A literary agent essentially assists authors in selling their books to publishers. But this basic definition doesn’t take into account all the other hats agents wear that help authors further their careers. When I hear people dismiss agents because they take 15% of an author’s advance and royalties, I know they don’t know the full range of tasks that agents do on behalf of their clients. Yes, authors can be published traditionally without an agent (although many publishers only accept submissions from agents) or publish independently, as there is value in an agent for many authors.
If it’s true that the best way to make a decision is by having all the information, then knowing the full scope of how an agent can help an author is necessary for authors in deciding how they want to get their book into the world.
Agents are:
Editors
An agent decides to represent your book because they believe it can be sold to a publisher, but that doesn’t mean the agent thinks it’s ready to go. In fact, part of the decision an agent makes when considering a book is how much work it will need to get it ready for submission to a publisher. If the writing and premise are good, but not executed well, the agent might reject it or perhaps send it back telling the author to revise and rewrite (R&R). But if it’s close to being ready for a publisher, the agent may offer representation and then the work begins to make the improvements.
The advantages of having an agent that edits are (1) a developmental edit and proofread to submit the best book possible, (2) specific suggestions that make the book marketable based on what the agent knows is selling, and (3) tips to improve your writing. This isn’t something the agent bills for (if an agent asks for money for editing, be suspicious). Agents give this time, investing in you and your book with the belief that your book will sell.
Note that agents don’t force writers to change their books. But if an agent is suggesting a change, it’s usually because they believe it’s something that will make the book more appealing to a publisher.
Databases
Agents have easier access to publishers, but it’s more than having a list of who publishes what. While a publisher might publish mystery, only one editor in the company might take noir mysteries. Some editors have very specific wants and don’t-wants that are only known through an agent’s experience in working with them.
Some editors leave one publisher and go to another, which agents keep track of. Agents talk to each other and share information about which editors are responding quickly and who aren’t, or what they want more or less of at any given time.
And of course, with this database, agents have connections with editors. Part of what an agent does is develop relationships with editors, partly to keep up on what they want, but also so that the editor will pay attention to what the agent sends.
Access
This is covered some in the Databases section above, but this access also includes the ability to submit multiple manuscripts, something frowned upon when submitting without an agent. Agents have telephone numbers and direct emails to editors. This isn’t limited to submissions. I recently emailed an editor to learn if they would except a book set in Australia so I could let my author know whether she needed to change her book’s setting to be considered by the publisher.
Educators/Mentors
The publishing industry, like most industries, has its own lingo and rules. An agent will help you navigate through the publishing pipeline (it’s longer in to-dos and time than you might think). Essentially, an agent is there to lead through the publishing maze, offering support, information, and encouragement. They also especially enjoy working with authors who want to make a career out of writing or at the very least plan to write several books. They’ll work with you on how to best grow your writing career.
Project Managers
What many authors don’t know is that there are a lot of moving parts to getting published. When the book is sold, the agent will continue to be involved making sure the book project is moving forward. It can take weeks for a contract to be sent once the editor makes an offer and the author accepts. The agent stays on top of this. The agent will check the contract to make sure any changes requested are included. They will track important dates to help the author meet the deadline to get the manuscript to the publisher. They also check book sales numbers, making sure the author is getting paid per the contract, including amount and frequency.
Counselors
The publishing industry can be a frustrating one. An agent knows this and is ready and willing to be an ear to unload to or a shoulder to cry on. When you’re frustrated, confused, or even excited, your agent is there to help you through it.
Negotiators
Most publishers have standard contracts, and while many don’t offer much wiggle room, some do. I have a client who signed a contract on her own (without an agent) that was so bad and nebulous, we were worried they owned every work of hers forever. An agent would have caught this and asked for a change (e.g., first right of refusal for next book in that genre, not every book in the publisher’s genre, including imprints, forever). Agents can ask that you retain some rights so they can be sold later potentially for a better deal, such as foreign or movie rights. They can sometimes negotiate a higher advance, if the publisher offers one.
Mediators
Once a book is sold, the author and editor begin connecting to prep the book for publication. But keeping your agent in the loop means you have your advocate ready if or when issues arise. As an author, I once told my agent I didn’t want to talk to an editor anymore because I didn’t like how she spoke to me (I sometimes wondered why she bought the book). Luckily, I had an agent to act on my behalf and the book, plus two other books were published.
Do you need an agent to get your book published? No. But just like a real estate agent can handle the complexities of selling or buying a house, a literary agent can do the same, allowing the author to focus on writing their next book, while the agent handles submission prep and querying to multiple editors specifically picked for the book, contract negotiations, understanding royalty statements, and more.
Leslie Truex is a literary agent with Blue Ridge Literary Agency and an author coach. She began her writing career by accident after starting a career website in 1998 that resulted in a freelance writing career and two traditionally published nonfiction books. However, Leslie’s passion lies in writing fiction. She is the author of a dozen romance and mystery novels using a pen name. Leslie enjoys sharing her insights and experiences to help emerging authors get their books published. She also supports authors through her online community for romance writers and coaching to both fiction and nonfiction authors. Leslie has spoken and provided workshops as an author and agent at a host of events, including The Virginia Festival of the Book, Malice Domestic, Maryland Writers Association, The Virginia Writers Club, as an adjunct at Piedmont Virginia Community College, and more, and she is the former president of The Virginia Writers Club.
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