The career novelist

More on choosing an agent

You have to start somewhere. Where? Well, deciding on your cri-
teria is probably a good place to begin. What do you want in an
agent? If you are not sure, reread the previous chapter. In it I discuss
six large issues that distinguish agencies from each other. Where do
you stand on those issues?

WHEN TO LOOK
A moment ago I was discussing the decision as to when a novel
is finished. Another question of timing is when to approach
agents.
First ask, "Do I need to look at all?" That is, as a new author do
you really need an agent? Opinions differ. Most professional
authors have agents, but it is often said that first-timers will not get
a noticeably better deal if they are represented.
That is true to a point. With few exceptions advances for first nov-
els are low. An agent may get you a few thousand dollars more up
front, yes, but why pay a commission when royalties eventually
close the gap anyway? What's the difference?
The difference shows in a couple of ways. First, because many
major publishers will not read unagented manuscripts, an agent can
open doors. Even more important, a savvy agent who knows indi-
vidual editors' tastes and publishing houses' relative strengths can
be an effective matchmaker, pairing your work with the company
best able to make that work a success.
There are also contracts to consider. Advance levels, royalty
rates, copyright, options, and control of subsidiary rights are all
vital issues in which a new author can benefit from an agent's
expertise. Take, for instance, the right to publish your novel in
German. The unagented author typically cedes control to his pub-
lisher, who typically keeps 50 percent of the proceeds from licens-
ing this right. On a first novel deal, most agents like to retain con-
trol. The cost to the author thus drops to 20 or 25 percent. More
money for you.
Maybe right now money is not your first priority. What about
reaching more readers? Well, that will not happen overseas if your
novel is not sold overseas. Large publishing companies have
departments responsible for just that, but are they efficient? Not