When do I need an agent?
If you have reached the point in your writing life that you feel your work is solid, compelling, polished and has the potential to appeal to a broad readership, then you will need an agent to represent you if your goal is major trade publication. Given the changes in the publishing landscape over the last decade, it has become very difficult, if not impossible at some publishing houses, for an unrepresented author to directly submit a manuscript. Having a relationship with a good agent when you are ready to make that final push towards publication can be an invaluable asset.
What does an agent do?
An agent will help you evaluate the market for your book as well as work with you on revising and polishing your manuscript or proposal in order to give it its best chance for a sale. An agent will devise the strategy for your manuscript submission such as, which publishing houses, which editors, and how many editors should be targeted as a time. This strategy may be based on a number of factors including the general market landscape, recent market sales and personal relationships with particular industry contacts. An agent will help you evaluate any offer you receive, make counter offers, review your contracts and negotiate any desired changes. Once a contract is signed, your agent will serve, if desired, as a resource to help you fulfill the terms of your contract whether you need advice on drafts or help sticking to your deadlines. An agent serves as your advocate with the editor and publisher and is the person who is able to get in the ring and fight for what you need as an author. The author is the person who determines the exact nature of the author-agent relationship. Whether you want a lot of input and advice, support and encouragement, or just assistance with the technical aspects of publication, you get to set the tone of the relationship. In general, authors make more money and get better contract terms than authors who do not have them.
What should an agent NOT do?
An agent should never charge a “reading fee.” A reputable agent will read your work and either express an interest or pass on it just like a publisher would. Steer clear of any agents who do not follow this guideline. Agents also should not charge you until they make a sale for you and you make money. An agent gets paid for his or her services when you publish, not before. Additionally, an agent should never be financially associated with any publisher or publishing house. This would constitute a major conflict of interest and keep you from getting to take advantage of every opportunity.
How do I select an agent?
The most important thing is to find someone who has genuine interest in you and your manuscript as well as the ability to give you the help you need and want. Since you will likely be working with this person extensively, it is critical that they understand your voice and your vision. You will be relying on your agent to sell your work, so it is important that you feel a personal and professional connection with them. Agents are not one-size fits all and an agent that one person loves may be completely wrong for another.
How is an agent paid?
Most reputable agents take a 15% commission on the revenue of your book, which includes, advances, royalties, subsidiary rights etc. You will also typically be expected to reimburse the direct expenses the agent incurs on your behalf (photocopying of proposals and manuscripts, shipping/postage etc.). For foreign-rights sales, the agent will generally take a larger commission as those sales typically involve subagents who also take a commission. Most agents will require you to sign some type of agency agreement that states that they are your official representative. It may be open-ended or for a specific period of time, such as 1 or 2 years and it should offer an out-clause should one or both of you find the relationship unsatisfactory. An agent will continue to receive a commission from the books he or she has sold for you even if you move on to another agent for subsequent book deals.
Is it better to have a New York-based agent?
A good agent can provide their clients with excellent representation from anywhere in the country. As long as the agent is in frequent contact with editors in New York and elsewhere, both by phone and personal visits, it does not matter where the agent is located.