Sunday, April 7, 2013

Ten Reasons an Author Needs an Agent

Last Thursday I announced I have a literary agent. I signed with Mary Keeley from Books & Such Literary Agency. It's a huge step on my journey to publication, one I'm thrilled to take.


When I started on this journey I wasn't quite sure what an agent was, or if I even needed one. But as I learned more and more about the publishing industry, I discovered the vital role a literary agent plays in the publication process.

Without further ado, here are ten reasons an author needs an agent.

1. An agent has the ability to submit your manuscript to numerous publishing houses, simultaneously. One of the greatest benefits to having an agent is their ability to get your manuscript in the hands of editors at publishing houses. Most publishing houses will not accept an unsolicited manuscript directly from an author, but they will from a literary agent.

There are really only two ways for an author to get their story on an editor's desk, without the help of an agent. You can meet with an editor for a fifteen minute "pitch" session at a conference (and you're still not guaranteed the editor will ask for your manuscript), or you can pay a fee and place your manuscript on a website like Christian Manuscript Submissions, on the (unlikely) chance that an editor will see it.

2. An agent negotiates contracts. When an author is offered a writing contract, it will be the agent's job to negotiate for her. Literary contracts are extremely technical, filled with legal jargon the average writer has never heard of. An agent is skilled in this area and will work hard to get it right. Without an agent, an author would have to hire an attorney each time she needed to negotiate, and most attorneys aren't savvy in the publishing world.

3. An agent works with a publishing house, after the contract is signed. Another important role for the agent is to make sure the publishing house upholds their end of the contract. In some situations the agent becomes the mediator between the author and the publishing house (but hopefully this doesn't happen often).

 4. An agent helps create a marketing plan. As part of the team, an agent wants to help the author sell as many books as possible. She's also knowledgeable in the industry and understands what has worked in the past, and what has not. The agent will help the author create a marketing plan and then the author will implement it.

5. An agent knows the business. As I was learning about the publishing industry, a handful of agencies continued to show up on my radar. These agencies have excellent reputations in the industry and they represent hundreds of authors, many of them on the bestseller's list. Books & Such Literary Agency is one of the leading agencies in the Christian Book Association (CBA).

6. Agents have the inside scoop on what publishing houses are looking for. Often a publishing house is in the market for a specific genre, era or subject to fill in their publishing lineup and they will call a respected agency to ask if they have an author who could fill the slot. Agents work closely with publishers and they create good relationships. They have connections on a broad range that an author (especially a newbie) doesn't have.

7. Agents are the first step on the journey. Every year thousands of people write books, but only hundreds get published. Publishing houses used to accept manuscripts, but they would sit in a "slush pile" for months before an editor had the time to read them. Agents have become the first step in the process. Now agents receive all those manuscripts and it's their job to find the best of the best. If an agent finds an author who has potential, they've cut out a lot of work for editors. Editors still have hundreds of manuscripts to go through in a year, but it's a much smaller--and higher quality--"slush pile" than it used to be.

8. An agent stays up-to-date in the publishing industry. Agents are constantly attending conferences, going to trade shows and meeting with publishers to stay up-to-date on trends in the publishing industry. An agent will help the author process this information and apply it to their goals.

9. Signing an agent is a career-long decision. Most agents and authors consider their partnership as long-term. An agent has many years in the publishing industry and one of her goals is to use her experience to help the author navigate her writing career. There will be many decisions to make and having her knowledge is priceless.

10. An agent encourages you. The road to publication can be long and winding. I've often heard my writer friends tell me their agent is always at the ready to encourage them when things are tough and celebrate with them when things go well. It's helpful to have a voice of reason to keep the journey in perspective.

This is not a complete list of why it's important to have an agent, but it's a good start.

What do you think? Did any of these things surprise you? If you're an author (or an agent), what can you add to this list?

21 comments:

  1. I love your list :) So happy for you! I hope and pray for an agent in the future. Books and Such blog alone has shaped my writing journey!

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    1. Lisa, Books and Such blog has been so important on my journey, as well. I love the wisdom and knowledge they impart there. Which reminds me, I need to hop on over to see what they're sharing today. :)

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  2. Great list, Gabe.

    As someone who just spent a weekend hanging out with her agent in Chicago, I can add: a great agent is someone who gets you, not just your writing. My agent is blunt and hilarious and we connect as friends. I know that's not the case with every agent-author relationship--and probably it doesn't need to be--but I think it is important to have someone who gets you, gets what makes you tick as a writer and likes that. :)

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    1. Melissa, as I saw photos of your weekend in Chicago with Amanda, I had this same thought. You're so lucky you found an agent who understands you and your writing. It's an important thing to find out when you have your initial conversation with a potential agent. Does she get who you are and does she understand what you write and why you write it? Good item to add to the list!

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  3. As I read each one, I nodded in agreement with enthusiasm. I'm so excited for you and how this step allows you to focus on what you do best - writing beautifully. Hugs!

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    1. That's another great reason, Donna! Having an agent frees up the writer to do what she does best, while the agent is doing what she does best. It's a wonderful partnership.

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  4. Great list, Gabe! I agree with Melissa. An agent who gets me and what I write is super important. Also something I specifically looked for was an agent I knew would pray for me (and vice versa)which I'm blessed to have.

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    1. Another great item for the list, Jessica! I agree, I know Mary prays for her clients and that was very important to me, as well.

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  5. Awesome list! I want an agent for all of these reasons too! I definitely want someone I'm not afraid to approach with my problems and who will help me work through any issues on my publishing journey.

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    1. Lindsay, one of the most important conversations you'll ever have with your agent is the first one. That's where you get a feel for their personality and style and you know if they're someone you can approach to help you work through issues. I know God has the perfect agent ready for you when you're ready! And I'll be cheering louder than anyone else. :)

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  6. Great list! So happy for you, Gabrielle! I know awesome things are just around the corner for you.

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  7. Nice list! The right agent is awesome to have. Congrats!

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    1. Yes, the right agent is awesome, Jessica! Thanks for stopping by today.

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  8. I love that my agent brainstorms with me. A gentle prod in the right direction can make a huge difference in a writer's life. Enjoyed your post, Gabrielle!

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    1. Yes, Sue, brainstorming with an agent is so important! It's fun to have outside perspective and ideas! Thanks for stopping in to say hello!

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  9. Those are all great reasons to have an agent. Yes, there are some people who probably don't need one if they're self-publishing or other reasons, but otherwise, having an agent on your side is a great idea. I'm still new to it all (having an agent) but I already see the benefits and I'm looking forward to experiencing those next steps, especially when dealing with a publisher.

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    1. You're right, Cindy. I made this post with traditional publishing in mind, although I've heard some instances where a self-published author has benefitted from having an agent, as well. I'm with you, I'm so excited to watch this process and relationship unfold.

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  10. That #10 has proven true for me on numerous occasions. Forever grateful for that in my life!

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    1. One of the things that drew me to Mary is her gift of encouragement. I've heard so many of her clients say it is one of her greatest strengths. I'm happy you have an encouraging agent, as well, Wendy!

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  11. Gabrielle! I totally missed this! Congratulations on signing with Mary Keeley! I'm soooo excited for you, my friend! I'm sooo looking forward to reading your books.

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