LITERARY AGENTS: THE WHO, WHAT, AND HOW
By Nicky Hackett
Who needs a literary agent? If you want to submit your work to a traditional publisher, you need a literary agent. Most traditional publishers only accept manuscripts through literary agents.
What does a literary agent do? Good literary agents come from a publishing background and have solid relationships with reputable publishers. They stay current with the market and trends, especially in the genres they represent. They review manuscripts to identify and engage promising writers. They find publishers for their clients and help them submit manuscripts and negotiate contracts. They manage book sales and production and may even manage their clients’ careers.
What can you expect from a literary agent? In some ways, a literary agent takes over aspects of the publishing process that you may not know or want to learn, and that’s a blessing. There are disadvantages though: Your literary agent will receive 10-20% of the income generated from each book, and having a middle man can slow down the publishing process considerably. And it’s important to know that although literary agents will give you guidance and advice regarding your manuscript, they won’t take the place of an editor.
How can you find a good literary agent? Research, research, research. It takes time. You need to search out reputable literary agents for your genre. There are several online databases to help establish who is credible, including Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR). How to research a literary agent gives good details about these sites. You can also find out who represents successful authors in your genre, since literary agents are often thanked in the Acknowledgements section of a book. You might also learn about them from other authors in your network or at writers’ conferences. Now narrow your list to a handful of agents. You want to know their track record with other authors, or if they are new, you want to know that they have worked under other reputable agents with good track records. Be careful!
How should you approach a literary agent? Submit your book to a handful of agents, personalized to each one since their requirements vary and THEY WILL EXPECT YOU TO FOLLOW THEIR REQUIREMENTS. The requirements usually include a (brief, well crafted) query letter, a BOOK PROPOSAL and a portion of the manuscript. Reviewing manuscripts takes time, and not all agents will send a response but most will. Allow about 6 weeks before you follow up.
Some other helpful posts:
What Is a Literary Agent? Pros and Cons of Hiring a Literary Agent - 2021
How to research a literary agent
Researching Agents: 4 Steps for Identifying & Connecting with the Right Literary Agents
Literary Agent Association Membership - Book Agents
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