A question that frequently comes up for writers is whether to get an agent or pitch a book directly to editors and publishers. If you have a commercial nonfiction or fiction book, it’s ideal to get an agent – and an agent will want to represent you. In this ideal scenario, a good agent will have the connections and can place your book faster with a bigger and better publisher. Plus the agent can negotiate a bigger advance and better terms.
So how do you get to that agent? If you already have a high-profile, are involved in a big news event, are a popular speaker or a frequent guest for media, you can usually quickly connect up with an agent and even choose among eager agents.
Then there’s everyone else – which is most writers with a book. Without that big name or big story connection, it is often difficult to find a good agent who is well connected in the industry and regularly making deals. You want to avoid an agent who charges fees other than out-of-pocket costs for copying and extra shipping, such as for foreign postage and messages.
One problem in finding representation is that good 미국배송대행 agents are often busy with other clients, are selective in taking on new clients, and may take weeks or months to respond. Then, too, some agents will only consider new clients by referral. So expect to encounter some of these common barriers to finding an agent, even if your book is one that an agent will be eager to represent.
Even after you get an agent, some common problems for many writers are these:
– the agent isn’t doing enough;
– the agent has submitted the book to some editors, who have turned it down, and the agent isn’t sure where to go next;
– an agent may be initially hot on a book, but after a few turn-downs, loses interest;
– an agent usually cultivates a select circle of editors – perhaps two or three dozen. But if those editors aren’t interested, the agent has limited contacts or lacks an interest in pursuing your project outside the circle.
In such cases, getting or staying with an agent may not be the best approach. You may do better on your own.
Another consideration is whether your book is suited to a particular agent – or to agents, generally. While most agents handle general commercial nonfiction, many emphasize certain specialties or only handle certain types of books, such as fiction, children’s book, self-help, health, and business books. Also, agents commonly submit most books to their circle of editors. So target your book to agents who handle your type of book.