How to Tell if a Literary Agent is Legit and Avoid Literary Agency Scams

You’ve finished your book, it’s primed and ready for submission, and all you need now is a literary agent willing to find it a publisher – but how do you find one? And how do you know if the one you choose is legitimate, and not a scam literary agency? Many new writers fall prey literary agent scams every year. Here’s how to judge if your literary agent is on the level:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look for an agent in the right places. A legitimate literary agent probably won’t be advertising in a local newspaper or on a work-at-home web site, and they won’t solicit manuscripts through internet message boards or PMs to forum members. If you’re not familiar with a literary agency, check to see if they are a member of the Association of Author’s Representatives (AAR) or look for their name in a reputable source like Writer’s Digest.

2. Check the back story. How long has the agency been in business? Who have they represented, and what publishing houses have they sold to? If you can’t find the agency’s name attached to any projects with a quick Google search, it’s probably not a good bet. Start-up solo agents should have a track record working at another literary agency.

3. Ask questions of your literary agent. What was their biggest success, and why? Can they tell you about a project they represented that failed? (This is important – even the best agents have one or two turkeys in their record, and they should be honest about why) Will the agency put you in touch with one of their authors, so you can ask them firsthand about their experiences?

4. Trust your instincts, then follow up with research. Any agent who wants you to pay for them to represent you is not a legitimate agency. Your agent can ask you to edit or change your manuscript, but they shouldn’t demand that you pay for another editor to “fix” your work. And don’t be swayed by flattery – a genuine agent will always have constructive criticism and realistic expectations for you, so don’t trust someone who swears you’re a genius and promises your book will make millions of dollars.

[hannahbee]

on 11/11/2009 geewiz387, I can't comment on any individual agency, but a reputable agency generally wouldn't ask you to pay for services like reading or editing your manuscript - especially if it's them or another business they have an interest in doing the work. I've also never heard of an agency 'outsourcing' critiques - assessing and evaluating your work is the most basic and arguably most important part of an agent's job, so you'd have to ask why they can't do this themselves.

[geewiz387]

on 11/10/2009 I was wondering if you had ever heard of The Writer's Literary Agency or her "sister" company Strategic Book Marketing. They have not asked for any money yet but want me to have my manuscript critiqued by another of their "sister" agencies for $70-$90. They say they cannot reveal their clients names but they show thier book covers (with names) on thier website. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Gloria Bryant

http://www.wlwritersagency.com/
http://www.strategicbookmarketing.com/