The Top Ten Things You Need to Know When Getting an Agent
By Stephanie Rowe  

Okay, below is a list of questions you should ask a potential agent before signing on with her, but before you ask any of these questions of any agent, you have to ask them of yourself, in terms of what you want in an agent. I'm serious. Sit down and write up your answers before venturing into the big, bad world of publishing. You need to know your limits before you start knocking on doors so you don't end up accepting a situation you wish you hadn't.

1) What kind of fees does the agent charge?

Fifteen percent is standard domestic commission, 20 percent for foreign or sub rights. Some reputable agents charge back costs of copying, shipping and phone calls, but many agents charge no fees at all, recouping their investments when they sell your book. Decide what your comfort level is with office fees, and never, ever pay any other kind of fee (e.g. reading fee, retainer, etc.).

2) What kind of editing does the agent do?

Some agents are former editors from big publishing houses, and they like to keep their skills sharp by editing their clients' manuscripts before they go out the door. Some authors want that kind of input. Others feel that they want an agent who can identify big-picture problems, but they want the real editing to be done by the person who actually pays them for it. Know what you want, and then know what this agent's style is before you go in the door.

3) Personality

Some authors get dollar signs in their eyes and run for the agent who has the biggest deals listed in Publishers Lunch or the agent who is representing the big-name author, or the agent who is representing their best friend. But before you do that, take a step back to think about personality. Some agents are pretty cold and cutthroat. They aren't going to support you when you're feeling frustrated with the business. They don't want to deal with e-mails from you unless it's about a contract or money. They won't cushion the blow when they don't like your work or when a rejection comes in. But they'll get the deal done and done well. Other agents are warm and fuzzy. They'll be there to pick you up when you suddenly realize that you've lost your muse and your WIP is horrific and you'll never write another good word again. They call you on your birthday. They send you flowers when you final in a contest. They are your oasis of support in a tough business.

Both kinds of agents can be equally great on the professional side, but you need to know what kind of personality you thrive upon and which ones you don't. Be honest with yourself. If you need a supportive agent, admit it to yourself and make sure that's what you get. If you get annoyed when people check in to see how you're doing, then the "all-business" agent might be exactly what you need. Know yourself, and know the agent.

4) Do they really, really love what you write?

It's not enough if he thinks he can sell you. It's not enough if he likes the submission you sent him. Your agent has to L-O-V-E your writing. He has to think you're BRILLIANT. That doesn't mean he can't see your flaws. It means that when he talks about your work to editors, his eyes light up and his voice fills with passion and the editors sit up and take notice because they can tell you are something SPECIAL. Accept no less.

5) Who are her other clients, and how does she handle competing clients?

You want an agent who has contacts in the genre you write in, and she will get those contacts by representing other authors in that genre. But be very careful to find out how she handles it when she has two clients of the same genre ready to submit at the same time. Does she give one priority over the other? Does she keep your submission back from the houses she sends the other submission to? You deserve full backing, not split loyalties. She may not have a competing author at the time she takes you on, but she might acquire one later. Know how she deals with it.

6) Communication

Some people e-mail their agents every day. Some talk to their agents every day. Other authors hear from the agents twice a year, when it's time for a new contract. Some agents send a weekly update as to your submissions. Others will let you know only if there is an offer on the table. What is your comfort level? Do you have one of those "need-to-know" personalities? If so, you better get yourself an agent who keeps you updated or at the very least is happy to respond to your constant queries.

7) Ethics & Relationship

Some business people like to stretch the ethical boundaries to get the best deals. Some agents don't care if every editor in the industry hates them as long as they get the best deals. Other agents would rather take a few dollars less if it means building a good relationship and staying within their ethical boundaries. Know where your comfort level is.

8) Agency Size

Some agents are solo practitioners or work in small firms. They have the freedom to acquire any client they want and to represent any story they desire. But they may not have the advantage of peers off whom to bounce ideas. If it's a solo agent, find out how she keeps abreast of the industry (a group of solo agents have formed the Secret Agent Cartel, where they share information the same way big firms do).

Some agents work for big firms. Often, these agents must get approval from the entire team before any big decisions. They have colleagues there to bounce ideas off of and they have the clout of their big agency behind them, but they may be limited in their freedom to act or to keep clients who aren't selling.

Know what's important to you.

9) Career Plan

Do you want an agent who helps you with your career plan? (Your answer should be yes.) If so, you want an agent who has a career plan in mind. Ask her what it is. Find out what happens if you want to deviate from that plan in a year or two or five. Some agents believe their authors should write in only one genre until they become a huge success. Period. Others encourage their clients to write in several genres, to reinvent themselves periodically, to shift their goals. Some agents keep their eyes open for new opportunities for their clients, others want to keep them building in the direction they're headed. Know what your goals are for your career, and find out if they mesh with the agent's goals for your career. And then find out what happens if you change your mind.

10) Industry Contacts

It might seem to be a no-brainer, but make sure the agent has contacts in your genre. Can she get you read in a timely manner? Do editors respect her? Does she find out about trends and opportunities before they are public? Does she know the preferences of all the editors at all the houses so she can send your submission to the editor who adores exactly what you write? Does she go to lunch with editors on a regular basis (FYI: she doesn't have to be located in New York City)? If you're jumping in with a new agent who is hanging up a shingle for the first time, find out what her background is. Is she bringing contacts to the table, and if she's not, how is she going to get them fast? Sometimes new agencies are great because every author is vitally important. But you have to do your homework with a new agency to make sure they're going to be one of the top agencies ten years from now and not a has-been that you're having trouble getting your royalty checks out of now that you've moved on.

How do you find this stuff out? Ask the agent. Ask current clients of the agent. And ask former clients of the agent. All three groups provide critical pieces of information that you need to know to get a complete picture. Do your homework. A bad agent can seriously derail your career, and a good agent is priceless. Do what you can to get the right agent the first time. And remember, as you go through the list of questions above, be honest with yourself when you answer them. You may wish you were a perfect match for the big-time NYC agent who is known to be a brutal negotiator for her clients, but if you need warm fuzzies and that agent doesn't do them, be strong enough to walk away. You'll be glad you did.

And good luck! If you have any further questions about the agent hunt, please feel free to e-mail me at stephanie@stephanierowe.com.


Stephanie Rowe's newest release, Date Me Baby, One More Time, is available now.

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