Article: How to Choose an Agent

HOW TO CHOOSE AND AGENT AND DO YOU REALLY NEED ONE?

by Elizabeth Sinclair

The first thing to remember when choosing an agent is that you are interviewing and selecting a prospective employee. So many new writers think that what the agent tells them or instructs them to do with their work is gospel. It isn't. You are employing this person to work FOR YOU. That means that you call the shots, not the other way around. Don't, however, let this edge go to your head. You are also hiring this person because, presumably they know more than you do about molding and directing your career and will act as a consultant in that capacity, as well as in marketing your work.

Why have an agent?

It frees you, as the writer, to do what you do best - WRITE.

Can you be your own agent? Absolutely.

Agents have the inside track on where to send ms and how to pitch them to the perfect and the most receptive editor.

A good agent is abreast of the market changes and the entire publishing industry and can help you aim your career as a writer in the most opportune direction, thus preventing trips down dead-end roads such as submitting a paranormal at a time when the paranormal market is in a decline.

NOTE: Having an agent is not an automatic guarantee of sale. The work has to be good or the best agent in the world can't sell it.

The drawbacks:

First and foremost, the most obvious - you will receive a smaller royalty check after the agent has received his/her cut.

Your work will go to an agent, then to the publisher - slow down in turnaround due to the extra hands it must pass through.

How to find an agent:

If you know other writers writing in your genre, ask them if they have an agent, who it is, why they like or dislike them consult the Writer's Digest Agents Market book.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK

Business questions:

1. What percentage does he/she charge as a commission? 15% is the norm. Some still charge 10%.
2. Do they charge a reading fee for unpublished authors? The term "office costs" is often substituted for reading fees. Be wary of any charge made to you before you are a client.
3. Approximately how long is their turnaround time?
4. What other authors do they represent?
5. Do they have a written or verbal contract with their clients? Either is acceptable as long as it's agreed to by both parties, but written is preferred for legal purposes.
6. Do they help target and mold their client's careers? if so, what is their game plan?
7. Do the royalty checks come to them, then they send the author his/her percentage?
8. Do they have an escrow account to handle royalties? This is legally required.
9. How long have they been in business?
10. How accessible are they?
11. Will they send you copies of all correspondence concerning your manuscripts?
12. What publishing houses has he/she worked with on a regular basis?
13. Are they well-versed in foreign, audio, video, hardcover and movie rights?
Personal observations you should be making during the interview, if face to face.
1. Do the two of you seem to be talking on the same wave-length?
2. Do you like this person?
3. Does this person sound enthusiastic or is he/she just biding her time till you get off the phone and they can get on with their work?
4. Does he/she sound enthusiastic about your work?
5. Has this person asked you questions about your work or do you get the impression he/she is in it for the money and could care less about your career as a writer?