A Guide to Literary Agents

Finding a literary agent is a challenging task for a new writer.

Having a literary agent is not essential for any writer, but having representation does serve to endorse a writer's credibility in a highly competitive market, and improves the writer's chances of being a published with an established publishing house.

Role of a Literary Agent

Supporting and promoting the writer, and helping to find a publisher willing to publish an author's work is the primary goal of a literary agent. Once an offer of acceptance is made by the publisher, the agent then negotiates the author's contract, and tries to secure the best financial deal for the writer.

Seeking a Literary Agent

Finding an agent is challenging, and the standard way of finding a suitable agent is to approach an agent with a cover letter, writer's resume and a sample of writing presented in a professional style. What each agent wants varies, however. A list of literary agents can be found online or in publications like The Writers Handbook, which is updated annually, and the Insiders Guide to Book Editors, Publishers and Literary Agents.

Warning

Approaching a literary agent who charges a reading fee should be avoided, as reputable literary agents do not charge upfront fees. Agents only charge a commission fee of up to 15 percent for work they have done on the writer's behalf, after the writer has a publishing deal.

References

• First Writer: Literary Agents
• Holly Lisle: Questions About Literary Agents
• Poets & Writers: Literary Agents