Are you getting ready to query? Have you been querying for a while? Have agents shown interest in your work? Do you have partial or full manuscripts in the hands of agents right now? Are you ready for THE call?
No, seriously. Are you ready for THE CALL?
Have you researched the agents you queried? Do you know what type of books they sell and what kind of deals they’re making? Do you know who their clients are? Have you researched the agents at all? If not, you’d better get to work. These are questions you should know the answers to BEFORE you get THE call. Don’t waste the agent’s time asking these things when she calls. She expects you to know everything about her already.
So, what do you ask an agent when she calls you? Here’s short list of questions you may not have thought to ask but should.
-How much revising does she think is necessary to make this story shine?
-Will she sent editorial suggestions to you and how detailed will they be?
-Does the agent see foreign rights potential? If so, how does she sell those rights (in-house person, sub-agents, or a combination of both)? How does that affect you?
-Does she see movie potential? If so, how would she sell those rights?
-Will she send you copies of emails from editors so you can follow along during the submission process?
-Does she check in with her clients or simply respond when needed?
-How available is she for phone calls and emails? What’s an approximate response time if you contact her?
-Will you work with her directly or will you be working primarily with her assistant?
These are questions you need to ask BEFORE you sign with an agent. Sure, it’s exciting to get THE call, but if you jump into a relationship that isn’t really what you wanted, you’ll regret it later. Know what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line.
And after talking with the agent, don’t be afraid to sleep on it. Ask yourself if you even like the agent. Is there good chemistry between the two of you? Does she love, love, love your story? If not, you might want to turn this agent down. Having the wrong agent work for you is worse than not having one at all.
What are some other questions you should ask the agent? Have you gotten THE call? How did it feel? Do you know of writers (don’t mention names) who jumped into a relationship with the first agent who offered representation and now regret it? What other advice can you offer writers who get THE call?
Lynnette Labelle
www.labelleseditorialservices.com
www.lynnettelabelle.com
Excellent tips, Lynnette!
Some agents work on a book-to-book basis, too. I wanted a long-term agent to guide me through my career. It’s good to ask this up front. Also, do they use a written contract? If the publisher sends your money to the agency (which is typical), how long does it take for the agency to send your check to you? In the event either of you want to terminate the relationship, what’s the protocol?
I spent a lot of time reading old blog posts of my agent’s agency to answer as many questions as possible before the call. This eliminated about half of mine! Any research we can do beforehand helps!
Great tips, Jill. I’ve never heard of agents working on a book-to-book basis. That would be good to know (as are the other things you mentioned.) Thanks for sharing!
Lynnette Labelle
In the publishing journey the “Call” is so elusive that most are unprepared for actually asking the right questions before getting involved. It’s a great reminder that just because you received the call doesn’t mean you want to actually accept. Everyone’s journey is unique but there are certain standards that should be met. It’s really important to remember that an Agent is basically a sales rep and advocate for the author. If you’re so grateful that someone listens to you and is willing to invest in you it doesn’t mean that they’re the right one for you. It all needs to be kept in perspective.
I agree. Thanks for sharing!
Lynnette Labelle