Agent commision for new writers?

poppyI · Sep 1, 2015

Do agents charge the same commission fee for all writers? I recently came across a website that stated commission fee 15% new authors 50%. I was shocked, is this similar for all agents??

mrsmig · Sep 1, 2015

Sounds like bullshit to me. I'd run from that agent.

polleekin · Sep 1, 2015

Definitely bullshit. Standard commission is 15% for ALL clients. 20% for foreign rights because those are generally split with another agent.

poppyI · Sep 1, 2015

That's a relief!

Aggy B. · Sep 1, 2015

And, of course, they don't get paid 'til you get paid.

amergina · Sep 1, 2015

poppyI said:
Do agents charge the same commission fee for all writers? I recently came across a website that stated commission fee 15% new authors 50%. I was shocked, is this similar for all agents??

If an agency has this as a policy, RUN THE OTHER WAY. Fast.

BenPanced · Sep 1, 2015

Was this an agency's website or was it one purporting to give general advice to authors? Either way, run because those numbers are BS.

poppyI · Sep 1, 2015

it was in general website and a couple of more agents had similar commissions or worse under new authors. If i find it i will post it here.

MandyHubbard · Sep 1, 2015

The only thing I've seen remotely like that was not an agency, but a magazine or website, wherein a "new" contributor got 50% of proceeds and authors they've worked with before got a better percent. THAT would not be that unusual-- your fee improves as you turn in regular articles/writing pieces. Even book deals at series publishers like Harlequin, they often reward their regular writers with slightly better terms.

Agent commision for new writers?

poppyI

mrsmig

Write. Write. Writey Write Write.

polleekin

poppyI

Aggy B.

Not as sweet as you think

amergina

Pittsburgh Strong

BenPanced

THE BLUEBERRY QUEEN OF HADES (he/him)

poppyI

MandyHubbard

Once Upon a Time....