The Writer/Agent Relationship

No, the relationship would not end after your agent's made a sale. A good agent is there to help you shape your whole career and will want to discuss what you have in mind for your next project.

And to put it in more cynical terms -- if they've just made money off you, why would they not be interested in what else you can produce?

The whole point of having an agent is to have a partner in your career, someone who gets your writing, understands your goals, and works with you on both. Oh and also sells your books . I sense some cynicism from your post (well all your posts), as well as a wee bit of a chip on your shoulder, but let me assure you that such relationships not only are possible but are very common. I myself wouldn't trade my agency for anything, not only is my agent fantastic and a great motivator, but the head of the agency himself asked to talk with me just to give me a bit of a pep talk.

Also, again, they are incredible deal makers.

I have a friend who's agent couldn't sell her first work no matter how many times they went back to the drawing board. This agent met with an editor friend who told her what they were looking to buy at the moment. The agent promptly went to my writer friend and asked her if she thought she could write that book. My friend did, and together they put together a fantastic submission, resulting in a 3 book deal with Harper Collins. And they are still working on selling that other book.

Now it can be that an agent and author don't work well together, you do read about that happening as well. And this is where the adage, "No agent is better than a bad agent" comes in. And this is also why it is such a tough job finding that right agent.

Let's also not fool ourselves, authors are so grateful to have an agent interested at all that they are willing to put up with a lot. But they shouldn't, and invariably those authors who are not happy with the relationship eventually part ways with their agent. Many move on to find just the right match.

Agents and their authors often become friends, because they work together for so long.

At any rate, no. The whole point of getting an agent, and the reason the process is so long and involved, is that both author and agent are looking for a long time thing.

Great answer, Toothpaste. You are always so informative!

Even before he started subbing my first novel, he asked what else I had in the works and he helped me plan out the next two books I am working on. I actually don't write anything without my agent yeah or naying it.

Toothpaste is brilliant!

Not to mention the fact that your agent will have a 15% take on any royalties you earn after you (hopefully) earn out your advance, so they have a vested interest in making sure your book does well. The agent is also there to make sure the editorial process is going well, congratulate you when the book comes out, talk you down when you hate the cover, etc. etc. etc.....

talk you down when you hate the cover,

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Ha! Ain't that the truth.

It is alot like dating... but it really sucks when it turns into a one night stand.

I also agree with the previous posts though. The agent that signs you should ask those questions and want to look towards your future. If they are going through the motions with you on one book then they should be interested in more from you if you click.

Best of luck to you though.

JoshPatton said:

Wow it sounds a lot like dating...perhaps this is from where you sense my cynicism....

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escritora said:

Ha! Ain't that the truth.

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Talking the client down is an essential skill for agents.

I am also interested in this question. I feel like I have a pretty good relationship with my agent. She's proven to be great at editing, and extremely responsive and patient. Our communication is great. Currently, she's trying to sell my first book, and I am thinking of how to approach my second (which is written, currently being edited) and my third, fourth, fifth, which are all conceived, to some degree. We haven't talked much outside of Book 1, and our contract is for the sale of Book 1. I am curious about the logistics of extending the relationship. Will I need to sign a new contract for Book 2 and each subsequent one?

Just curious.

Will I need to sign a new contract for Book 2 and each subsequent one?

Just curious.

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That's difficult to answer because we're not privy to the terms of your contract. Reread your contract because he answer to your question is probably there. If it isn't, pick up the phone and call your agent.