Agents

Compiled by Lisa Hendrix (1995)

What is an Agent, and Should I Get One?

An agent is the personal representative of you, as an author, in your business dealings with publishers and others who want to use your work. They are also the subject of many questions in writer' workshops and at conferences. (Unfortunately, many writers are more interested in talking about agents than they are in actually writing something). A good agent can help you plan your career, increase your earnings and keep you from signing dumb, costly contracts.

So, as a romance writer, when do you actually need an agent? Or rather, when can you get one? Generally speaking, after you've sold a book or two; many reputable agents won't look at an unpublished romance author, although there are some exceptions. This is especially true in category romance. In fact, there's some debate over whether a category writer needs an agent at all until she/he is really established an ready to break out (largely because the category houses are so inflexible in their contract terms). If in doubt, talk to a few published authors in your sub-genre. And in the meantime, read up on contracts in RWR, PANdora's Box and books like How to Be Your Own Literary Agent by Richard Curtis, so you don't stiff yourself in negotiations when that first offer comes in. Besides, even after you have an agent, you'll want to read and understand your contracts.

How do I get an Agent?

Once you've determined that you're ready for an agent, approach the search as the serious business it is. Ask published authors you know who represents them, whether they're happy with their agents, and any other questions about the agent you can think of that don't pry into the author's personal business. When you have a list compiled, call RWA's Professional Relations Chairperson and run the names by. You'll find out if there are any complaints on record against that agent, what the nature of those complaints is, plus whether they've been settled. Eliminate any agent whose record makes you uncomfortable for any reason, then rank the remainder in your order of preference.

Now, sit down and write a really good query letter to the top few agents on your list, pretty much like you'd send to an editor, remembering that you need to sell yourself as well as your project. Do NOT say "Author So-and-So said I should contact you" unless you have explicit permission to use the author as a reference. Send out your letters and see who bites, i.e., who is interested in reading some of your material. If you get positive responses, send out whatever they ask for, probably on the order of a proposal (synopsis and chapters) or completed manuscript, and copies of your past book(s), if any. If you don't get any yes answers, move on to the next ranking on your list.

If and when someone offers to represent you, remember, YOU'RE HIRING THEM, not vice versa. Do not succumb to a feeling of relief or gratitude that someone (anyone!) would take you on and immediately say yes. Do a deep interview. You want to learn as much as possible about the agent's personality, dealings with clients, basis of doing business (contract or verbal agreement; project by project or set term--which, by the way, you should try to avoid.) Find out how fast they forward your money after it comes in to the agency. Do you copies of letters sent on your behalf? How soon can you expect a call back when you phone the agency? Ask for references and check them. You might consider hunting up a copy of the 1993/4 PAN Agent Survey to get an idea of the things you need to know.

Finally, trust your best, professional, gut instincts: Is this person really right, not for Joan Prolific, famous author, but for you? Will you be happy with the service you get from this agency? Will you feel comfortable letting them handle your contracts and finances over the long haul? This is YOUR career, and ultimately, you are responsible for it. The person you choose will affect your career and control major chunks of your money, potentially for years. Do your best to make a good choice.

How Do I Deal With My Agent Once I've Got One?

As was mentioned above, an agent is your personal business representative, and your dealings should be carried out with professionalism. However, because of the nature of writing and writers, the fact that agents often do a great deal of work for a particular client that they believe in before seeing any income, the relationship frequently goes far beyond that. More often than not, it evolves into something in-between a business partnership and a marriage, along with all the potential for bliss and agony.

The best way to have the kind of relationship you want with your agent is to communicate. That doesn't mean call up at odd hours to chit chat about the weather or your mate's flu. It does mean making certain that you tell your agent up front what you expect and need. Hate business phone calls before noon or after 6 p.m.? Say so. Want to be left alone unless there's actual money involved? Tell your agent. Need advice on the direction your career is taking? Ask for it. In fact, bring up these issues before you agree to representation, so if the agent isn't willing to give you what you need, you'll know before you sign on and develop ulcers.

Above all, remember that you are the client. In other words, the agent is a professional that you have hired. He or she is responsible to you, and if you aren't satisfied with the service you're receiving for your dollar, say so and keep saying so until the problem is solved. If push comes to shove, you can turn to RWA's Professional Relations Committee for help, but you'll be much happier if things never get to that point.