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First Forays Literary Agency

What is First Forays?

What would our lives be without stories? Imagine the emptiness they would leave behind. We have all grown up listening to vibrant fables from our grandparents and parents, until slowly we learn to read, explore different genres, dream with the characters, stay up late talking with fellow readers, and tuck those stories into our memories forever.

There is an insatiable quest for new writing and fresh ideas. Infact, a world without writers, poets, and dreamers is unimaginable. And as long as readers exist, so will they.

But when you are a writer, you need a friend, philosopher, and guide to help you navigate the path from writing to publishing. That’s where First Forays Literary Agency steps in. We are here to hold your hand and help you realise your dream.

First Forays is a literary agency that supports both new and established writers. Started in 2018 by Lalitha Ravindran, the mission was simple: to bring out the best in every story and help it find its true home. Today, we represent over 70 authors worldwide and guide them through publishing, film rights, and everything in between. We also host writers’ retreats and collaborate with leading production houses for adaptation rights sales.
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You are represented by a professional who cares

Shirish Thorat

Shirish Thorat
Author of The Scout, A Ticket to Syria, Twisted
USA, July 2018

First Forays
2018-07-06T15:27:17+05:30

Shirish Thorat
Author of The Scout, A Ticket to Syria, Twisted
USA, July 2018

Shirish Thorat
"Lalitha Ravindran not only pitches your manuscripts but she does the Xtra that few literary Agents do – she makes sure that she understands you and that makes her precious. When you have Lalitha you know you are represented by a professional who cares."

I am fortunate to have her representing me

Britt Alan

Britt Alan
Author of Tiannenmen Ascending
USA, Sept. 2018

First Forays
2018-09-06T16:14:30+05:30

Britt Alan
Author of Tiannenmen Ascending
USA, Sept. 2018

Britt Alan
"Lalitha immediately recognized the geopolitical resonance of my novel with the current military build-up of the South China Sea, China’s regional aspirations and the simmering vulnerability of the United States. She acted quickly to market my story to top publishers in the Asia Pacific region. Lalitha is an avid, author-focused advocate and I am fortunate to have her representing me."

Authors should only focus on writing

Aashish Gupta

Aashish Gupta
Author of White Collared Slave
New Delhi, September 2019

First Forays
2019-09-06T15:10:20+05:30

Aashish Gupta
Author of White Collared Slave
New Delhi, September 2019

Aashish Gupta
"I am an author. My passion for storytelling and imaginative thinking borders obsession, but I was no good at what comes after finishing a manuscript. After I had lost all hope, Lalitha made an almost angelic entry into my life and just owned all the tough part from me like a boss. She not only got me a good publisher really interested in my work, but also the one who shares the same principle as mine; and that is – “authors should only focus on writing”. What is also fascinating about her work is that she doesn’t leave you once the deal is done, but invests time in helping you with marketing, arranging interviews and events, getting reviews, and keeping publisher on toes to make sure they meet their end of the bargain, and encourages you to work on your next masterpiece while she is busy looking for opportunities for your next breakthrough."

This is the place to go

Lata Gwalani

Lata Gwalani
Author of Incognito and Prisoners of Secrets
May 2020

First Forays
2020-05-06T15:10:01+05:30

Lata Gwalani
Author of Incognito and Prisoners of Secrets
May 2020

Lata Gwalani
"The responsiveness, the ease of communication, and of course Lalitha’s humour and wit, bundle up to make First Forays a pleasure to work with. For authors who are looking for a good publishing experience, this is the place to go. Together, we grow!"

I was in good hands with Lalitha

Nirmal Pulickal

Nirmal Pulickal

First Forays
2022-09-04T19:47:29+05:30

Nirmal Pulickal

Nirmal Pulickal
I am a first-time author and I felt very reassured that I was in good hands with Lalitha. Her deep experience, proven track record and intellect and understanding of all levels of the industry were the deciding factors for me. Once we started working together I found her to be persistent in pursuing opportunities but with a measure of patience that gave me a lot of confidence. Her connections in the industry, understanding of title marketing were also crucial in securing the deal for me with Penguin. Most important is the trustworthiness and reliability I feel with her. Whether it's legalities or in trashing out the contract with my best interests at heart, I felt supremely comfortable with Lalitha in my corner
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What Do We Do?

  1. Develop and pitch stories for adaptation rights sales
  2. Represent fiction and non-fiction authors in English 
  3. Book Consultations 
  4. Manage publishing and cinematography rights
  5. Offer freelance editorial services

Genres We Represent

We work across a wide range of genres. In non-fiction and in fiction, we welcome all genres except erotica, sci-fi, and adult content. Our focus is on strong stories, clear voices, and writing that connects with readers. We don’t handle poetry and children’s books.

Submission Guidelines

To submit your manuscript, please follow the steps below:

  • Share the first three chapters or the first 50 pages of your manuscript 
  • Include a detailed synopsis and a brief bio.
  • Email all three in a Single Word document.
  • Use font size 13 or 14 and line spacing of 1.5
  • Send your submission to the First Forays Literary Agency.
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