 |
Agents And Publishers - Who Do I Approach First?
Author: Steve Dempster  | Posted: 30-08-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 3 | Rating: (50)  (?) 
You may well think that the choice of approaching an agent or publisher is academic before you have even finished your book but nothing is further from the truth. This short article discusses the pros and cons of agents and publishers - and which one you should go for.
A decision that many writers put off for as long as possible seems to be the one where they decide if they want to get an agent or go directly to a publisher. One school of thought says that having an agent is definitely preferable, the other says - why pay an agent commission when you can do it yourself. Let's look a bit closer at these two points of view -
Agents: The advantages to having an agent are best described as ones that remove certain amounts of stress from the writer, allowing him or her to get on with what they do best - writing. A good agent will negotiate a better deal with a publisher than you probably could, will have their ear to the ground to know what's hot and what's not - and hopefully tell you where your book lies in that regard.
A disadvantage to having an agent is, simply, cost. An agent will either charge fees or commission on sales, the rate varying from agent to agent. This works well for you if you haven't made any big sales but can cost you a shedload of money if you hit the big time. For example, it's been reported that Little's, who handle the Harry Potter books for Rowling, cream off millions per year in commissions. Mind you, I imagine Rowling isn't too worried! This is of course an extreme example but it is worth keeping in mind.
Also, you may have to sign-up for a set period with an agent, or guarantee them the sole agency rights to a certain number of books before they will agree to represent you. This isn't greed, it's just business - they will be investing time and effort in you and will require a certain return from you in the form of this type of commitment. Again, it's something well worth keeping in mind.
Publishers: The advantages of dealing directly with a publisher seem obvious: fast track to the correct editor, no agents commissions to pay and less red tape all round. All these points are valid but, as is usual in life, they too carry their downsides.
Your editor may well have very definite ideas of what he or she will or won't accept from you as a book. If you want to change tack in your writing, a publisher's editor is probably not altogether the best person to explain this to - the editor wants a certain type and style of work from you as this is what they 'signed-up' to. Any deviation from this type may well result in, at the least, a straining of the relationship between you! Also, a publisher may want a far more restrictive contract with you than you would like - and you may well not be offered such options as foreign rights, large-print rights and that holy grail for all writers - film rights.
On balance, I would always advise new writers to try their hardest to gain the services of a good agent. I know this is difficult and writers can often get into the Catch-22 situation of being unable to get a publisher interested without agent representation, yet unable to get an agent interested until they have some work in print.
One way around this is to approach publishers directly - then when (and if) you receive an offer of publication you can wave the letter under an agent's nose. The chances are much greater at this point that any agent will be interested, of course! You may well then ask - 'Why bother with the agent when I have the offer?'
Several reasons. The first - and most important - is that I can predict that, in 99% of cases the agent will secure a better deal for you than you could for yourself. Won't the publisher be upset? Not usually - it's just business as usual for them and this sort of thing happens all the time. A tip - if the publisher really does kick off in this situation be wary. It may well be that they were trying to short-change you on the deal and are now worried that an agent will spot this and take the business elsewhere. Be warned!
On balance, then - go down the agency route. Let them have the headaches about gaining a publisher for you, negotiating terms and all the other details that go with getting a book from acceptance to publication. And you? Just get on with your next book!
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/agents-and-publishers-who-do-i-approach-first-206555.html
About the Author:Steve Dempster writes articles for the web and works of fiction. If you would like to get the know-how a novelist needs to write professionally, take a look at this.
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Three Key Points To Consider Before You Write That Book!
By: Steve Dempster | 16/04/2007 | Non-Fiction
According to recent surveys, over 70% of people questioned said they would like to write a book. This article touches on three key points that just might help them - and you - do just that!
The Backstory, Or: Just Where The Heck Does It All Start?
By: Steve Dempster | 28/04/2007 | Non-Fiction
If you have decided to write a novel, the story that exists within it extends way beyond the book itself. This 'backstory' is what helps give your book depth: here are a few points to keep in mind about the 'past' of the book you're writing.
If Failure Is A Dirty Word - It Pays To Know How To Clean It Up!
By: Steve Dempster | 03/06/2007 | Video Conferencing
The flip side of the success coin is failure. In our culture, failure has almost become a taboo subject - and yet failure simply means lack of success. Learning from failure to gain the success you want isn't magic - it's called planning. In writing this is crucial, so let's have a look at some pointers.
Novel Writing: Five Secrets Of Success
By: Steve Dempster | 28/08/2007 | Non-Fiction
Have you ever wondered, as you sit at your keyboard, if there are any secrets to successful novel writing? Well there are - and here are five of them. Remember these secrets and your novel writing will improve overnight!
Viewpoint Writing 2: How To Use Your Character's 'Voice'
By: Steve Dempster | 08/12/2006 | Non-Fiction
There are some simple rules to remember when writing form a character's viewpoint, yet many forget them. Here's a rundown of some to remember . . .
Viewpoint Writing 1: Seeing Through Your Character's Eyes
By: Steve Dempster | 06/12/2006 | Non-Fiction
Of the many different writing styles, viewpoint writing is probably the one that works best for aspiring writers - but what is it?
How To Find The Novel That Only You Can Write
By: Suzanne Harrison | 26/11/2007 | Writing
Most people think writing a novel is just writing. I have lost count of the number of people who say "I want to write a novel" and think that they will just sit down, put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, and the whole thing will just unfold before...
Fiction Writing: Getting Your Events In Order
By: Steve Dempster | 19/12/2006 | Non-Fiction
In fiction writing, events occur in strict chronological order. If you would like to know what this means, please read on!
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Non-Fiction Articles
Don't Let Good Grammar Spoil Good Writing
By: Philip Yaffe | 19/08/2008
Good grammar is fundamental to good writing, right? Wrong. However, years of experience working with people who use English as a second or third language have demonstrated that focusing too much on grammar can actually be detrimental to good writing. It's a question of priorities.
Modern Helicopters-the Eh-101 Merlin
By: K. Crockett | 16/08/2008
AgustaWestland is a joint venture formed by Agusta of Italy, makers of the A-109, and Westland of Great Britain, makers of the Lynx. The EH-101 is a direct competitor to the Sikorsky S-92 and was developed for both military and civil roles.
Animals
By: shivani suraiya | 15/08/2008
All about animals. About their origin, their lifestyles and their habitats including some interesting facts on different subjets. mostly based on mammals overing all extinct mammals around the world and which are not very well known.
The Three Speech Writing SECRETS You MUST Know - The Definitive Speech Writing How to Guide
By: Stuart Brown | 15/08/2008
In this article I am going to explore several techniques as to how you can improve your speech writing abilities, and also how to approach writing a speech for certain different circumstances. Whether it be for a wedding, where perhaps you are the best man, or for an important business meeting where you really need to impress. And tell you the three secret ingredients every speech needs.
Writing Your Thoughts – the Carrot and Stick Strategy
By: Nick Sanders | 14/08/2008
When you are writing, having a strategy in mind is rather useful – especially when you are wanting your reader to commit to something or someone. You will want to lead the reader in the direction you intend to finish upon and don’t want to cause confusion and misdirection in your writing. Here are a few tips on the carrot and stick strategy of writing that is good to use in a time of need.
Science: Guaranteed to Curb Creative Thinking!
By: Natasha | 13/08/2008
In today's sci- fi world dominated by facts and figures, the essence of life and belief in God's miracles have been thrust aside as illogical and futile, nonetheless God NEVER fails to surprise us....
How to Develop Your Book’s Structure
By: Melinda Copp | 12/08/2008
A man came to me last week because he needed help writing his book. He told me that he’s had this project on his to-do list for years, but he just couldn’t seem to get started. He’s literally been staring at the task—start writing my book—almost every day, and when he came to me, he still hadn’t done it.
How to Write a Bibliography
By: Stuart Brown | 11/08/2008
If you're like me, you probably put your heart and soul into creating a wonderful paper, essay or article. You know that you conducted the necessary research and that you wrote a sound paper. However, you are now at the end and you may be wondering, how can you write a bibliography? Well, I am here to tell you how.
More from Steve Dempster
Article Writing - How You Can Master This Important Writing Skill
By: Steve Dempster | 16/01/2008 | Article Writing
As writers, we are constantly being told that writing articles to sell products is the key to internet success, with affiliate riches just around the next corner. If this is indeed the case, why not spend a little time learning how to write an article properly?
Short Story Writing - A Viable Route To Publication For Older Writers
By: Steve Dempster | 09/01/2008 | Fiction
Many people take up writing as a hobby or as a more serious undertaking later in life - maybe even after what would be considered by many retirement age. This article looks at one way the older writer can compete with younger rivals on a level playing field.
Novel Writing: Five Secrets Of Success
By: Steve Dempster | 28/08/2007 | Non-Fiction
Have you ever wondered, as you sit at your keyboard, if there are any secrets to successful novel writing? Well there are - and here are five of them. Remember these secrets and your novel writing will improve overnight!
eBay Buyers: Are They Being Held To Ransom?
By: Steve Dempster | 23/08/2007 | ECommerce
Okay, so no-one is actually demanding money, but there are other ways of getting 'ransom' all the same. Perhaps intimidation is a better word . . .
Goals For Life: How Far Ahead Can You See?
By: Steve Dempster | 02/08/2007 | Goal Setting
When trying to plan life goals it's often difficult to see where the road eventually leads to as it seems so far away. This article takes a look at a way of helping to deal with this often-encountered problem and overcoming it.
Be Honest With Yourself: What Do You Really Want Out Of Life?
By: Steve Dempster | 31/07/2007 | Goal Setting
So many people these days want to better themselves and dream of a bright future. Sadly, for most of them it stays that way - just dreams. So what is the trigger that can fire your ambition from dream to reality? This article takes a look at one aspect of this problem.
eBay Basics: Four Focal Points For Beginners
By: Steve Dempster | 28/07/2007 | ECommerce
So you want to make a business out of eBay? Maybe you want to make the move from casual 'clear-the-attic' selling to a focused business approach? If that's the case, the following four pointers should help you achieve just that.
If Failure Is A Dirty Word - It Pays To Know How To Clean It Up!
By: Steve Dempster | 03/06/2007 | Video Conferencing
The flip side of the success coin is failure. In our culture, failure has almost become a taboo subject - and yet failure simply means lack of success. Learning from failure to gain the success you want isn't magic - it's called planning. In writing this is crucial, so let's have a look at some pointers.
|
|
Writing 
