by Bethany Jett, @BetJett
Do I need an agent? If a publisher is interested in my work, can’t I craft the deal myself? What can agent really do to help me? If I represent myself, don’t I keep all of my royalties?
At some point in our writing careers, we have to weigh our options on trying to get an agenting contract or getting a deal on our own. There is no right or wrong way answer here–our success as writers isn’t dependent upon whether or not we have an agent. For the purposes of this article, however, let’s take a minute to chat about some of the benefits of having one.
Money Talk
The industry standard is an 85/15 split. The agent receives a 15% commission from the advance and royalties and you keep 85%. This can differ from agency to agency, but this seems to be the rule of thumb.
If someone asks you to pay them to represent you, RUN. Never never never never never never pay an agent upfront. In a sense, this is a symbiotic relationship. Your agent gets paid when you do, so it’s mutually beneficial for you and your agent when there is quality time spent working on your platform, proposals, and pitching your work.
Reasons an Agent is Worth EVERY Penny
1. Better Deals
If you’re like me, I’m thrilled to simply be offered a contract. You mean it? You want my work??!!! Where do I sign? The agent’s job is pull the contract from the overeager writer’s clutches and go through it with a fine tooth comb. Even in the world of Christian publishing, book-selling is a business, and sometimes contracts don’t represent offers at an industry standard.
Some contracts can be upwards of 27+ pages and they are chock-full of lawyer-ease. I thought my eyes would roll back in my head as I tried to understand what exactly was going on. An agent will make sure you’re at least getting the right amount of royalties (it’s different for paperbacks and e-books) and they can negotiate a higher advance and more free author copies.
Also, some publishing houses are only accepting submissions through an agent, so be sure to read through submission guidelines thoroughly.
2. New Projects
Sometimes publishers will need stories written for anthologies, compilations, or are looking for certain kinds of stories…and they’ll share that information with agents. Those agents may be able to pass book projects to their clients, which means extra publication credits!
Similarly, publishers will also have celebrity or big-name people who have a story that needs to be shared with the world. The publisher will reach out to an agent and see if they have a writer who can ghostwrite the book.
3. Career Guidance
Knowing that there is someone “on your team” dealing with the pitching, follow-ups, and negotiations lessens the pressure. The agent takes your proposal and after a little bit of back-and-forth polishing, sends it to his or her contacts at the publishing houses. Additionally, it’s the agent’s job to have his finger on the pulse of publishing and keep an eye on what houses are looking for. They also help you decide which book project is the next one to work on…and tell you when you’re going in the wrong direction.
If you decide having an agent is right for your career, be sure to do your homework. Ask other writers who they recommend. Check out their websites and the authors they represent. And the best piece of advice: meet with agents at writers conferences…hint…hint…..registration is open for 2017’s conference!
[reminder]What are your thoughts?[/reminder]
Bethany Jett is an award-winning author of The Cinderella Rule, speaker, ghostwriter, and founder of JETTsetter Ink, a consulting and editing company. She has written for numerous publications, created the My Moments Planner, Serious Writer Companion, and is the founder of Serious Writer Academy and the Build Your Brand Program.
Bethany is a military wife and all-boys-mama who is addicted to suspense novels and all things girly. She writes on living a brilliant life at BethanyJett.com. Connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.
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