Working with an experienced agent can help a writer improve their books and get them published, but before signing with an agent, you need to have a Big Idea, clear title concept, and other key elements, in your work and pitch, that will make your book an "easy get," says renowned agent and author Lucinda Halpern. In this episode, Halpern goes deep into what agents want and how writers can not only create fantastic work but then put their business hats on to connect with an agent and sell their manuscripts. Halpern is a literary agent with over 15 years experience, and the founder of Lucinda Literary, based in New York. She's worked in publicity for HarperCollins, and has worked with all major publishers, including Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, Hachette, and Scholastic, representing New York Times and internationally best-selling authors in the categories of business, personal growth, psychology, narrative nonfiction, and upmarket fiction. Her classes and coaching programs have been taught to hundreds of writers worldwide, and became the inspiration for Get Signed: Find an Agent, Land a Book Deal, and Become a Published Author (Hay House/Penguin Random House; February 2024). Learn more at getsignedbook.com or lucindaliterary.com and follow Lucinda Halpern on Instagram and Twitter. Go to GetSigned book.com/bonuses to receive a free gift that Lucinda is offering to Simply Write w/Polly listeners and for more join our Simply Write community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices