If you are thinking about traditional publishing, you will hear the same advice again and again: get an agent. But what does a literary agent actually do, how are they paid, and do you need one? This guide gives a clear overview for authors who are new to the process.
What is a literary agent?
A literary agent represents writers and their work to publishers and other buyers, and helps with the sale and the negotiation of the deal. Literary agents most often represent novelists, screenwriters and nonfiction writers.
In book publishing, the agent sits between the author and the acquiring editors at publishing houses. Many publishers will not take unsolicited submissions, according to the Authors Guild, which is one of the reasons authors seek representation: an agent can get a manuscript in front of editors who would not otherwise see it.
What a literary agent typically does
The details vary by agent and agency, but the work usually falls into several areas.
Evaluating and shaping the project
An agent decides whether a manuscript or proposal is something they can sell.
Pitching to publishers
The agent knows which editors and imprints are acquiring which kinds of books and approaches them with the project.
Negotiating the deal
When an offer arrives, the agent negotiates terms and the contract. Contracts can include rights, advances, royalties and other clauses that are difficult for a first-time author to evaluate alone.
Managing the business side
Agencies typically handle the flow of money. The Association of American Literary Agents (AALA), a professional association, requires in its canon of ethics that members keep client funds separate from business operating funds, account faithfully to clients, and pay out earnings promptly. Reputable agents also keep their books open to the client on transactions that concern them.
Guiding the career
The AALA describes its members as managing writers' careers, counseling their business decisions and handling the financial side of those choices.
How literary agents are paid
Reputable literary agents generally work on commission and do not charge an initial fee. A commonly cited rate is 15 percent, but terms differ between agencies, so read any agency agreement carefully.
The practical consequence is that an agent working on commission earns money when you earn money. That alignment is one reason an upfront "reading fee" or "editing fee" from someone who calls themselves an agent should be treated with caution.
Do you need a literary agent?
It depends on your route to publication.
| Route | Is an agent usually needed? |
|---|---|
| Large traditional publishers | Often, because many do not accept unsolicited submissions |
| Small or independent presses | Sometimes not; some accept direct submissions, so check each press's guidelines |
| Self-publishing | No |
If you plan to self-publish, an agent is not part of the process. If you want to approach larger publishers, you will probably need one.
How to find a literary agent
Agents specialize. Most agencies, especially smaller ones, concentrate to some degree on categories such as science fiction, thrillers, children's books, romance or topical nonfiction. Very few agents represent short stories or poetry. That means matching matters more than volume.
The Authors Guild lists several places to look for agents to query, including the AALA, the Equity Directory by Literary Agents of Change, AgentQuery, Reedsy, Poets & Writers and the Authors Guild's Writers Marketplace.
When you find a possible match:
- Read the agent's submission guidelines on their agency website and follow them exactly.
- Check what the agent has said they want, and which genres they represent.
- Prepare your materials: a polished manuscript (for fiction), a query letter and, if requested, a synopsis or sample pages.
- Keep a record of whom you have queried and when.
What a query letter does
A query letter is a short, formal pitch a writer sends to agents, and sometimes to editors or publishers. It is the standard way unrepresented authors approach agents. It covers the topic of the work, a short description of the plot, a short bio of the author and the target audience, and the agent then decides whether to ask to see the manuscript. For word counts and what to cut, see our guide How Long Should a Query Letter Be?.
Red flags to watch for
- Upfront fees. Reputable agents generally earn commission and do not charge upfront fees. Writer Beware states that the only fee you should pay an agent is their commission when your book sells.
- Paid services from the agent. Writer Beware calls an agent offering a paid service to a potential client a conflict of interest, so be wary of this.
- Vague contracts. Before you sign, read the agency agreement carefully. The Authors Guild notes that sometimes there is a written contract setting out the terms of the relationship and sometimes there is not. Consider asking a publishing lawyer or an author organization to review anything you do not understand.
- No track record you can check. Look for named sales and verifiable information, and do not rely on claims alone.
Note that membership in an association is not legally required for a legitimate agent, so an agent not being a member does not by itself make them illegitimate. Membership does show a commitment to a code of conduct, and AALA members pledge to follow a canon of ethics.
Final thoughts
A literary agent is a professional representative who sells your work, negotiates for you and helps manage your writing career, usually in exchange for a commission on what you earn. Whether you need one depends on where you want to publish. If you do pursue representation, research carefully, follow submission guidelines, and treat any request for upfront payment as a reason to stop and investigate.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. For a specific contract, consult a qualified professional.
Sources
- Wikipedia, "Literary agent" (definition, typical clients, commonly cited commission rate, upfront-fee and specialization guidance, association membership): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literary_agent
- The Authors Guild, "All About Literary Agents: Finding an Agent and What to Expect" (many publishers do not take unsolicited submissions; places to find agents; agency agreements): https://authorsguild.org/resource/literary-agents/
- Association of American Literary Agents, "Canon of Ethics" (client funds, accounting, careers and business counsel): https://www.aalitagents.org/canon-of-ethics/
- Wikipedia, "Query letter" (definition and typical 200-400 word format): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Query_letter
- Writer Beware, "Best Solution Author Agency (or, Beware of Agent Solicitations)" (only fee is commission; paid services a conflict of interest): https://writerbeware.blog/2011/01/21/best-solution-author-agency-or-beware-of-agent-solicitations/