He Looks for in Submissions
Lanoie requests materials that demonstrate clarity of concept, voice, and audience. A strong query letter that explains why the project is timely, who the readers are, and what makes the approach distinct usually matters more than elaborate prose samples upfront. He commonly seeks clean, readable pages that show mastery of language and structure, alongside evidence of market awareness. Below is a quick checklist writers can use before sending a submission.
- Follow the agency’s current submission guidelines exactly.
- Include a concise, compelling query letter that highlights stakes and tone.
- Provide a polished first chapter and a brief synopsis as requested.
- Research comparable titles to show awareness of the market.
- Proofread thoroughly and consider professional editing before querying.
Day-to-Day as a Literary Agent
On a typical day, Lanoie reviews new submissions, replies to queries, and updates existing clients on submission outcomes. He may meet with editors, attend rights negotiations, and collaborate with publicists and sales teams on high-priority titles. Relationship management is central, because trust between agent and author affects how projects are positioned and pursued. This mix of reading, communicating, and strategizing defines the routine on the agency side.
Core Responsibilities
| Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Review Submissions | Assess query, sample pages, and synopsis for market fit. |
| Client Communication | Provide updates, strategy, and negotiation guidance. |
| Editorial Collaboration | Work with authors to refine proposals before pitching. |
| Rights and Licensing | Explore foreign, audio, and other ancillary opportunities. |
| Industry Networking | Maintain relationships with editors and other agents. |
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Many submissions fail due to avoidable issues such as incomplete materials, unclear hooks, or not following instructions. Queries that are too long, manuscripts that are unpolished, or projects that do not align with an agent’s current list can lead to quick declines. Being concise, precise, and respectful of stated preferences improves the odds of a thoughtful read. It is also wise to track submissions and responses so writers can adjust targets and timing.
Submission Best Practices
- Personalize each query and reference why you are contacting this agent.
- Stick to requested page counts and file formats.
- Include a professional, error-free synopsis with longer projects.
- Be patient and courteous in follow-ups, respecting stated timelines.
- Keep a organized log of agents queried and their responses.
How Writers Can Approach Representation
Seeking an agent is a strategic decision that can affect pacing, visibility, and deal terms. It makes sense to research agents thoroughly, prioritize those whose lists overlap with your genre, and review their public guidelines before querying. If an agent requests full manuscript, send a polished version that aligns with industry standards. Understanding the role of an agent, the typical commission structure, and the time involved helps set realistic expectations.
Steps to Find and Query Effectively
- Compile a shortlist of agents who represent your category and check current submission rules.
- Tailor each query to the agent, referencing specific reasons for your fit.
- Submit only when you have a complete, polished manuscript or clear partial request compliance.
- Track submissions, responses, and timing in a simple spreadsheet.
- Continue writing new work while evaluating responses, and avoid putting all hopes on a single query.
Wrap-Up and Next Steps
Andrew Lanoie’s profile as a literary agent emphasizes commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction built around strong concepts and clean execution. By following submission guidelines, tailoring materials, and tracking outreach, writers can approach representation with clarity and realistic expectations. Use this information as a foundation for deciding whether to seek an agent and how to prepare submissions that align with professional standards.
FAQ
Reader questions
Does Andrew Lanoie accept unsolicited manuscripts?
He typically requests materials only through channels that match agency guidelines, often via submissions pages or manuscript query forms when open. Unsolicited packages outside those methods are less likely to receive a full read.
What genres does he represent?
He generally focuses on commercial fiction and select nonfiction, with particular attention to projects that combine strong concept, accessible prose, and clear audience appeal. Specific subcategories may vary, so it is best to check current submission instructions.
How can I improve my chances of getting represented?
Improving your chances starts with targeted research, precise submission compliance, and high-quality, polished work. Writing a compelling query, understanding comparable titles, and being responsive to agent feedback all contribute to a stronger presentation.
What should a query letter include?
A query should introduce the project in a concise, engaging way, explain why it is timely, describe the intended audience, and highlight any relevant platform or experience. It should close with a clear call to action, such as requesting representation.
How are agent commissions structured?
Literary agents typically earn a percentage of net receipts from deals they negotiate, usually around 15 percent in the United States. Specific terms, including advances and reimbursements, are outlined in each agency agreement.
How long does the submission evaluation process take?
Response times vary widely, from a few days to several weeks, depending on the agent’s workload and submission volume. If a response is not received within the timeframe stated in guidelines, a polite follow-up may be appropriate.
Should I send a full manuscript upfront?
Only when an agent specifically requests a full manuscript or has indicated openness to complete works. Many queries begin with a synopsis and sample pages, followed by a full request if the agent is interested.