Table of Contents
The Agent’s Role
A literary agent's role begins long before they offer representation. During the query process, agents review incoming submissions, evaluating the quality of the manuscript and whether it aligns with their interests, current client list, and the types of books they're confident they can sell in the current market. If a query stands out, they may request additional material before ultimately deciding whether to offer representation.
Once an author signs, the agent's role shifts from evaluator to advocate: once they’ve found a manuscript they find promising, it’s their job to pitch it and cheer it on. They are also the business manager and career strategist, the industry professional specialized in guiding a manuscript to its home in the publishing world. While the responsibilities evolve throughout the process, the goal remains the same: finding the right opportunities for the author's work and building a successful publishing partnership.
Their main focuses after signing involve being the business shield, the first editor, and the career planner.
The business shield: Agents handle the contract side of things, everything from pitching to acquisitions editors at publishing houses, negotiating contract details, managing sub-rights (like foreign publishing and film agreements), and arranging payment.
The first editor: After an author and agent establish representation, the agent advises on revisions that will help guide the manuscript and author to success in the traditional publishing market.
The career planner: Not only do agents work with current manuscripts, they work with authors to analyze market trends and discuss upcoming projects, setting their clients up for success in future publishing endeavors.
The Author’s Responsibilities
Once an author is signed with an agent, they’re both a writer and a business partner. They must trust their agent to pitch and negotiate while they continue writing and connecting with their audience.
They have the following main tasks:
Trust their agent to know the craft: A manuscript is precious to most authors and it can be hard to change anything after putting in so much work to finish the project. It is truly the property of the author, but it’s important to remember that hiring an agent means working on a team and seriously considering any input they have.
Deliver quality work on time: The most important thing an author can do is turn in work at the agreed upon deadline and up to the agreed upon standards. Maintaining this priority helps both author and agent stay on schedule, allowing a smoother publishing process.
Maintain a platform: Particularly if an agent sells a book partly relying on an existing online presence, the author should plan to keep this presence up to facilitate sales when the book is released.
Communicate clearly: Agents are aware that manuscripts are precious to the author, and they must manage taking proper care with many projects. Authors should feel free to ask clear questions where needed and give the agent the information they need while avoiding burying that information in long, emotional emails. The more professionally authors treat their agent, the more smoothly the publishing process can work.
Managing Communication
Use email primarily: Agents have limited time and need to plan accordingly. Sending concise emails allows them to respond when they have a proper moment to focus.
Keep emails short: Keeping emails short and clear means faster responses and better communication. Agents care but don’t always have time to wade through longer emails, meaning it might take longer to hear back.
Schedule calls: If you need to communicate something with more detail or know an issue will be a longer discussion, reach out to schedule a time to talk. Giving the agent advance notice helps both sides better fulfill their needs.
Agree on response time: Ask the agent what response time they aim for and respect that boundary for non-urgent issues. Trust that they’ll respond and remember that they’re likely working on your project even when things seem quiet.
FAQs
How often should I connect with my agent?
Focus on quality communication over frequency. Depending on the stage of the publishing process a manuscript is in, authors and agents may need to communicate daily (for an in-progress deal) or monthly (if the author is drafting their next book) or anywhere in between. Of course, it’s acceptable to reach out when questions or concerns come up, but agents don’t need to hear a daily update.
What if I disagree with my literary agent’s editorial advice?
Try to avoid getting defensive and focus instead on having a calm, objective discussion about it. Ask for the reasoning behind the device, as agents are industry professionals with knowledge of the market and generally try to avoid suggestions based on personal preference.
What happens after an agent offers representation?
After an offer comes through, authors and agents typically discuss the manuscript, the author’s career goals, and how the agent usually works with clients. The author has the chance to notify other agents they’ve submitted to and sometimes receives other offers. After choosing an agent, both parties sign a contract and begin working together on revisions, submission plans, and future publishing career plans.
What are signs of a healthy author-agent relationship?
Strong partnerships are built on trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to the author’s long-term success. Authors and agents won’t agree on everything, but it’s a good sign when they are comfortable discussing concerns and coming to decisions together based on clear communication, realistic expectations, and mutual respect.
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