How Does a Literary Agent Help Authors?

What is a Literary Agent?

If you've written a book, you may be wondering how a literary agent helps authors. While a small percentage of people do sell manuscripts directly to publishers, many publishers only consider books represented by an agent. An agent uses his experience working in the publishing industry to find the best potential publishers for your manuscript.

A literary agent acts as an author's representative, submitting manuscripts to publishers for consideration. Agents may handle all types of books, but most prefer to specialize in certain genres, such as literary fiction or non-fiction. The agent also negotiates the purchase price of a sold manuscript, retaining a portion of the sales price as a commission.

Finding an Agent

Because many publishers will not even consider unagented works, finding an agent is crucial if you hope to sell your book. You can check out the current "Writer's Market" or the "Guide to Book Editors, Publishers and Literary Agents" at the library for a listing of agents. "Writer's Market" also has its own website at writersmarket.com. Membership to the website is not free, but the website is continually updated, unlike the book, which is updated annually. Many, but not all, literary agencies maintain websites. You can find a listing of these literary agencies in the Resources section.

When you have identified literary agents who represent books like yours, you will need to write a query letter or email asking if the agents would be interested in reviewing your book. Some agents ask that you send the first chapter or first three chapters with the query letter, while others prefer that you send only the letter. If the agent is interested in your book, she will contact you and ask to see more. Agents receive many query letters and it may take weeks or months until you receive a reply.

You may be tempted to sign with the first agent who expresses interest in your book, but take the time to find out if this agent is experienced. Ask for a listing of recent sales and check that these books actually exist. Find out how long the person has been an agent and what genres he has represented. Ask the agent if he is a member of the Association of Author's Representatives (US) or the Association of Author's Agents (UK). These groups are professional trade organizations that require members to agree to follow a code of ethics.

Reputable agents do not charge authors fees for representing them. While an agent may require you to pay photocopying, postage and courier fees, you should not be charged every time the agent submits your work to a publisher or when a contract is signed.

Things to Think About

Literary agents know what types of books sell and what publishers require. Without their track records and contacts in the publishing industry, your book may never sell. Agents are skilled at negotiating and can advise you about practical matters regarding selling a book. Finding an agent often isn't easy, but agents are essential to getting your book noticed by a publisher.

Agents rarely contact potential clients and then only if the client is particularly well-known. If an agent you haven't solicited contacts you, be suspicious of her motives and investigate the agent thoroughly. Beware of agents who suggest that your book would be a best seller if only you paid to have it edited by a company that they recommend. Reputable agents do not refer authors to editing companies. Preditors and Editors, listed in the Resources section, maintains a listing of complaints about agents. Check if an agent you are considering is on the list before you waste any time sending query letters.

Resources

• Writers Net Agent Listings
• Preditors and Editors
• Writers Market