I'm Being Published, but I Don't Have an Agent

andiwrite · Oct 16, 2014

I'm in a situation that I never thought I'd find myself in: I have a book deal, but I don't have an agent.

Things seem to be going okay as far as understanding the contracts I'm signing, communications, etc. Do I really need to try to find an agent at this point? I'm writing my second book now, and I was going to pitch it to my current publisher when I'm done. If they don't want it, I was planning on using it to query agents again at that time.

Does that sound like a good plan? Or, should I be looking for an agent now? If I could just do it on my own, I'd rather... It seems easier than having another person to take some of my money. However, this is all very new to me.

Has anyone else been in this position?

NinjaFingers · Oct 16, 2014

It depends. If it's a small press, then an agent may or may not be interested. If it's a larger publisher...then you should consider at least having an IP lawyer look over the contract. It's easy to miss red flags.

andiwrite · Oct 16, 2014

Well, I've already signed the contracts. I researched the red flags and didn't see any. I couldn't afford a lawyer. :\

Siri Kirpal · Oct 16, 2014

Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

If you've already signed, then it's a done deal. No agent will take it (that I know of).

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

andiwrite · Oct 16, 2014

Oh okay. That settles it then. Good to know, thanks!

I will just stick to my plan of seeking an agent for my next novel.

SuperKate · Oct 17, 2014

Congratulations on the book deal! Good luck!

quicklime · Oct 17, 2014

It is worth noting an agent does more than "take some of your money."

Their contacts may be useful, they have more experience in contracts, and they negotiate on your behalf. Nobody likes giving away twenty percent, but an agent may have negotiated you another forty percent. Or sixty. Or only ten.

There is no simple answer, but they do more than just pocket a ercentage of your earnings....

andiwrite · Oct 17, 2014

I am well aware of that.

I want one before I sell my next book. I hate trying to understand contracts! I'm REALLY hoping I'll have some success with this first book. Maybe that will make agents more interested in my next.

And thanks, SuperKate!

Red-Green · Oct 27, 2014

I wouldn't sweat it. I did two small press book sales without an agent. Everything will be fine, as it sounds like you did your research.

TerryRodgers · Nov 6, 2014

Another note no one mentioned. Is the next book a sequel or new story? I ask because it will be hard to sell to another publisher, which means an agent may not be interested.

I'm Being Published, but I Don't Have an Agent

andiwrite

NinjaFingers

andiwrite

Siri Kirpal

Swan in Process

andiwrite

SuperKate

quicklime

all out of fucks to give

andiwrite

Red-Green

KoalaKoalaKoala!

TerryRodgers