Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Any writer who wants an agent knows how hard acquiring one can be. Online discussions at times suggest an agent acquires new clients only periodically, when he finds his list isn’t full. But that isn’t true.
Here’s the skinny:
- Most agents are always open to new clients. It’s a matter of being the right kind of client.
Who in Agent-ville would say no to an author whose books regularly appear in the top 10 on a best-selling list? Well, if that author wrote cookbooks, and the agent has never sold a cookbook, nor does he know any cookbook editors, the agent might not see himself as being able to serve that client well.
But if a best-selling author approached an agent who regularly represents 
that type of writing, the agent would be highly unlikely to say, “I’m sorry, my list is full.”
- Agents generally want a balance of types of writing they represent.
Yes, agents, especially in the general market, have specialties. The general market is so large that if an agent were open to representing any sort of writing, she would find it difficult to keep track of which editor is working at which publishing house, what each editor is looking for, and how to cast a net wide enough to establish and maintain relationships with all those editors.
In smaller markets, such as CBA, agents tend more toward representing both fiction and nonfiction, and often they have clients in many genres and categories. These agents often want a balance between genres and between fiction and nonfiction.
An agent’s list might be “full” in that he has as many historical novelists as he thinks he can place in the current market. Or his list might be “open” if he is aggressively looking for more memoirs.
Agents are clear on their websites as to what they represent and don’t represent, but within those confines, an agent can decide to ramp up the number of clients in a category that’s growing or to slim down clients in a genre that’s not getting much traction with publishing houses. But that does not constitute a full list, by any means. Only the agent is likely to know the ways in which she wants to shift her client base.
- Agents generally think in terms of a potential client’s career level and seek a certain balance of clients.
Each level in a career–debut, mid-list, building, established–requires a different sort of effort from the agent. For example, one of the hardest tasks an agent ever undertakes is placing a new writer with a publishing house. Lots of heavy lifting is involved, including working closely with the writer in preparing a proposal that will garner a yes from a publisher.
A mid-list author nowadays is being squeezed hard by the industry. Fewer publishers are willing to stay with a mid-lister if sales aren’t nicely trending up. That’s a very different kind of challenge from a debut writer, but the task of keeping a mid-list author contracted still is a time-consuming challenge.
A building author also needs a lot of attention because, with focused effort, this writer could move onto a much more significant career.
An established author has so many opportunities and so much that can be done with ancillary rights that great chunks of an agent’s time are soaked up with serious detail work. Even the task of coordinating efforts with the rest of this author’s team takes a lot of time.
For an agent, this way of categorizing clients leads to conclusions about whom the agent can effectively represent. If a newbie writer approaches the agent just as an author moves from the building level to the established level, the agent might respond that his list is “full,” meaning he doesn’t want to distract his attention from a critical time in a client’s career. Or, if an agent has mostly debut and mid-list clients, she might not want to take on additional clients in those levels because her list isn’t balanced.
- Every agent understands that her list should not remain stagnant.
Each publishing house must buy a certain number of new titles every year. Each editor is expected, on a regular basis, to bring money-making proposals to the publishing committee. Both of those truths add up to a wonderful equation: Agents need to consistently offer new, exciting projects. And that means agents almost always are open to that new client the agent can introduce to the publishing world. Not to mention, this is one of the most satisfying parts of being an agent. All of these needs cause an agent to be reluctant to ever declare her client list full.
- You should never assume an agent’s list is full until he tells you it is.
Sometimes, if a writer is connected to others in the publishing industry, she will put out feelers about an agent, asking writing friends if So-and-So is open to new clients. How would anyone but that agent know? Considering the delicate balance the agent is trying to achieve with varying types of clients, being “full” or “open” is an ever-shifting condition.
In what ways does this post shift your thoughts about agents being open to new clients? Have you ever held back from connecting with an agent because you assumed that person’s list was full?
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Photo from FreeDigitalPhotos.Net by Kittikun Atsawintaragkul.
Interesting post; not unexpected, but it’s good to have confirmation of assumptions I’d made.
Having a sanctuary for unwanted and abused dogs, we always say “no more room”…but somehow there always IS more room, if the situation’s desperate.
I will always respect what an agent posts on her website, in regard to having a full list; I don’t want to be that writer that thinks he is oh-so-special. But while the situation has not come up for me, if I had a back-channel contact with an agent whose list was ostensibly full, I would ask around, to see if this was flexible.
Courtesy is the key; far better to err on the side of gentlemanly behaviour than to be pushy.
I do have a question, in two parts:
Is there a ‘typical’ number of clients an agent can effectively manage?
And how does balance between clients at different points in their careers work out as ‘percentage of client list’, or is the answer so individual as to make the question meaningless?
Andrew, I don’t think there’s a magical number of clients that every agent aspires to. First, each agent has his or her own agenting style. Some agents are more attentive to each client; other agents pretty much just want to sell projects and negotiate contracts. Obviously the latter agents can effectively have a larger list. Also, if an agent works closely with his or her fiction clients, that category requires more time because the agent is reading entire manuscripts–sometimes the same manuscript multiple times.
I’ve never tried to work out a percentage for each level of client; I just have an innate sense of what’s feasible for me on an ongoing basis.
Good questions, Andrew!
So Andrew, you compare us writers to abandoned and needy dogs? If that’s the case, I want to be our Benny–found wandering the streets of Paterson, NJ and now living in rural lazy leisure. Or maybe not. I don’t want to sleep with my head hanging off the edge of the recliner.
Lord, grant me a gracious and godly agent, one who wisely guides me through the hard places and trains me out of my bad habits, who has my long-term best interest at heart. And make me loyal, grateful, cooperative and willing to work. Amen.
It’s not a bad comparison, Shirlee.
We’re all lost, and we all need a guiding hand, and a compassionate heart to light a dark world.
I do, now. One of our guys didn’t survive a sudden illness that hit him last night.
Now I have to go and bury my best friend.
So sorry, Andrew. May treasured memories light your way.
Thanks, Shirlee.
We never know what will wreck us. I just found out.
Shirlee, I love your prayer.
Andrew, you have my condolences. Love is love and it doesn’t matter if it’s between humans, animals, or both.
Amen to that, Janet. Losing our pets is full of sadness because they are such sweet innocents.
Janet, I appreciate this perspective.
Your opening thoughts about most agents being open to new clients was encouraging. 🙂
I hadn’t realized that agents categorize their clients based on where they (the clients) are at in their careers. It makes sense though. It takes an “in-the-know” agent to be aware of what’s growing and what’s waning in the market. And then to make the decisions about representing new clients based on market needs.
Does it bother you when people assume your list is full?
Thanks for expanding my understanding about an agent’s list. 🙂
Jeanne, hearing that agents are open to new clients made me smile too. 🙂
Jeanne, when people assume my list is full, it robs both the writer and me of the opportunity to decide if we want to work together. I can’t say yes, if the writer doesn’t ask.
Great point, Janet. I’m so glad you shared this post today. 🙂
Janet, So the composition of an agent’s client list is important, not just the total number of people represented. Interesting. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard this discussed in this manner before…not even in the coffee shop at a writers’ conference. Thanks for this post.
You’re welcome, Richard. I wrote this post because it occurred to me that, as an agent, I assume people know the delicate balance we’re always trying to maintain. Now, why would I think everyone knows this, I have no idea.
Janet,
Thank you for writing such an informative article.
I feel that the publishing industry, like other businesses molded upon creative talent, is all about timing and if that certain piece of work fits during an open window. It’s good to know that publishers are always open to new writers and that agents continually seek them out.
Thanks again for your insight into the business side of being an agent. It helps writer’s better understand the decision making process.
Randy, you’re absolutely right that timing is “everything” in publishing–not literally everything, of course, but a perfectly publishable manuscript can either garner a long list of nos or multiple yeses from publishers depending on what’s hot and what’s not.
Great encouragement for a Monday morning, Janet. It seems that flexibility is as important for an agent as a writer. Of course, it’s only logical that if you hang the “Closed” sign, you might miss a great client who would otherwise have walked in your door. Thank you for the detailed explanation.
I have enough trouble keeping track of me and my writing projects. My agent is keeping track of… lots more than that. 🙂 Mercy!
A disorganized individual cannot be a good agent; we have too much we have to keep tabs on. Even an organized person can be confounded by it all.
Janet, your mentioning that agents “want a balance of types of writing they represent” gives me hope. I had wrongly assumed certain agents wouldn’t step outside their favorite genre. This post has encouraged me on several fronts. Thank you.
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
Wendy, some agents have chosen to be very specific in what they represent. But most acquire more broadly because they have broader interests, they worked in various genres at publishing houses, or they choose not to put all of their eggs in one basket but spread out the risk of a genre suddenly going very quiet on the publishing front.
A shout out to my agent and the entire Books & Such team–thank YOU for all you do! I appreciate you! 🙂
AND congratulations for your recent recognition—> http://positivewriter.com/best-writing-blogs/
What Cynthia said. 🙂
Thanks, Cynthia. I didn’t now about the special recognition for our blog until you pointed it out.
Janet, thanks for this post! You mention a couple things here that I didn’t know about before: the agent’s desire to have authors at all different stages in their careers, and the fact that “full” doesn’t always mean completely closed to submissions.
Encouraging to know!
I’m glad to deliver some encouragement to you today; we all need that now and then in an industry that frequently tells us what isn’t possible rather than what is.
Yes, absolutely!
I’m glad to hear this, though I had already hoped that was the case. It’s how I approach real estate these days–just because I am busy with current clients doesn’t mean I wouldn’t assist a referral from someone or a new client I meet at an open house.
Cheryl, yes, both a Realtor and a literary agent are salespeople. We’re always available to take a look at a new opportunity.
What an educational post and so encouraging as well. I will just keep on pitching to folks that I think might be a good fit. You never know until you ask. It looks like timing and just the right project and just the right type of writer at just the right time is the name of the game.
Yes, Kristen, obtaining an agent is a matter of all the varying angles lining up just right. Which gives us the opportunity to be thankful that all that timing is in God’s hands.
I queried one agent and his reply was “I wouldn’t know how to market that book.”
Dude, if you don’t know how to market it? Then I don’t want you playing “pin the tail on the pub house” with my career.
He also said he wasnt taking any new clients. I was fine with that. FINE.
I’m SO thankful agents are selective, because I don’t want to be represented by agent who needed an M for her client list. Or a token Canadian.
Nor did I want an agent who had an infinitely open client roster.
I did hold back from querying a few agents because I didn’t like the “Me me me” vibe on their blog. Or the “we’ll try you for a year and if nothing happens we’re done with you” mentality.
It makes perfect sense that some clients require more attention than others. It is a complex business, not a once-size-fits-all-here’s-your-contract-tick-the-appropriate-box hopefest.
Jennifer, I like your one-size-fits-all-here’s-your-contract-tick-the-appropriate-box description. No, publishing is very much an individualized experience. Besides, we all know that one-size-fits all concept seldom works for anything.
Jennifer, you are no one’s token Canadian. Signature Canadian–yup, that’s you.
This post is very encouraging, Janet. I’ve often wondered if agents would be open to representing an author like me, but you gave me hope. When I first started, folks said you had to have some publishing credits to get a good agent, then later they say that midlist authors have tough luck getting contracted. It’s nice to know there’s room for all levels.
Thank you!
Janet, As a debut author, the first person that saw my proposal and first chapter offered me a contract. I turned it down after much prayer and research. I was so excited it was sooo difficult to turn it down. I sent out 25 query letters and one of 25 asked to see my proposal and first chapter. That was on Dec 15. I have not heard a word. Not even a tweet!I emailed and asked for confirmation of receipt of said information. Two words! Will check… nothing. Should I be concerned about my proposal and first chapter being in the wrong hands. I am so new and trusting… No way I will consider dealing with someone that is so unconcerned and irresponsible that they don’t even know if they have it or not after a month. Dear Heavenly Father, I pray from the depths of my soul that when the right agent reads my “downloads from you” that the depths of their soul will quicken from the stirring of the Holy Spirit within them. From my heart to Yours, Amen
Debbie, I think it’s a little concerning that the agent didn’t respond with a fuller answer to your question, but here are a few points to keep in mind: 1.) You sent the proposal just before Christmas, and the agent probably took some time off for the holidays. On returning from the holidays, the agent had work that had piled up, and editors were back at their desks and working full-force. 2) Reading proposals from potential clients isn’t an agent’s highest priority. The highest priority is caring for current clients’ needs. That means proposals usually won’t be looked at quickly. 3) Agents receive, at minimum, hundreds of proposals every month. Even when an agent expresses interest in your project, he or she won’t necessarily remember that the proposal did arrive. The agent most likely remembers asking to see it, but the agent might not have noticed that it’s tucked in among the avalanche of submissions that built up over the holidays.
I don’t say all this to excuse the agent, who could have probably located the proposal by doing a search. But my explanation might afford you a bit of a context as to why you’ve not heard more. Your proposal represents untold hours of creative, hard work on your part so I’m sure it’s hard to imagine that the person you sent it to doesn’t recognize that. But the truth of the matter is your submission is one of many items on the agent’s to-do list.
Debbie, even with an established relationship with an agent who asked me to send in a manuscript as soon as the holidays were over, I have not heard one word back — not even a “Will check.” Another friend told me this is the speed that the publishing world works at — which is very discouraging.
Anne, publishing is pretty much a hurry-up-and-wait kind of place. Most people involved in the industry love books and authors, but producing and selling books is a labor-intensive, complex task. Workloads at publishing houses and agencies are mind-boggling. I had to explain to one of my clients today that a significant contractual issue of hers wouldn’t be addressed until next week because the publisher and I couldn’t find one slice of time on our calendars in which we were free to talk until then. Pretty pathetic, I know, but there it is. We care. Honestly we do.
PS I self published a cookbook Sunrise, Sunsets Recipes Through Four Generations.
I echo the many comments above that this is encouraging. The most daunting thought about finding an agent, in my opinion, is not the full/open conundrum but the getting the right fit issue–with personalities, vision for career, etc. I do trust the Lord to make the right match at the right time. He knows when I’m ready and the work that has to be done in me to serve him through a writing career. It’s wonderful to be able to connect with agents through blogs and conferences and get to see their hearts for the industry through that. You all do so much. Thanks, Janet.
Sondra, the right fit usually is apparent to both the writer and the agent. A synergy develops quickly–or it doesn’t. And the good news is this isn’t a marriage; changing agents is allowed.