When to realize that you need a new literary agent?

Hello. I have an issue that I hope the rest of you can provide some input on.

I signed with a literary agent earlier this year for our graphic novel project. Out of professional courtesy, I will not name him here. About three months ago, I sent him a bunch of materials (preview copies, etc.) to help him in pitch the properties to publishers. In the last month, I have emailed him several times asking him if there was any update that I could pass along to my team, never receiving any update on his progress.

I did receive a couple of responses; once when I let him know that I was being interviewed for an upcoming issue of WIRED magazine, and a very negative note when I sent him a Twitter message asking if he was getting my emails.

I am very respectful of a person's time, especially if that person is out there trying to make me money. So I don't expect immediate responses to my emails. But this agent spends a lot of time on Twitter, so I find it very hard to believe that he is too busy to just send me a quick note about news (positive, negative, or lack thereof) that he may have.

So, should I just give up and start my search for another agent? Or am I being too demanding? All feedback is welcome. Thanks!

stormie said:

Have you spoken to him on the phone? You're his client, so one phone call shouldn't bother him (esp. if he's not responding to your emails).

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That was going to be my next step. I figured emails were best because I was only asking for an update, and had no real news of my own to pass along.

Thanks everyone. Your feedback is very appreciated!

And if you know any good agents out there repping graphic novels, please send them my way.

DeadlyAccurate said:

Be sure you completely sever the relationship (per your contract) before starting your new agent search. You don't want to come across as anything but professional in this.

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Of course, but thanks for the reminder.

Miss Plum said:

You've looked in the Comics and Graphic Novels forum here, right? AWer "elae" maintains a list of agents who rep graphic novels.

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Yes, that was actually a list that I consulted when initially querying agents.

Miss Plum said:

Also, if you have a subscription to Publishers Marketplace, you can just search on Graphic Novel deals and see who's been repping them.

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I didn't think of that. Thanks for the info.

Now that the 30-day termination notification period has ended, I have posted about my experience with Jason Ashlock of Movable Type Management in the Bewares, Recommendations & Background Check section: http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6673376&posted=1#post6673376

Thanks for the support! I wish all of you luck in finding a good agent as well.