This Is What I Think: # 1

Why do you seem to think everyone needs an agent? Don’t they just take your money?

This Is What I Think is a sort of interactive Q&A , where you can share your thoughts or questions (anonymously, if you like!) on literally any topic under the sun.

I’ll respond to the ones that inspire me.

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#1: Why do you seem to think everyone needs an agent? Don’t they just take your money?

Do I think everyone needs an agent? No. I’m not sure I’ve ever said that. Do I agree they just take your money? Also no.

Look, let’s break it down. First the money question. What would you rather have? 85 percent of something, or 100 percent of nothing? Or alternatively, 85 percent of a great deal, or 100 percent of a mediocre one?

What does an agent do? They certainly don’t ‘just’ take your money. The right agent is a cheerleader, coach, friend, champion, confidante, first reader, eagle-eyed editor, business partner, critic, supporter and the one person in the whole business of writing and publishing books with whom your interests and priorities completely align. They are any and all of these things, to different degrees at different times, depending on where you are in your creative journey and what you need.

An agent will read your book, then if they like it enough and think they can work with you, they’ll work with you to make it as good as it can be. They’ll select a list of editors they think might want to publish it, and send it to them. If any do, they’ll negotiate the best deal possible — certainly far better than if you negotiated it myself (and yes, I’ve heard stories, but they’re not mine to tell). They’ll negotiate deals overseas, for translation rights, and get the contracts agreed and sorted. They’ll guide you through publication and have the difficult conversations with publishers so you don’t have to. They’ll handle the money, including any disputes, and all the time be working with you on your next book(s).

All of this is stuff they do so you don’t have to think about it. At all. Yes, it’s possible to do all this without an agent, but in my opinion (and this particularly applies to those pursuing a traditional publishing deal) they’re worth every penny.

Below the paywall I’ve pasted an old ‘Writer’s Lodge’ post which goes into a bit more detail. It includes:

• What an agent does

• How to find an agent

• Writing a synopsis and covering letter

PLUS

• A chat with my agent at the time - Clare Conville of C+W Agency.