asking for credentials

governor_corleone · Feb 13, 2006

How do you ask a prospective agent what their credentials are in terms of sales before making a commitment (provided you do not already know)? It seems like a delicate question to ask, considering they may be offering representation and appear to be above-board, but one that I feel is important for the writer.

Is there any proper etiquette for doing this?

Aconite · Feb 13, 2006

Any agent who has requested your work should be happy to provide a list of sales upon polite request ("May I know what books you've sold, and to whom?"). This infomation is not secret. Agents are the public representatives of authors. Anyone who has a meltdown over your asking, dances around the question, or implies you're foolish for asking is an agent to cross off your list.

Remember to verify what information you're given--both that the books were sold by that agent to the publishers claimed, and that the publishers are reputable publishers. Some scam agents "sell" books to vanity outfits like PublishAmerica and AuthorHouse.

Good luck!

erinbee · Feb 13, 2006

Just ask - and if they're unwilling to provide that information, run in the other direction as quickly as possible. Sales are a matter of public record and a great way to determine if an agent is legit - if they are, they will be happy to provide you with some info on sales.

James D. Macdonald · Feb 13, 2006

If you don't already know -- after they've offered but before you've accepted would probably be best.

But I have to ask -- how did the agent in question get onto your list of agents to query? Surely it wasn't just "Had a mailing address."

stormie · Feb 13, 2006

Many agencies have web sites, or you can go to www.agentquery.com, and you can get a list of authors and books represented, before you query.

asking for credentials

governor_corleone

Aconite

erinbee

slanted and enchanted

James D. Macdonald

Your Genial Uncle

stormie

storm central