Many novelists, after finally finishing their books, prepare to contact publishing houses only to discover they don't accept unsolicited manuscripts. While a few do, finding a literary agent to represent their novel will greatly increase a writers chance at publication.
Even so, many novelists are reluctant to accept the help of a literary agency due to the 15% fee. However, what a good literary agent actually does is worth far more. Here is how an agent helps authors get their books on the shelves.
Literary Agents Help Edit Novels
Novels typically go through several revisions before publication, and literary agents are an important part of this process. After spending so much time on a novel, it is difficult for writers to see their work through fresh, unbiased eyes. Literary agents are, by trade, voracious readers, and can offer valuable suggestions on improving the novel before submitting it to any publishers.
Every agency will differ as far as how much editing they will suggest. In all cases, the point is to make the manuscript as strong as possible before an editor reviews it.
Remember, literary agents should never charge a "reading" fee, or anything like it. Agents are paid a standard 15% commission once the novel has been sold. Writers should never pay a fee until a contract with a publisher is signed.
Literary Agents Find Editors and Publishers for Novels
A big part of a literary agent's job is to know the market. Most agents only represent certain genres – non-fiction, horror, mystery, etc – and know the markets for these genres, and which editors are most likely to be interested in those books, inside and out.
Once a novel is ready for submission, a literary agent will start contacting editors at publishing houses that will be interested in taking the book in the direction the author and agent want. There is much more to publishing a novel than cover art and printing, of course! Knowing the market is an essential part of publication, and this is where having a literary agent is worth much more than the 15% commission.
Literary Agents Negotiate Contracts
When a publisher is interested in taking on the novel, there is a lot of paperwork to be done. Contracts can be long and tedious, and agents can explain the process to new authors and help them negotiate the best deal possible.
There are other things to consider, such as foreign rights, movie rights, audio and ebook rights, that agents are experts in handling. It is not advisable for an inexperienced writer to take these deals on alone.
Literary Representation is Important to Getting a Book Deal
For a new author looking to publish a book, contacting a literary agent may be the most important step they ever take. Literary agents take on projects they love and believe in, and will take pride in securing the best deal possible for their clients.
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