What a Literary Agent Looks for in Sample Chapters

Stack of manuscript pages with “sample chapters” marked and a literary agent’s notes — Ink Editorial blog post.

Why sample chapters matter

When you query an agent, your sample chapters are the true audition. They’re the point at which an agent decides: does this writer know what they’re doing? A polished synopsis and query letter get you into the inbox, but the chapters decide whether you move forward.

Agents read quickly, often making judgments within the first few pages. If your opening is strong, they’ll keep going. If not, they’ll stop — and the submission ends there.

What agents are scanning for

  1. A compelling hook
    The first page must raise a question or introduce tension that demands an answer. Agents want to see the story “move” from the start.

  2. Voice
    Distinctive voice is often the deciding factor. Agents are looking for writing that feels confident, alive, and unique to the author.

  3. Control
    Smooth pacing, balanced description, and tight dialogue show mastery. If the writing feels clumsy, agents assume the rest of the manuscript will be the same.

  4. Clarity
    Agents have no time to puzzle out confusing sentences. They need prose that communicates cleanly without getting in its own way.

  5. Market awareness
    Does the chapter feel like it belongs in its genre? Does it hit expectations without being predictable? Agents are always thinking about readership and positioning.

Common mistakes in sample chapters

  • Starting too slowly — long backstory or scene-setting before the action begins.

  • Over-explaining — treating readers as if they need everything spelled out.

  • Clichéd openings — waking up from dreams, describing the weather, or starting with exposition dumps.

  • Typos and clunky sentences — anything that signals lack of polish.

  • Inconsistent tone — switching style or voice within the first few pages.

How editing helps

  • Developmental editing ensures your opening scenes have narrative purpose, tension, and direction.

  • Line editing polishes flow and rhythm so your prose feels professional.

  • Copy editing removes distracting errors that can make an agent stop reading.

  • Manuscript assessments provide strategic notes on whether your chosen opening is working — sometimes the best fix is starting in a different place.

Why this matters

Agents receive hundreds of submissions every month. They’re not looking for reasons to say “yes”; they’re looking for reasons to say “no” so they can move on quickly. Weak openings, sloppy prose, or unclear stakes give them that reason. Strong, polished chapters take those reasons away.

Why editing makes the difference

  • Line editing polishes flow and rhythm so the prose feels professional.

  • Copy editing ensures there are no distracting errors.

  • Developmental editing checks that the opening scenes serve as a compelling launchpad for the story.

Ready for the next step?

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How to Interpret Editorial Feedback Without Losing Your Voice

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The Hidden Benefits of Line Editing (Beyond Grammar)