What does a literary agent do for writers?
A literary agent has connections. They know the publishers inside and out and make sure your manuscript gets into the hands of the right publisher. An agent’s job is to get you published – that’s how they make money. Agent representation gives you an immediate degree of credibility. Publishers understand that if an agent has agreed to represent a manuscript, there must be some merit to it. Some publishers simply will not deal with anyone but an agent. An agent has the experience, skills and motivation to negotiate the best publishing contract for an author. It’s a simple formula – the more the author makes, the more the agent makes. Once a book is published, an agent can continue to help manage the book’s life cycle, which may include paperback, international publishing, television or film deals, etc.
A literary agent represents the author of a book to publishers. In other words, the main job of a literary agent is to find writers a publisher. Agents also negotiate rights, including film and TV, on behalf of the author they represent. Most literary agents have a specialty. That is, there are agents who specialize in computer books, those who market mysteries, etc. Does having an agent mean my book will sell? No. The possible advantage an agent offers is their contacts in the publishing industry. They act as brokers and filters to acquisition editors. If an agent with good contacts likes your book, it will get consideration quickly. An agent who likes your book may help you shape it so it is more likely to be purchased by a publisher. Agents can also help in negotiations with a publisher, often getting you a higher advance, higher royalties and/or more promotion. But just because an agent takes you and you book on doesn’t guarantee a sale.
