More on choosing an agentmost long-standing editor. But what is good editorial advice? That
depends. If you are a facile, outline-handy, trend-watching sort of
author then you probably want an agent to tell you how to tailor
your fiction to what's hot, what's selling. If, however, you are a slow,
style-conscious, trend-ignoring type of author then you probably
want an agent who nurtures your own unique voice.
Above all else, you want an agent who understands your type of
fiction.
That leads to the second most important question: How much of
my type of writing do you handle? A lot? Exactly how would the agent
describe your work?
And that leads to another crucial question: What plans do you have
for marketing my work? The answer had better be detailed and logical.
Today there are many more strategies to choose from than in years
past. Once, the best possible hardcover deal was always the top
objective; not so anymore. Hard/soft deals with large commercial
houses are far smarter for many novels. Certain others are best
served by original paperback publication. What type of novel is
yours? And why? Ask.
Okay, now you may ask, "How much do you charge?" Fifteen percent
on domestic revenues has become standard. A trickier issue is
whether expenses are charged on top of that, and if so which?
Certainly outside legal, public relations, and accounting advice
need not be covered by commissions. But policies vary widely on
things like photocopying, messengers, phone charges, overseas
postage, and such. If charged, must you front some money or will
the agent foot it? Do you get advance clearance?
Next vital question: Are you a member of the AAR (Association of
Authors' Representatives)? While membership does not guarantee you
will get brilliant representation, it does mean that your prospect has
met certain minimum performance standards and has signed a Code
of Ethics that addresses the handling of funds, the availability of
information, confidentiality, expenses, conflicts of interest, reading
fees, and other issues of real importance to your writing career.
Keep going: How many people work at your company? How many are
agents? Who will actually handle my work? How are overseas sales and
movie/TV sales accomplished? Will you consult with me before closing every deal?