Which path, agent or direct to publisher

Miss Snark has a good post about this question, as I recall, at http://misssnark.blogspot.com Of course she is an agent, so would be a bit biased. But publishing contracts are really complicated: mine ran to nearly twenty pages and my agent went through every line, something that I could never have done. Yes, she gets 15%. But if she gets 20% more in the contract, then she has earned it. Plus, you probably get an agent for your next project in the deal.

I posted this on another thread with a similar question many moons ago, but it seems fitting for a repeat performance:


Before you make your decision, ask yourself a couple of questions to see if you feel confident to deal with the publisher alone:


1. Do you know what "Delivery and acceptance" of the manuscript means and what time period is best for your book?

2. Do you know which subsidiary rights are most advantageous to keep and which to leave with the publisher?

3. Do you think mandated publication is a good idea?

4. Do you know the length of time that is common for the publisher you're querying to hold "reserves on returns?" Do you know how to change it?

5. Can you negotiate your own option clause so it benefits you more than the publisher?

If you aren't comfortable with all of these aspects of a publishing contract (or don't know what the heck I'm talking about!) then you need an agent.

Cathy
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If you want to read the rest of this same thread to see other comments by people (as well as the answers if you haven't a clue ), go here.

Good luck!

Agent or publisher

First of all, huge congratulations, Devin.

Secondly, I suggest you send to both! You might like to mention to the agent in your cover letter that a publisher has requested the work also, it'll make you more attractive to the agent. It's quite normal nowadays for people to get an offer from a publisher first, and THEN get an agent who'll refine the offer.

Hope it all works out for you,

All best,

Tracy
www.unleash-the-writer.com

I'm just signed up to work with an agent on a book that's outlined but not written yet, and have a referral to a publisher on another book that is fully drafted. (My co-author of the drafted book met a writer who has a book with the publisher, and who suggested that we mention her name when we get in touch with the publisher.) I asked my agent to check out the publisher for me, as the website was not especially informative. She - my agent - will naturally be happy to broker the deal with publisher if I decide to pitch the book on my own and there's an interest in the book.

I much prefer to have an agent -- it's well worth 15% not to have to deal with the paperwork, and she can negotiate a better deal than I can; and as far as I'm concerned, it's worth 15% even if I pitch the book myself! I agree that you should let the agent know you're in touch with the publisher, and have a grand go at it!


Good luck!

Ashleen

In my first year with my agent, he sold my book to publishers in Germany, Russia, and the Czech Republic (pending). The advances for those three sales more than cover the 15% cut he takes for the U.S. sale.