Writers and authors often wonder how many literary agents they should submit to at one time.

Faced with a cut-throat publishing environment, it’s tempting to try to ’speed up’ the process by sending a mass mail-out. However, this is a strategy to avoid at all costs.

I recently heard of one writer who submitted to 200 literary agents in one go. Two HUNDRED! I nearly fell of my seat… This reeks of desperation, as well as a total lack of confidence, in both your pitch and your book.

If your pitch and manuscript is strong enough to attract a literary agent’s or publisher’s attention, then you only need to send it to three or four agents at a time. Or, if you’re really impatient, to half a dozen, maximum.

Sending a pitch randomly to 200 agents is NOT the way to go.

First of all, it will wind them up enormously if word gets about. (And it does – publishing is a small and incestuous world). You will very quickly be ‘blacklisted’ and anything you send from that point will be ignored.

Secondly, should you really be sending out your pitch if you’re that uncertain about it?

On the other hand, if you believe hand on heart, that you have a fantastic pitch, do you really want to print 200 manuscripts and send them to 200 literary agents when the feeding frenzy begins? Is that really the best way to spend your precious time?

What all writers should be aiming for is precision marketing. That means a precise and targeted campaign where you have maximized your chances with a killer pitch and a submission letter that hits them right between the eyes. This way, you are confident of getting results before you even start out…

If you find yourself thinking of a random spraygun approach, then something is seriously wrong. Get your pitch right BEFORE you send it out to literary agents. It is no good crossing your fingers and hoping for the best.

Understand what they are looking for, what will sell in the market, and then deliver… Read books, attend seminars, get a mentor, and learn as much as you can. This is what will open doors for you.

Getting a celebrity endorsement for your book is one of the easiest ways to promote it.

Readers are much more likely to listen to a well-known expert or media personality saying they can’t put your book down. Not only this but a little ‘celebrity’ magic tends to rub off on you.

I’m not saying that you should write to every celebrity or expert you can think of willy-nilly. However, if there is a tie-in with your book, however tenuous, then go for it.

Many authors are reluctant to approach celebrities for testimonials. Don’t make the same mistake!

Celebrities have egos the same as everyone else. And if your book is getting publicity and media attention, this is also going to benefit them.

You may have to approach 100, even 500, celebrities. But you only need ONE to make a massive difference to your book sales. Does it really matter if 499 tell you to get lost, if you get the one testimonial you’re after? What do you stand to lose? Hurt pride and the time it took to write the letter or email!

It’s never been easier to access celebrities via the Internet. Not only can you use search engines like Google to track them down. Many of them also have Facebook and Twitter accounts. Make it easy for them by writing 5 of your own testimonials. When you contact them, point out that they can choose one of your templates if they wish. Anything that saves them time or having to wade through loads of material, will persuade them of your professionalism.

If you’re feeling daunted, then focus on the positive benefits for you and your book. Quotes will boost your book sales and credibility. And think how great you’ll feel when you see those endorsements printed on your book cover.