AmyC said:I can't seem to find out any info about her.
Baywitch said:If you have someone willing to buy your book...why have an agent?(Am I being naive?) I understand they hopefully are an avocate for you(the writer), aren't they?
Toni1953 said:Yes, an agent can get a novice into the big houses they can't get into on their own, and is (hopefully) skilled in the art of negotiation.
it's possible, of course, to get published on your own but it's few and far between.
AmyC said:I read the link and that is some scary stuff! Would you ask for a list of recent sales before being offered a contract? Anita Kushen just requested to see my manuscript, so I don't want to seem pushy. What is the etiquette for asking for an agent's sales? Would you ask before sending your manuscript, or is it only if you've been offered representation?
Thanks -- and on a side note, the information on this website is wonderful!
Amy
If she claims to have no sales because she's new, ask her what her professional background is. A new agent should have worked in publishing or for another reputable agency, otherwise she is unlikely to have the skills she needs to do the job.Baywitch said:I asked her for a list of recent sales. I'll let you know what happens. It can't hurt to ask.
Baywitch, did you get your answer to that question from someone? If not, I'll take a stab at it. It's because getting an offer is just the beginning of a whole series of negotiations with the publisher on your contract, for a start. Your agent needs to know what's the going rate for certain types of books at different houses, which contract clauses are negotiable and which aren't, and so on; also, ideally, your agent will help you plan your writing career beyond selling the one book.Baywitch said:If you have someone willing to buy your book...why have an agent?(Am I being naive?) I understand they hopefully are an avocate for you(the writer), aren't they?
Aconite said:Baywitch, did you get your answer to that question from someone? If not, I'll take a stab at it. It's because getting an offer is just the beginning of a whole series of negotiations with the publisher on your contract, for a start.
AmyC said:It has given me an opportunity to make new contacts and therefore, no loss, no hurt.
This person was an editor for 20 years?! I'm not sure if the "causal email" caveat even applies here, since one would hope she'd be trying to impress a potential client.Dear Amy,
My agency has only been open since last August. I have published authors but, as of yet, have not gotten any contracts. I have 20 plus years in the business as a freelance editor. I helped get manuscripts ready for agents or to send directly to a publishing house (not something done very much anymore). My agency is a newbie but alas I am not. I have made alot of progress and will have a contract (s) soon. This business has changed in the last few years as so many of my contacts have moved on, retired or just plain disappeared. It has given me an opportunity to make new contacts and therefore, no loss, no hurt. If you are looking for someone with more experience (in as far as getting the deed done) I will understand and of course wish you the best in your search. Let me know how things go.
Anita