Do agents cost money?

In the wise words of Uncle Jim: Money flows to the author, not from.

Jack,

This has been discussed repeatedly, here and elsewhere. It's easier, and will be better for you in the long run, to send you to experts.

WriterBeware

Read and study. Heed and grow. And, oh yeah... write something!

Jack, by all means, read Williebee's link. Bookmark it and pass it on.

But the short answer to your question is agents share - usually 15% - of the money they help you earn.

They don't cost a penny upfront.

If they do try to make upfront charges, run away. A good agent earns their commission, while a bad agent charges fees (and often doesn't earn anything).

Another thing I think I should add is this: Don't be woried about their 15%. On average, agents help authors make enough more money than they would on their own to still be at a financial advantage after that percentage.

What I mean is, if you could query a publisher on your own and get a €5,000 deal, it is likely that the agent would get you at least €6,000 for it. (And let you keep all your rights).

In that case, after the deal you personally make €5,100. You have been helped along the way, your agent had been payed and you have more money than if you went it alone. Everyone's a winner. Unless your book fails... then the publishers lose...ahem... I'm sure that won't happen.

Reilly's right.

Following links from comments posted on my blog, I've just discovered this fabulous posting in the archives at Making Light. It's well worth a read for anyone new to the world of agent-hunting.