To Have an Agent or not to Have an Agent: Do I Need a Literary Agent? Part 1

Aspiring writers face many potential choices. One of the most confusing choices a new writer must conquer is whether or not they need or would want a literary agent. There is no argument that a good literary agent can enhance any writer’s career. Yet there are plenty of writers who may benefit without having an agent. In this two-part article I will outline the reasons why a new writer may want or not want to seek out a literary agent. The first part will cover reasons why a writer may want an agent. The second part of this article will outline reasons why they may not.

Seeking or not seeking an agent is up to you. No matter what a new writer chooses to do, they must remember that agents are only a part of the publication process. They cannot guarantee publication. Many writers believe that just because they’ve found an agent that they will be automatically published. Unfortunately, this is not true. An agent is simply the middleman. Their only power is working with you and submitting your work to publishers who may be interested in your work. Being with an agent will not lesson the chance of being rejected.

Below I’ve outlined the positives of seeking an agent as well as slight misconceptions of what an agent does for a writer. In my next article I will do the same by outlining the reasons why an author may not seek out an agent and how they can become successful without one.

 Why you would benefit from a literary agent:

An Agent’s Knowledge

Some authors can wear many hats including being their own publicist, agent, editor and businessperson. These authors often find success without the help of an agent due to their willingness to deeply research the publishing industry and how it works. Some writers are not able to do it all and may find they need some extra help. An agent is not only the middleman for a writer’s work but also a professional advisor. An agent has contacts, knows the business and has the knowledge to pinpoint an author’s audience and getting them in touch with the right type of publishers. There are some things an agent knows that even the best of writers do not know about the business. If a writer feels that the business side of things is way over their head and that they only want to concentrate on the art of writing then seeking an agent would be beneficial to them.

If You Don’t Know Your Own Audience

Writers should know their audience before they submit their work to an agent or publisher but many don’t. Most qualified agents know an author’s potential audience just by reading the writer’s query letter. If your work is accepted by an agent, they will have the expertise of knowing which publishers to contact and which of not to waste time with. Thus, an agent can speed up the submission process for authors who have no idea of what publisher would be interested in their type of work. Agents are also great with helping authors who write in multiple genres. Sometimes it’s difficult to put your work into one category but a good agent knows from experience where your work belongs and can help you target publishers who are most likely to be interested in you.

 If You’re in Need of Extra Editorial Advice

Do not misunderstand this. Most agents are not editors nor will they edit your work for you but there is a "clean-up" process that all agents do with clients. After an agent accepts a writer’s work they make sure it is the best it can be before submitting it to publishers. Agents go over your work with a fine-tooth comb and will give you top-notch advice on what works for your book and what does not. They will make valuable suggestions and most times this leads the author closer to publication.

Agents Care About Your Work

Agents have gotten a very bad reputation with new writers. They are painted as uncaring, nasty and mean people who set out for writers to fail. This is completely untrue. Real agents (not shady agents that charge fees), care about the welfare of the writers they take on. This is why the process is so grueling. Most times when an agent rejects a writer it’s not because they didn’t like their work but because they didn’t feel passionate enough to represent it. An agent wants to do the best job they can for a client and if they feel they cannot sell your work effectively, they will not take you on. Writers believe this is because agents feel they aren’t good enough but ironically it’s the agents that feel they may not be the best fit for the work. Just because you’re being rejected doesn’t mean that the agent doesn’t like your work, it could mean they feel they are not the best for the job. So next time you get that rejection slip, think over all the reasons why you could have received it and don’t judge an agent by their cover. Most of them care deeply for all of their clients and wish for them all to succeed. This perk of being with an agent works well for a somewhat self-conscious writer who needs that extra push from someone who feels as strongly about their work as they do.

You Just Don’t Want to Be Bothered With the Business Aspect

If you do not want to take the time to research the business part of the industry (which I suggest all writers should do anyway), then an agent is right for you. Some authors only want to write and do not want to deal with the hassles of working with contracts or researching publishing options. An agent will not only help you with getting your work to its best form but they will handle all the business dealings leaving you free of the process. They will also work to give you the best deal possible if you are accepted for publication. This could lead to big advances or multi-book contracts. Most literary agents are also knowledgeable in and have contacts in the film industry. If you intend on gracing Hollywood with your book’s presence or the possibility of it, a good agent is someone you will want in your corner.

So, these are some reasons why you may want a literary agent. Every writer is different. There are just as many famous and successful writers without agents as there are with agents. What works for one writer may not work for the other.

Remember, just because you get an agent does not mean you will be published. It could still be years down the road or it may never happen and you could end up being dropped by your agent. An agent only gives so much time to a project and some are more dedicated than others are. That is why you need to extensively research every agent you’re thinking of submitting to. You need to not only know what they want in a client but you need to take a look at their personality as well. An agent should be chosen for the long-term of your career. You want someone who is going to be as determined as you are to get you published. You want someone you can get along with. Someone you’re comfortable with, whom you respect, who cares and someone whose advice you trust and believe in.

A bad agent is worst than no agent but a good agent is a precious gift that any writer is lucky to find. What you want is all up to you.

Stay tuned for the second part of this article if you’re thinking of cutting out the middleman altogether and going at it alone!