Create your photography book proposal. A book proposal is not a manuscript, but a tool used to promote and sell the manuscript to prospective buyers and representatives. In your photography book proposal, include a title page, book overview, a description of your target audience, any competing books on the same subject, your deadline by which you can complete the book and your qualifications. Also include a few sample images and text from your photography book manuscript at the end of the proposal.
Research agents interested in photography books. Carefully read each agent's submission guidelines. Good places to find a list of agents interested in photography books are Literary Marketplace and the American Association of Authors' Representatives. Different agents may have different requirements as to how they wish to be contacted, so be sure to follow any specific directions in the agent's guidelines.
Prepare a query letter specific to the agent you would like to represent your book. A query letter is a form of cover letter that introduces your book proposal to the agent. In the query letter, it is vital to pitch your photography book in a dynamic, appealing way that will catch the agent's attention.
Email or mail a query letter to the agent, again taking into account his specific guidelines. Do not send a full manuscript yet. After reading the query letter, the agent will reject the proposal or request a full or partial manuscript. Follow any directions the agent gives you when responding to a request for a full or partial manuscript.