by Julia Kelly
Getting an agent was a
tiring, emotionally draining process. I wanted to make the right move for my
career, but how was I supposed to do that? I did some research and went through
all of the steps you’re supposed to. I looked over the contract my agent sent
me and asked a lot of questions. That was good, but now that I’ve had some time
to develop relationships with other authors at different stages of their
careers and heard the stories—good and bad—I realize that I’d missed some major
points.
I’m fortunate that I
lucked into a good agent whom I trust, but if I could do it all over again, I
would tell myself to ask the following questions before signing just to make
sure we were on the same page. • How does your agent-to-be handle non-compete
and option clauses? If she doesn’t tell you straight off the bat that she will
do everything in her power to fight them or change the language so that it is
less restrictive on you, you might want to look elsewhere.
• How does your
agent-to-be handle rights? Not only do you want to make sure you can get your
rights back if your publisher folds, she also should know how to handle
digital, foreign, movie, and merchandizing rights. If she works with another
agent or lawyer in those negotiations, who is that person?
• What if you want to be
a hybrid author? For many writers, a clear delineation between traditional and indie
publication doesn’t make sense for their careers. They do both. How does your
agent-to-be feel about you working on indie projects? Would she want a cut of
an indie book that she does not represent? Is she supportive of you going solo
for part of your career?
• Can you break up with
your agent if you need to? No one wants to think about an agent/author
relationship going south, but sometimes it happens. Read the clauses of your
contract dealing with separation very carefully. If you have any doubts about
your ability to understand contract language, get a lawyer. You do not want to
wind up stuck in a contractual relationship that’s soured.
• What is your
agent-to-be’s style, and what do you want from her? I think this is one of the
most important questions to ask yourself. Some agents will do serious, line-by
-line developmental edits. Others would rather you work with critique partners
to get your manuscript in shape so they can focus on selling. Some are very
friendly with clients while others keep clients at a more professional
distance. You don’t have to be best friends, but you should be working with
someone whose style fits yours.
Don’t feel ashamed about
asking your prospective agent lots of questions openly. You’re doing what you
need to in order to help protect the health of your career. Be polite, but also
be informed.
And when in doubt, talk
to your friends. There’s a good chance that someone in your chapter or in your
personal network of authors knows someone else who is represented by a
particular agent. Be discrete and gracious, but make sure to get the answers
you need before signing.♥
Julia Kelly writes sexy
historical and contemporary romances about smart women and the men who love
them. When she’s not writing, Julia is a
TV news producer who bosses reporters around and chases breaking news stories.
Her first book, One Week in Wyoming, came out this past September. Visit her at
www.juliakellywrites.com.
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