Two agents?

Lifelongdagger · Sep 15, 2009

Hi everyone.

Just a little advice needed, please. I am in the situation at the moment where two agents have requested fulls of my novel. One is a London agent and the other is based in New York. If the incredible happens, and both are interested, what would the scenario then be. Can one have two agents, each representing different sides of the pond, or would they both want some sort of exclusivity, leaving me to decide which one is for me?

Any advice really most welcome. As I say, I'm under no illusion regarding the hypothetical nature of this question, but am most interested nonetheless.

Cheers,

Ian

Danthia · Sep 15, 2009

It's not an unlikely situation

Lost of people get multiple offers. If this happens, simply talk to both, weigh the pros and cons and pick one. While there are situations where you'd have two agents, it's in situations like one for non-fic and one for fiction, not two for the same book. Agents have people they work with for foreign sales.

You can probably find all sorts of "what to ask an agent when I get an offer" threads in here for info on things to think about.

Grats and good luck!

Lifelongdagger · Sep 15, 2009

Thank you, Janice.

Just getting a bit over-excited, is all. What you say makes perfect sense. Still convincing myself everyday of every reason imaginable the book will be turned down by both, but you never know, eh.

Once again, thanks so much for your encouragement with this. Means loads.

Warmest regards,

Ian

ORION · Sep 16, 2009

I live in the US- my primary agent is in new york- my book has sold in 20+ countries including the UK so I also have a UK agent...

Lifelongdagger · Sep 16, 2009

Suppose I'll have to wait and see, Patricia. If I ever get to that enviable position, then that's a whole different ballgame.

And twenty plus countries? That's remarkable. Thanks for your input on my concerns at the moment, Patricia. Much appreciated.

Warmest regards,

Ian

scope · Sep 16, 2009

When a writer signs with a reputable agent in the US, a part of the contract will state that the agency will handle, among other things, US sales and foreign rights sales (part of subsidiary rights). Usually 15% of US revenues earned and 20% on foreign sales revenues earned (that's because they usually work with agents in foreign lands and have a higher cost to do business). ut as Danthia said, there are some unique exceptions to this basic rule.

ORION · Sep 16, 2009

oh I just realized my post sounded like I was bragging- I didn't mean it to be...my point was those in the UK & US have a unique position as being able to have agents in both places...toothpaste who is in Toronto has a UK agent...just sayin'

Bealeblast · Sep 30, 2009

another wrinkle on this issue of 1 us/1 uk

I Just signed with a ny agent with a major agency but have long had ongoing exchange going (editorial suggestions no rep agreement) with a UK agent about a novel of mine...if a us agent does most of its own overseas sales as I know Orion your agent does, how did it come to be that they "allowed" another to get involved in UK.. did you initiate or she?

dantem42 · Sep 30, 2009

ORION said:
oh I just realized my post sounded like I was bragging- I didn't mean it to be...my point was those in the UK & US have a unique position as being able to have agents in both places...toothpaste who is in Toronto has a UK agent...just sayin'

Heh heh. Don't worry, you can brag, we forgive you. You deserve it. I live in the Philippines, and I was ever so impressed to find you made it to the Power Books chain store here. Take a bow.

As to lifelongdagger's happy conundrum, I would not rest on my laurels. I got about seven or eight full (or semi-full) reads before I landed an agent. Keep those queries going out...

Two agents?

Lifelongdagger

Danthia

Lifelongdagger

ORION

Sailed away years ago

Lifelongdagger

scope

Commonsensical Maverick

ORION

Sailed away years ago

Bealeblast

dantem42