Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
Many of you might be looking for an agent… and it can be hard to know exactly what to look for in your literary representation. So I wanted to give you a few tips.
First, it’s all about the relationship, so it’s important to find someone you click with, someone who seems to “get” you. Beyond that, you’ll want to find someone who’s working style fits with yours. Some agents are more hand-holding and nurturing, others are all business. Some are interested in career-building, others prefer to focus on your current book. Which style fits your situation best?
Beyond all that, I recommend you look at your representation as an issue of stewardship. You want an agent so that you can be the best steward of your own talent and time. A good agent understands this and has the same goal for you.
Here are some specific traits you might look for in an agent:
1. Someone who understands books, literature, and the power of words.
2. Someone full time (versus a dabbler).
3. Someone who knows people in the industry, particularly editors.
4. Someone who knows contracts and the business side of publishing.
5. Someone who’ll tell you the truth (you may have to deal with rejection and career roadblocks that are difficult to deal with).
6. Someone who will be president of your fan club, and you can be president of theirs.
7. Someone diligent and responsive.
8. Someone not just trying to get a contract but interested in your career & future.
9. Someone who will help you grow as a writer.
What do you think? What are some traits you’ve looked for in an agent? If you’re agented, what are the traits you most appreciate?
Great post, Rachelle. It’s clear, concise, and extremely useful.
* The thing I might add is care for legacy; if I had an agent and died while represented, I’d hope that she’be concerned to keep a book that’s ‘in process’ moving to an eventual release. I’d also hope that she would be open to looking at completed manuscripts that have not yet been submitted.
* It would be important to me that I leave some sort of financial legacy for Barbara; she has put up with a lot as I have written, often in the small hours of the morning, and I hope that an agent would do her best to help my wife derive the greatest benefits possible from the work I’ll leave behind.
Yes, Andrew, it’s not something we love thinking about (obviously) but we DO think about it. We’ve dealt with the legacy situation before and it’s always our goal to make sure everyone is properly cared for.
Rachelle, thank you for speaking to this. It’s not operative for me since I don’t have an agent, but it’s surely a balm for those whose writing careers will be cut short too soon, and who lie awake worrying not about themselves, but about those they love.
“President of your fan club” … that brings tears to my eyes. “And you can be president of theirs” … yes. 🙂 What do I think? I’m going to keep work, work, working in hopes to gain that.
Shelli, you’re the president of so many fan clubs in this community that it’ll come naturally for you. The agent who signs you will come to see that moment as the dawn of a new day, bright in faith and warm in love.You’re a gift to us, as you will be a Godsend to your agent-to-be.
Thank you, Andrew. 🙂
I love this list. As an agented author I have been so fortunate to have Ann Byle represent me. I’ve learned that this is a give and take relationship which works best when I’m receptive to her words of wisdom. She’s talked me off more than my share of ledges and has believed in me every single moment (even before she took me on as a client). I’m so very thankful for her!
I recently signed with Ann also and am excited to be working with her. I definitely feel she is my biggest cheerleader which we need in the publishing industry! It’s encouraging to hear your experience with her!
Thank you, Rachelle, for helping me understand more about the author-agent relationship with this post!
Congrats, Gayla!
My agent, Saint Mary Keeley, gets my very twisted sense of humour, and is fully capable of firing back. On many occasions, she’s totally nailed it out of the park and left me wheezing.
This is a hard gig. Being able to laugh and cut loose is very important. Also, she’s constantly amazing me how wise and kind she is.
I am blessed.
AND?? Hello? She speaks hockey! If I told her that my youngest (the goalie) poke saved a slap shot that went top shelf? She’d know exactly what I meant.
Plenty to think about! Thanks for this post. Your list describes mutual trust. Very important!
Sounds like a good description of everyone at Books and Such.
Aaa…men!
AAA…men!
AAA…men, amen, AMEN!
Well-said, Rachelle, and quite true. We’re told that more than 50% of marriages end in divorce. Do you have any statistics about what percent of published authors change agents during their career? And don’t take anything from that question–you’re stuck with me.
Thanks for sharing.
I believe I know what I need, but it is a growing process every step of the way. I have to trust God that He will put me with the right person, as long as I do my effort…and write the best book I can. Thank you for the post. Surely thought provoking.
I’ve had several agents over the course of the past 7 years, and one thing I’d strongly recommend is finding a go-getter who is committed to helping grow your career as a whole, as well as someone who communicates with you regularly. For instance, it is a bad sign if your prospective agent doesn’t reply to your emails in a timely fashion (ie: if many months elapse from the time you email with questions), because they will surely behave the same way once you’ve signed. If they drag their feet even committing to signing with you, they will surely drag their feet once you’ve signed and you want to prep your proposal and get it out, then check up on it once it’s out.
Each agent brings different strengths to the table (some might be editors, some might be more salesman-like), so try to get a feel for how your prospective agent is by talking to other clients of said agent before signing, if possible. Not always possible, I know–but in every case, it really is important to pray about it first. If an agent talks down to you and makes you feel your work is sub-par (versus honest and constructive criticism while still championing your work)…that would be a definite NO.