Information Regarding Writing Agents

An agent represents a writer's work to publishers, often negotiates publishing contracts, follows up to see that contracts are fulfilled and generally handles a writer's business affairs while leaving the writer free to write. Effective agents are valued for their contacts in the publishing industry, their savvy concerning which editors and publishers to approach with which ideas, their ability to guide an author's career and their business sense.

While most book publishers will publish books by unagented writers, some of the larger ones are reluctant to consider submissions that have not reached them through a literary agent.

Do I really need an agent?

This is more of a subjective issue that you must answer on your own. If you want to approach the larger book publishers with your manuscript, then you will have to have an agent to get your foot in the door. Likewise, if you are not willing to do your own research on various book markets, then you will need an agent to handle this part of the publishing process.

How much should I expect to pay my agent?

Costs will vary based on whether you use a large agent firm, or a smaller corporation. However, a good estimate is between 10 to 15 percent of your gross. The agent should not charge up-front fees such as copying charges, telephone costs or reading fees.

How do I find an agent?

By far, the fastest and easiest way to get an agent is to approach them after you have sold your book to a publisher. This way the agent knows up-front that they are guaranteed to be paid. Another way is to send your proposed book to agents who are advertising for new clients.

How do I go about choosing an agent?

Most writers prefer to have an agent in the same city as their potential publishers - namely New York City. However, such agents normally come with a steep price tag affixed. Therefore, agents in other parts of the country can do just as well, given the new age of communication. Another consideration is whether you will be wanting a big agent or a smaller outfit. This often comes down to the difference in being a big fish in a little pond or a little fish in a big pond. A good rule of thumb is not to sign a contract with an agent without checking with other writers and checking that agent's references.

What should I expect from my agent?

You should expect your agent to promote your work in appropriate publishing fields. Your murder mystery should not be on the desk of an editor at a children's publishing house. Agents should be able to offer publishers a trustworthy opinion of the marketability of your manuscript. Agents should not be expected to edit your manuscript, deal with your writings if they are in several different areas (children's, horror, etc.), or be a strong shoulder in case of failure. Agents are hired by you to market your writings, not to be a "yes man" or ego booster.

Agents On-Line

William Clark: part of the William Morris Agency, Inc.
Graham Literary Agency: also runs a question-answer service, Ask The Agent Online.
New Brand Literary Group
Heron View Paperless Book Publishing and Literary Agency
AEI On Line: literary management and film production
Authors Adventure Assistance Literary Agency: NOTE: This is an e-mail link! A literary agency located in San Diego. For telephone assistance, call (619) 276-0308. The e-mail address is for Mr. Mark Maine.
Nordhaus-Wolcott Literary Agency: Works with many new and unpublished writers
Reynolds Companies: provides representation and sales assistance to writers, publishers and producers.
Client First Agency: Leo affey and Associates attorney service and client representation for writers, authors, screenwriters and others.
Robert E. Shepard Agency: represents authors of non-fiction
Strictly Book Promotions: for small publishers and self-published authors
The Case Against Woodside Literary Agency: This is a page which details a case against the literary agency and some postings to a USENET group which escalated into alleged harassment. If you are interested, take a peek at the page.
Redstone Literary Services: site lists some of the titles they have helped to have published, etc.
Adler & Robin Books Literary Agency: offers some terrific information on book proposals. Even if you already have an agent, this page is worth a peek.
Aardvark Literary Agents: is headed by Charles Neighbors, who has been a literary agent since 1966. They accept all genres and have no fee for initial consultation.
Abbey House Literary Agency: is a page primarily intended to introduce writers with the literary services Abbey House provides.

Agents Off-Line

Internet Directory of Literary Agents: is one of the best resources I've found for literary agents who do not have web pages.