If you’re a successful woman over 40 and you’ve been toying with the idea of writing a book—or maybe you’ve already drafted one—you’ve probably Googled “How to find a literary agent.” You’ve likely seen articles listing query letter templates, pitching strategies, or directories of agents. But today, I want to offer a different perspective, one that goes against the grain of traditional publishing advice.

As the founder of Beyond Publishing, I’ve worked with over 800 authors across 66 nations, and here’s the truth that most people in the publishing industry won’t tell you:

You probably don’t need a literary agent. In fact, for many authors, chasing one is a waste of precious time, money, and energy.

Let’s unpack why that is—and what your better path might be.

Table of Contents

First, What Does a Literary Agent Do?

A literary agent is essentially a gatekeeper and negotiator. Their job is to:

Pitch your manuscript to traditional publishers
Negotiate contracts
Take a cut of your advance and royalties (usually 15%)
Sometimes offer editorial feedback (though not always)

For decades, they were the key to accessing the big five publishers—Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Hachette, and Simon & Schuster. If you wanted a book deal, you had to go through an agent.

But times have changed.

The Publishing Industry Has Been Disrupted (In a Good Way)

We live in the Netflix age of content. That same democratization is happening in publishing. Thanks to Amazon, digital printing, social media, and platforms like ours, authors can now reach global readers without begging for gatekeeper approval.

That means you no longer need a literary agent to have a successful book.

Many of our most successful authors at Beyond Publishing are women over 40 who:

Launched their books with us
Retained their creative control
Earned more per book than their traditionally published peers
Used their book to build speaking careers, coaching programs, or online businesses

They didn’t wait 12–24 months to get picked. They chose themselves.

The Real Costs of Chasing a Literary Agent

Let’s be real. Trying to get an agent can be soul-crushing.

You write dozens of personalized query letters.
You get ghosted or rejected with form letters.
You revise your manuscript endlessly to “fit the market.”
You wait months for replies, only to be told, “We’re not taking on new clients.”

All of this while your message—your story—sits in a digital drawer gathering dust.

Worse, even if you do get signed, there’s no guarantee your agent will sell your book. And even if your book does sell to a traditional publisher, you might earn a $5,000–$10,000 advance (which you’ll have to pay back in book sales before you see another dime).

Compare that to publishing independently and earning 70% royalties with full control over your pricing, branding, and direction.

So What Should You Do Instead?

I’m not saying you should lower your standards. Quite the opposite.

Your story matters. Your voice matters. Your book should be high quality. But you don’t need a New York gatekeeper to validate it.

Here’s a smarter, faster path to getting published and building a platform:

1. Clarify Your “Why” for Writing a Book

Before chasing agents, ask yourself:

What is the real reason I want to publish this book?
Is it to build authority? Leave a legacy? Open doors for speaking or media?
Do I want control over the timing, message, and distribution?

Most women over 40 we work with want to write a legacy-defining book—not play the waiting game for gatekeepers. If that’s you, your “why” is strong enough to go direct.

2. Invest in a Professional Team (Instead of Giving Away Control)

At Beyond Publishing, we provide the same caliber of editing, design, ghostwriting, and marketing that traditional houses do—but you stay in the driver’s seat.

Imagine:

Working with a professional ghostwriter to bring your message to life
Partnering with a developmental editor to sharpen your structure
Having a world-class cover design that reflects you
Launching your book in 90–120 days (instead of waiting 2 years)

This is what the new publishing model looks like. Fast. Flexible. Empowering.

Not to mention the GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION you get with Beyond Publishing is insane.

3. Build an Audience While You Write

You don’t need 100,000 Instagram followers. But you do need a warm audience who’s eager for your book.

We help our authors:

Grow their email list
Launch mini-campaigns
Host webinars or live events
Appear on podcasts and media outlets

When you launch your book with an engaged community, it becomes more than a book—it becomes a movement.

4. Own Your Rights. Keep the Royalties. Build a Business.

When you publish through traditional channels:

You might give up your audiobook or international rights
You might get boxed into a title, cover, or angle you hate
You’ll wait forever to get paid (and it won’t be much)
Your agent will get the first 15% for life

When you partner with a boutique publisher like Beyond Publishing:

You retain your rights
You earn more per copy sold
You can use your book to drive clients, speaking, or online products

A Contrarian Truth: You Are the Brand

Here’s something most agents won’t tell you:

They’re not selling your book. They’re selling you.

That’s why they only want authors with big platforms. If you already have that audience and clarity, why hand over 15% of your earnings to someone who didn’t help build it?

By publishing with intention and support, you can grow your brand, control your voice, and keep your profits.

Still Think You Need a Literary Agent?

Why You Don’t Need a Literary Agent

Listen, if your dream is to be on the shelf at Barnes & Noble, and you’re willing to wait 2+ years and give up control—go for it. Some genres (like commercial fiction) are still best suited to agents.

But if you’re a successful woman with a story that could change lives, build a movement, or launch your next chapter—you don’t need permission. You need a publishing partner.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Empowered Path

We believe publishing should be compassionate, collaborative, and author-driven. You’ve already built a successful career or business—your book should reflect that same excellence.

So the next time someone says, “You need an agent,” smile and say:

“Actually, I’ve got something better. I’ve got a plan.”

Ready to Publish?

Let’s explore how we can help you ghostwrite, publish, and launch your message into the world. Schedule a free discovery call at GetPublishing.BeyondPublishing.net.

We’re not just publishers—we’re partners. And we believe your second act can be your best chapter yet.

Why You Don’t Need a Literary Agent (And What to Do Instead)