I often get questions about author\u2019s agents. Hopeful authors will ask me, \u201cShould I start looking for an agent?\u201d \u201cWhen do I need an agent?\u201d \u201cWhat role does an agent play?\u201d \u201cHow do I go about finding an agent?\u201d <\/p>\n
The fact is that not every author will need an agent for every book project. You do not need an agent if:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tYou plan to self-publish (establish your own publishing company).
\n\u2022\tYou plan to go with a fee-based \u201cself-publishing\u201d company.
\n\u2022\tYour book is not a candidate for publication by a major publishing company\u2014it is a book of poetry, a pamphlet or booklet, a memoir of a non-celebrity, an academic book, etc.<\/p>\n
There are many, many publishers who will work with authors without representation and some actually prefer that an author\u2019s agent not be involved. But, if you\u2019ve done your homework\u2014you\u2019ve studied publishers\u2019 submission guidelines, their catalogs, etc., and you believe that your book is perfect for one of the major publishers, you may, indeed, need to engage an agent.<\/p>\n
What does an agent do? He or she works with you to develop the best proposal and manuscript possible. When they feel your project is ready, they show your proposal\/manuscript to appropriate publishers\u2014some of whom they are used to working with. If they manage to gain the interest of a publisher, they will help you to negotiate a good contract. The agent receives a percentage of any advance and a percentage of royalties.<\/p>\n
Here are the steps to finding, approaching and working with the right agent:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tClearly identify the genre and theme of your book. Just because you sign with an agent doesn\u2019t automatically mean that you will be published. But, having an agent can, for some projects, increase the chances that you will be.
\n\u2022\tLocate the most appropriate potential publishers for your book.
\n\u2022\tDiscern whether or not these publishers require agent representation.
\n\u2022\tStudy agents listed at the Association of Author\u2019s Representatives (AAR) at http:\/\/www.aar-online.org<\/a>. These agents are screened and they do not charge reading fees.
\n\u2022\tLocate books like yours and view their Acknowledgments Pages. Contact the agents these authors list.
\n\u2022\tSelect a few agents that would be appropriate for your project.
\n\u2022\tStudy their submission guidelines and, following them, submit your project to one or more agents.
\n\u2022\tSign a contract with the agent of your choice. Generally, you will agree to work with this agent exclusively, for a period of one year.<\/p>\n
\nIs your book manuscript a candidate for agent representation? If you\u2019re not sure\u2014if you have become too close to your project to decide, let a professional help. Someone like myself may be able to offer you an objective evaluation of your project and guide you in the most appropriate direction whether it is to engage an agent, self-publish, go with a fee-based \u201cself-publishing\u201d company or seek publication by a small to medium-size publishing house.<\/p>\n