Question about agenting

John Kelin · Sep 26, 2011

Hi all,

Agents pitch to an acquiring editor, who in turn must sell the idea to any number of acquisitions people within a publishing house. Generally speaking, I think that's true. (I speak as an industry outsider.)

What about the step before that – when writers query agents? Does an agent at a larger agency have the leeway to pick up a new client or project based on his or her interest, instinct, or whatever? Or do they too have to get a consensus?

Lucy · Sep 26, 2011

I've heard of agencies requiring a consensus but I've never had to go through that. I think the more senior ones wouldn't tolerate that nonsense anyway.

Both times I got an agent, it was their decision alone.

stormie · Sep 26, 2011

Whether it's a large or small agency, it's usually that agent's call. Sometimes if a ms. is not suited to the agent it was submitted to, but they think another agent within the agency might like it, they'll pass it on to that other agent.

Drachen Jager · Sep 26, 2011

Junior agents normally have to run manuscripts past a senior agent or the primary agent at an agency, but established agents pretty much represent what they want.

Kasey Mackenzie · Sep 26, 2011

Drachen Jager said:
Junior agents normally have to run manuscripts past a senior agent or the primary agent at an agency, but established agents pretty much represent what they want.

This.

Question about agenting

John Kelin

Lucy

sky with diamonds

stormie

storm central

Drachen Jager

Professor of applied misanthropy

Kasey Mackenzie

One Hit Wonder?