Getting an agent with two books already out of the barn

Well, I don't know if I'm the best to offer advice here, since I have no books out AND no agent, but here goes:

You need to approach a literary agent with a new project. Having other books published can help you with that; it will show the agent that you CAN impress an editor.

Now, as far as finding an agent who can sell film rights to the existing books, I don't really know how that works, and the possibility of it at all depends on the contract with the publishers. Are you sure they didn't grab those rights? If they're still available, I would think the way to go about it would be to find someone interested in developing the stories into film, and then approaching an agent to help you make the deal.

Hopefully someone more knowledgable will come along soon.

And Hi! Glad you found us.

Don't be shy about asking agents this question. See if that is something they will handle. Once you have an agent - they will begin to represent other things and some things perhaps that aren't their genre as a favor to you as a client. An agent who hates questions - is not an agent you want anyway - so why not ask ( but don't badger ) My agent is happy to answer any question I have. That's the kind of agent you need.

Hind sight is 20/20 - and looking back I had so many questions I was afraid to ask people. Once I finally began to get published, get an agent, etc. I gained confidence - now I think "Boy, I really should have had more confidence up front - I think people can sense it!" Now that you have already had something published or near published you are beginning to be less of a first timer and on your way to knowing the ropes. So you've probably built up that self-esteem factor!

Good luck and God bless! Go for it!

Sorry Grant, can't offer you any sound advice (I have books published, but no agent). But anyway: welcome to AW!


Nickie

Grant Hayter-Menzies said:

Hello all -

I just signed on to the site and wanted to introduce myself and my quandary. I am a writer, an ex-pat American living on Vancouver Island in BC, with two biographies out or almost out - my life of stage and screen comedienne Charlotte Greenwood was published by McFarland & Company in April, and my life of Chinese author Princess Der Ling is being brought out in March 08 by Hong Kong University Press. I've placed these books without an agent, but given certain factors (the cinematic possibilities for these books and others I am working on, the need for advice re: PR, the need to have an agent's blessing before I can get a book in to be seen by more publishers, etc.), I am feeling the need for an agent.

What I'm wondering is: has anyone else here any advice to share on how or whether to get an agent after publishing a book or books? Any and all replies appreciated.

All best - Grant

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to AW, Grant.

Heya Grant! Welcome to AW!

to AW, Grant!

You might have more luck with this question over in the Ask the Agent forum, but I wanted to welcome you, anyway! Welcome!

Hi Grant! I'm sorry I can't offer any help, still a newbie myself , but I can offer a welcome!!

My co-author and I didn't have any problem getting an agent after pubbing two small press books. The only question might be getting the agent involved in the books you already HAVE published. Much depends on what rights you managed to keep in the contract you signed. Some agents don't like to get involved in deals they had no input in making. But if you get an agent for a NEW book, then you can certainly ask the agent if they'd be willing to handle subsidiary right deals on ones you already have--if they have the experience to handle them.

You can certainly keep those in the back your mind as you start to look for agencies. Some of the larger agencies have a number of different departments. Our agency (Writers House) was willing to look into selling foreign translations to our small press book with the permission of the publisher, which didn't really have the staff to handle such things. That might be something worthwhile for the University Press title. Often, the publisher is happy to help your future agent out, because they're going to get the lion's share of the subsidiary sale.

Hope that helps, and welcome to AW!