Approaching an Agent
What do literary agents do?
Literary agents act as an intermediary between a writer and their potential publishers. These relationships are professional, but a personal rapport is important.
They can:
Use their networks to find the right publisher for your manuscript—typically, agented manuscripts are considered ‘solicited’, and take priority over general, unagented submissions;
Negotiate contracts to make sure their clients get the best possible deals;
Sometimes edit manuscripts prior to pursuing publication;
Sometimes find or manage enquiries related to speaking, teaching or other paid work associated with writing; and
Act as a writer’s career advisor.
In some overseas markets, such as North America, most publishers will not look at an unagented manuscript. However, in Australia, literary agents are not essential. A good agent can be an advantage, but the choice is up to the writer.
How much does a literary agent cost?
Agents are typically paid a commission of approximately 15% of all money they bring in for the writer. They shouldn’t be making money unless you do. A 15% commission can seem a large share as publishing advances shrink—but a good agent will generate enough to support themselves.
When should I approach a literary agent?
Look up the norms for your genre; remember fiction writers generally need to have a completed manuscript before submitting (even if the agent only wants to see a few sample chapters), while nonfiction writers often only need to have completed a book proposal, including sample chapters.
The best time to approach a literary agent is when you have a polished manuscript ready to submit, and before you have approached any publishers. You may also choose to approach a literary agent once a publisher has expressed interest, but before you have signed or agreed to anything.
How do I find a literary agent?
The first step is finding a literary agent to approach. The list of members of the Australian Literary Agents’ Association is a good place to start. This is an organisation which provides a public presence for literary agents in Australia, along with an established Code of Practice that members must adhere to. Their member agencies have been responsible for the execution of 10 contracts within a 2-year period, or have earned a commission of over $250,000AUD in the same amount of time.
There are some literary agents that are not members of this organisation. This is not a red flag in itself, but it can be useful to ask whether they follow the Code of Practice, and to examine and verify their list of clients before continuing.
If you find an agent and you’re not sure they are reputable or if you would like someone to look over your contract, contact ACT Writers or the Australian Society of Authors. Never sign anything you’re not comfortable with or you don’t understand. Please note: Literary agents should not charge reading or submission fees. They should only make money when you do.
How do I submit to a literary agent?
The first step is to review the submission guidelines on the literary agent’s website check whether the agent is accepting submissions. If the guidelines are not on their website and it does not say that they are closed for submissions, you may reach out to them politely and ask to be sent their guidelines. Typically, you may be asked to send a query letter, a synopsis, and some early sample chapters. Be polite. Ensure that the formatting follows the guidelines and is plain and easy to read, that every piece of writing is clear and represents your voice, and that you are upfront about any places your manuscript is also being considered. It’s a good idea to look at their client list and determine how you and your writing would fit in. Some agents specialise in certain genres: is this an agent that is likely to understand your manuscript’s genre and market, or even be interested? What qualities does your manuscript share with the work of their other clients, and how does it set itself apart? These questions can give you a good idea of where to start with your query letter.
How do I know if an agent is reputable and right for me?
Here’s a checklist to consider when looking at signing with an agent:
Are they a member of the Australian Literary Agents’ Association? Do they abide by its Code of Practice?
Who are the agent’s clients? Who is their most successful client? Who is their least successful client?
Have you had the chance to speak with the agent about your work and your career? Do you feel comfortable with them?
Have they expressed a plan for your manuscript? Do you feel that your manuscript will have a better chance with them than if you take it on your own?
Is there a contract? Do you understand it? Is it fair? The Australian Society of Authors provides a contract assessment service which you may choose to utilise when considering signing with an agent.