What you need to know before deciding on an agent
If you were having a medical problem, you’d undoubtedly want to get the problem diagnosed so that you can see a specialist who can help resolve the problem. (No sense going to an Ear, Nose, & Throat doctor for a kidney problem.) If your car is having trouble, you want someone to tell you what’s wrong before deciding on the solution. (No sense getting new spark plugs if your timing belt is busted.) If you were planning a party, you’d want to know the details –occasion, theme, setting, number of attendees — before jumping into action and ordering the food. Everything we do requires some planning. So if you’re an author who is deciding on an agent, could I offer two simple suggestions for you to consider as you make your plans?
First, before deciding to sign with an agent, figure out who you are and what you need. What are your strengths? (That will help you talk with a potential agent about your future.) What are your weaknesses? (A good agent should assist you with those areas.) What are the opportunities you have? What are your goals? Specifically, what things would you like an agent to assist with — contracts? negotiations? editorial help? marketing? talking through your story? speaking? handling your career? Once you have some clarity as to what help you need, you’ll be better prepared to find the right agent.
Second, before saying “yes” to the first agent who offers you representation, find out what that particular agent brings to the relationship. Do his or her skills match up with your need? What do other writers have to say about his work? What do editors and publishers think of the agent? Take a look at the authors he or she represents. Look at the types of books he has contracted. Research the number of books she has represented, and the houses those books have landed at. You’re trying to find someone who is a good match for you, and who can help you with the things you deem most important.
Here’s a tip for interviewing an agent… When you go to meet him or her face to face, ask the prospective agent to talk about an author they’ve helped grow. Bring in some specific career questions to discuss. If you want, bring a royalty report and ask them to decipher it for you. Or bring a marketing plan and ask the individual to make comments and suggestions. Or bring in a chapter and ask the agent what, specifically, could be done to improve the writing. What works? What doesn’t? Getting some solid wisdom from an agent in an interview setting can help you see who might be a fit for you, and who may not be the person you want to work with.
I’ve found that most beginning authors tend to be a bit cowed by agents — even brand new agents who don’t have much experience, or crummy agents who give bland advice. Don’t be. If you’ve spent time figuring out who YOU are and what YOU need, that allows you the opportunity to interview the agent about who he or she is, and how they can best help you reach your goals.
Interviewing agents is a two-way street — the agent is looking for writers with good talent who are going to be successful, and the author is looking for a wise, experienced agent who is going to help move them forward. Be ready for the conversation to swing both ways by knowing who you are and what you need.
23 Comments
Thank you, Chip. I’ve counseled jobseekers for years to interview the company–the interview is always a two-way conversation seeking the right fit for both parties. Yet when it came to finding an agent, I was the person you described. Your advice just changed my perspective. Next time I’ll be seeking to hire professional help just as they are seeking an author/content that has a market potential. Great advice.
Excellent advice. Of course, if you’ve done your homework *before* the conference, you’ll already have established whether or not the agent is likely to provide the kind of representation you’re looking for. 😉
Excellent advice, Chip!
Good advice as always, Chip.
Super post, Chip
Thanks, Tracey. (And for those who don’t know, that would be bestselling novelist Tracey Bateman!)
Great advice here, Chip! Will pass it along.
Nice of you to say something, Miss Amy.
Once I clarify whether or not the agent drinks as much coffee as I do and/or is in full support of my habit, then I can move on to the other questions. 😉 I mean, a good productive discussion should always begin with coffee, right?
Amen. Preach it, Jaime.
I feel empowered as I begin my “hunt.” Thanks.
You’re welcome, J.A. I’m glad you found that helpful.
Great article. Novices, however don’t understand how to do the research mentioned. He/she are willing to do the leg work but feel like they are standing in a room (Google) with a million doors and don’t know which to open first. From there, how can they find these people who have worked with the agent in mind. The heart is there, but the novice can’t find the key.
I agree — the less experience you have, the harder it is to know what you need. That’s true in ANY endeavor, Mary. So I think doing your research, talking with others, rubbing shoulders with experienced people, attending conferences — that’s the way you learn what might be most helpful.
Good stuff always Chip. Each day I’m more and more grateful you’re my agent! Left to my own devices, I’d find myself slipping beneath the publishing waves in short order.
Let’s nail that big book deal for you, sock monkey!
We spoke at ACFW, Chip. I asked for your advice and you were very helpful. I don’t feel rushed to get an agent like I did years ago. I see my writing as a career now and try to slow down and make decisions that best fit my career goals. Rushing the process will only lead to disappointment and setbacks. Thanks for the post.
Good thought, Ron. It was nice to be face to face with you in Indy.
Some good thoughts there, Chip. : )
Thanks for that, Cheryl. Appreciate you coming on and commenting .
Thank you, Chip, for this article that helps to clarify and give direction as to what to look for in acquiring a literary agent.
You’re welcome, Rene. Glad you find it helpful.