How To Secure A Literary Agent? Lesson #5: Why You Need A Literary Agent & What They Do!

This is the question I am most often asked by emerging writers. And there is no "golden key." But there is a key to unlock a path to success, and I'm here to show you how this summer. Join me.

Many authors who dream of being traditionally published foolishly believe they do not need a literary agent. Hear me now:

YOU DO!

If you want to be published traditionally — meaning being published by one of the few major publishers (HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, etc.) and not going the self-publishing route — you need an agent. Period. End of discussion.

Celebrating in New York City with my longtime agent, Wendy Sherman, after selling my first Viola Shipman novel!

I’ll even go so far as to humor an argument from a make-believe author out there who has completed an incredible manuscript that could set the publishing world on fire (and you are not one of the few authors who, let’s say, just received their MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and has connections out the kazoo, or is sending their manuscript based on an open call from an imprint). Make-believe authors does their due diligence, researching appropriate editors at major publishers, and emails world-changing manuscript to a select few. Scenario 1: Editor sees email, does not know who mystery author is saying their work is the greatest thing since sliced bread, is likely fearful the attachment is a spam and deletes because it did not come from a trusted agent. Scenario 2: Editor deletes as they receive a million such anonymous emails every week.

Why Do You Need A Literary Agent? And What Does An Agent Do?

1. A literary agent serves as your conduit, trusted friend (mine is, at least, and the very best usually are), shoulder to cry on and dream maker. They are the first person not only to believe in your manuscript but also in you and your dream of being a published author. Mostly …

2. A literary agent negotiates the best possible deal for you in a very complicated business world and model. Publishing is a strange, strange land. Being an author is a wondrous but mysterious profession. The way that an author gets paid (post on this coming in the near future) and deals are made is part gut and part business model/algorithm based (more on this, too, in a future post) on buzz an agent generates about the book, the genre of the manuscript, an author’s platform and following, if the book is an author’s debut, if the author is highly successful and has a great sales track record, if an author’s recent books have sold well, if an author’s last (or most recent) books have not sold well, etc. See where I’m going? An agent handles your book (and career) with great care, expertise, planning, tenacity, clever marketing and patience.

3. A literary agent serves as a trusted gatekeeper to the publishing world. An editor’s job is to read and edit manuscripts. They also oversee the launch of a book including marketing, publicity, etc. They are busy and do not have time to read each and every manuscript that pops into their inbox. How do they know it’s any good? That’s where an agent is key: Most agents have worked in publishing in some aspect (editorial, marketing, foreign rights, sales) and have an inside knowledge of the business. They vet the manuscripts that aspiring writers send them. Their career rides on picking the best of the bunch from the countless they are sent. Moreover, they know — personally and professionally — most editors in publishing. Each editor and imprint is different. They publish different types of books, and agents know all of this. They know their tastes. They know their “list,” i.e., what they just bought, what they are publishing this year and next, who is seeking new manuscripts, who is not, who just left to go work somewhere else … everything. Their finger is on the daily pulse, so they know where and to whom to target your manuscript. They also know how to “work” editors and imprints against each other (all is fair in love, war and publishing!) to get you the best possible deal.

4. A literary agent also works to sell your book in foreign markets (often negotiating for North American rights over world rights so you have the chance to get multiple deals worldwide). I’ve had my books sold in over 30 countries, and, believe me, this can be a HUGE part of your career and earnings.

5. A literary agent also typically has connections with the TV/film industry, so your book gets attention from entertainment agents. Again, this cannot only fulfill an author’s dream of seeing their book produced but it can also change the trajectory of your career.

6. An agent negotiates your contract with an attorney. Every nuance. Every word and line. Bonuses. What rights you keep. This can be life- and career-changing.

7. A literary agent navigates the up’s and down’s of your career. You will have huge moments of celebration, and then you will have conversations that will make you cry for days. An agent must be honest with you at every step. Sometimes, it’s not what you want to hear. Believe me, I’ve been there. I’ve gone years without selling a book. I’ve written books that have not sold. I’ve worked my a** off (writing for PEOPLE, teaching writing workshops, going from 4 a.m. until midnight) while writing a new book and changing course in my career, and my agent has been there every step of the way, through the good and bad. That’s what you want. An agent who stands by you. An agent who believes in you and your work. An agent who is accessible and honest.

How Does An Agent Get Paid?

1. An agent will NOT take you on unless they believe they can sell your work. Often, they will take you on and help you develop that manuscript into a more solid, sellable work. But if they take you on as a client, they think they can sell your book. If they do, they take 15 percent of everything. This is standard policy for every agent, from Stephen King’s to James Patterson’s (okay, so their agents get a bit more per deal than mine, LOL). Agents often work with foreign rights agents, who know the international publishing industry. When a book sells internationally, the co-agents split the 25 percent (which, again, is standard). Agents also take 15 percent of your royalties, etc. It’s worth every penny! Do you know what 15 percent of nothing is? Exactly. You need an agent. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: IF AN AGENT WANTS TO CHARGE YOU TO READ YOUR MANUSCRIPT, THEY ARE NOT REPUTABLE! RUN LIKE HELL!

Keep writing & believing! XOXO!

Wade/Viola