To Agent or Not To Agent

Finding An Agent: For The Self-Published

In my writing journey, I have come to realize that there comes a time when you need a little help. That there is a side of writing that is more like running a business. You have a finished product, and at some point, you have to let others know that it is finished.

But how do you inform the masses that your greatest masterpiece is complete (and ready for purchase)? How do you spread the word beyond just your inner-circle of friends, family, associates, and your favorite barista?

While there are many routes, such as attending book fairs, social media, soliciting publishers (all of which I have done), there may come a time when (besides your copyeditor, graphic designer, or social media influencer) you are going to need someone a bit more in-the-know.

In walks the Literary Agent.

By taking the extra step of submitting to agents first, you propel your manuscript in a whole new direction. An agent's job is to ensure your novel is completely ready to hit publishers' desks before it goes out into the world; remember, they know what publishers want, and they know how to pitch it to them.

Literary agents can submit on your behalf, to multiple publishers, and with so few publishers, and so many writers out there, Agents can go where no writer can. It saves time for both parties.

Why Would You Need An Agent?

The short answer is - The Digital Age

Submitting and marketing your work has expanded since digital media. It is now possible to send your proposal to any media outlet around the world, and not have to wait weeks for it to be returned (or not) in the mail. Self-Publishing has also caused many writers to THINK they are a Publishing House – or worse – that their manuscript is publishing house worthy.

Publishing houses are inundated with new solicitations every day. Many lack the basic skills of storytelling and editing. There are not enough man-hours to read through it all. Literary agents do the filtering for them. They can assess the market value as well as the market potential. They can consult a writer in what direction their work needs to head into.

In the end, an agent saves time, and also expands your reach. It can take your writing from hobby to career, and open up doors into other writing avenues like video or stage (these may require a different type of agent in which a literary agent could have association with).

Why I Decided to Shop for an Agent

I self-published my novel “The Mist in Crest Hill County” and wanted to get traction for the book beyond my community of book fairs and local book clubs. My first book “Friends, Lovers and Roses” had a traditional publisher, and they handled the distribution, marketing, and press releases. It is different when you publish on your own. I could not afford to visit every bookstore, or attend every conference across the country.

I needed more doors to open, and more opportunities to take my book to the next level, while also having the time to complete other writing projects. I believed an agent could bridge that gap. They could negotiate the publishers, the advance and help to navigate a solid course of action. It was worth considering.

The Conflict

Then there was the other issue: I had self-published. Should I disclose this fact? Is that a negative, because the public has already seen it? Am I willing to give up my book rights?

In honestly, it does not matter. There is no need to disclose a self-published book, until an agent has shown interest in the work. Being self-published is the same as having a manuscript in your closet collecting dust – it is just not a positive unless sales are through the roof.

Self-published book going into traditional is a hard sell, as you are asking the publisher to save you. This is why an agent is a better option, because their interest can propel them to sell to the publishers as if it were a new work.

Last Note – Preparation Is Key.

Deciding on an agent is the first step. Soliciting one, is another. Here are a few key points.

1. Query Letters and Synopsis should be completed

2. Address the Agent by their name, not their company

3. The manuscript should be complete, and sample chapters should start from beginning

4. The manuscript should also be in the shape/editing possible

5. Follow Submission Guidelines

6. Find the agent that understand you and your vision

7. Work on your following: social media, blogs, website, reviews, articles

8. Visit these websites below for more infomation

• AgentQuery.com. About 1,000 agent listings and an excellent community/resource for any writer going through the query process.

• QueryTracker.net. About 200 publisher listings and 1,000 agent listings.

• WritersMarket.com. About 400 to 600 agent listings. $5.99/month subscription fee.

• The Guide to Literary Agents blog is also an excellent resource for news and views related to literary agents.