Many people feel having an agent is an important step in getting a publishing deal. Sure there are plenty of successful authors without agents, but in order to submit to many publishers, you have to do it through an agent.
Personally I want to have an agent there to help figure out which publishers to send to and negotiate a better contract for me. It could be a little difficult for me to find someone, because I would prefer to use only one agent for everything. I'm not sure how many agents would be willing to represent both romance and YA/NA. Those are very different categories. But I will search high and low when the time comes.
From what I understand many people who originally worked in editing migrate over to agenting and vice versa. I have considered doing this later in my career. The role of an agent seems to be an interesting one, but I am sure not everyone is suited to become one.
Personally I want to have an agent there to help figure out which publishers to send to and negotiate a better contract for me. It could be a little difficult for me to find someone, because I would prefer to use only one agent for everything. I'm not sure how many agents would be willing to represent both romance and YA/NA. Those are very different categories. But I will search high and low when the time comes.
From what I understand many people who originally worked in editing migrate over to agenting and vice versa. I have considered doing this later in my career. The role of an agent seems to be an interesting one, but I am sure not everyone is suited to become one.
I'm still convinced agents are critical to a traditional publishing career. I have been agent hunting for four years and had some near misses but still no offers. I will keep trying though, even as I do some publishing with small presses that don't require agents. As with everything else in writing these days, it seems like trying a bit of each "way" is a good idea...
ReplyDeleteI agree with an agent being essential for a tradition career. There are so many small presses now that don't require an agent, so it makes it easier for those who don't have agents to get published.
DeleteI have mixed emotions about agents. I've had four since 1979. The two books I've sold, I did on my own. I would love to have an agent I could trust and rely on; one who loved my stories and had MY best interest at heart. I haven't met one yet.
ReplyDeleteA good agent can be hard to find. I am glad you have found success as an author without an agent.
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