McAnally's (The Community Pub) > Author Craft

Agents - Yea or Nay?

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harryismyhero:
I've thought for a while now that if you were going to be a writer, you had to have an agent, so s/he could sell your manuscript to bigger publishing companies that your little, unsolicited self couldn't contact otherwise. But I was told today by a writer friend of mine who's gotten a book of his published that, since I'm not an already established writer, I shouldn't look for an agent; they'll just sap my money, and most probably wouldn't be interested in me anyway, since I'm not an established writer and I would pose a financial risk for them.

I know there are a few other published authors on these boards besides Jim. So my question to them (and to other unpublished authors, if they have any tips) is this: should an aspiring but as-of-yet unpublished author get an agent off the bat, or hold off and get one after they are published? What are the pros and cons of both options? Any help would be immensely appreciated. Thanks!

Mickey Finn:
Bear in mind I am not published as a novelist.
However, all the writers cons I've been to seem to agree on the panels...as soon as someone picks you out of the slush pile and calls you about wanting your book, you ask them if you can get an agent and call them back. They should always say yes.
THEN you call an agent (you should have a few picked out by then by repuation...look for authors similiar to your style and find out their agents) and say "So & so wants my book, and I really like some of the people you represent...and I'd like you to represent me as well."

Shannon:
I'm a fan of agents.  Jim and I both have great agents who make our lives a lot nicer.  But, a bad agent is much worse than no agent, which means you have to do your research.  An agent should not charge you money - they make money only when you do - so I'm not sure what your friend meant by an agent sapping your money.  At most, it would cost you postage to send a submission, which many agents now accept via email.

Richelle Mead:
I'm published (or will be, come March), and I'm strongly in favor of agents--especially if you're writing fiction.  Shannon's right that no agent is better than a bad one, but if you do your homework, you can find out who's reputable.  The ones who come to writing conferences are often selected because they're good.  Another great resource is Preditors and Editors: http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/

Agents can be your advocates and help you revise your writing.  They can also negotiate a higher rate, which often compensates for the commission.  Finally, they can nab you a faster sale than if you submitted cold to an editor.  Both of my series sold in just a few weeks, and I don't think I could have done that alone.

Sheesh.  I sound like a commercial from the Agents Association.  :P

Mickey Finn:
Did you have an agent before you made your first sale, or did you make the sale, get the agent, then the agent quickly sold the 2nd series?

If the former, how did you track down a reliable agent who wanted to market an unsold manuscript from a first time writer?

(Where did the pingeonhole you, scifi/fantasy, or romance?)

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