What Does A Literary Agent Do?

Find out what literary agents do, whether you need one, and how to find the right person to represent your book.

What is a literary agent’s role when you’re writing a book? Do you need one? And how do you find an agent who will represent your work?

‘And it does no harm to repeat, as often as you can, “Without me the literary industry would not exist; the publishers, the agents, the sub-agents, the sub-sub-agents, the accountants, the libel lawyers, the department of literature, the professor, the theses, the book of criticism, the reviewers, the book pages.”‘ — Doris Lessing

You don’t need a literary agent to become a published author. However, having one can make a big difference to your publishing career.

A literary agent represents writers and helps them navigate the business side of publishing. Agents understand the book market, have industry contacts, and know how to negotiate publishing deals. They can also help you find opportunities to sell different rights to your work.

An agent takes care of the business while you concentrate on your writing. However, writers sometimes misunderstand what agents do.

The Literary Agent’s Role

A literary agent represents your interests as an author. Their responsibilities may include:

1. Finding suitable publishers for your manuscript.
2. Submitting your work to editors and publishers.
3. Negotiating publishing contracts and advances.
4. Negotiating royalties and other terms.
5. Helping you sell foreign, audio, film, and television rights.
6. Advising you on opportunities to develop your writing career.
7. Managing communication with publishers and following up on submissions.
8. Collecting payments and making sure you receive the money you’re owed.

Agents usually earn a commission on the income they generate for their clients. The percentage and terms should be clearly explained in your agency agreement.

What A Literary Agent Does Not Do

A literary agent is not an all-purpose writing or publishing service. An agent does not:

1. Teach you how to write.
2. Act as your manuscript editor or proofreader.
3. Charge you a reading fee to consider your work for representation.
4. Guarantee that your manuscript will be published.
5. Act as your publicist or marketing manager.
6. Handle all your personal or administrative responsibilities.
7. Act as your lawyer.
8. Lend you money.
9. Take on a manuscript simply because you want it published.

An agent is looking for work they believe they can sell. Your manuscript needs to be polished, complete, and suitable for the market they represent.

Reading Fees: Are They A Rip-Off?

Be careful if an agent asks you to pay a fee to read your manuscript before deciding whether to represent you.

Reputable literary agents earn their income through commissions on the work they sell. They do not charge prospective clients reading fees to consider their manuscripts.

Some professional editors and manuscript assessment services do charge for their work. There is nothing wrong with paying for these services if you want feedback before submitting your manuscript. However, they are separate from literary representation.

If you need an edit or an independent assessment, look for a qualified professional who offers these services. Don’t confuse paid editorial services with an agent’s promise to represent you.

Literary Agents Or Publishers?

Do you need an agent to get your book published?

Not necessarily. Some publishers accept submissions directly from writers, while others prefer to work with literary agents. Their submission requirements depend on the publisher, the type of book, and the market.

If you want to approach a publisher in the UK or US, you may find that literary representation is important. In South Africa, some major publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts from authors.

Research publishers and agents who work with your genre. Make sure you understand their submission requirements before sending your manuscript.

You can get an agent if your work is right for their list and has commercial potential. Finding the right person takes time, so be prepared to persevere.

How Do You Get A Literary Agent?

The first step is to finish your manuscript and make sure it is as good as you can make it.

Next, research agents who represent books similar to yours. Look at the authors they work with, the genres they specialise in, and the publishers they have worked with.

When you find a suitable agent, follow their submission guidelines. Most will ask for a query letter, a synopsis, and a sample of your manuscript, although requirements vary.

Your query letter should introduce your book, explain what makes it interesting, and give the agent a reason to read more. Keep it professional, concise, and specific to the agent you’re approaching.

A synopsis is also important. It gives the agent an overview of your story, including the main characters, the central conflict, and the ending. It should show that you understand your story and can communicate it clearly.

Seven Tips For Writing A Sizzling Synopsis

1. Start with the main character and the inciting incident. Show us what sets the story in motion.
2. Introduce the central conflict. What problem does your character need to solve?
3. Give us the essential details. Include relevant information about your character, such as their age, occupation, and circumstances.
4. Tell the whole story. Include the major turning points and the ending. A synopsis is not a teaser.
5. Focus on the main plot. Leave out minor characters and unnecessary sub-plots.
6. Show motivation and emotion. Explain why your character makes important decisions and what is at stake.
7. Keep it clear and concise. Make every sentence count and follow the agent’s requested length and format.

Remember that agents receive many submissions. A well-written query letter and synopsis won’t guarantee representation, but they will help you make a professional first impression.

Where Can You Find Literary Agents And Publishers?

There are several ways to find literary agents and publishers, both in your own country and overseas. Start by looking for people and companies that publish books in your genre.

Before approaching an agent or publisher, check their website and read their submission guidelines carefully. Make sure they accept the kind of book you have written, and never pay a reading fee to secure representation.

Here are some useful resources:

Free Literary Agent Directories

Free Publisher Directories

What Writers Need To Know Today

The publishing industry has changed, and there are a few things to keep in mind when looking for an agent.

1. Watch out for scams. Be wary of anyone who guarantees publication or asks for large upfront fees. Reputable literary agents generally earn a commission on the work they sell.
2. Do your research. Check an agent’s website, client list, professional standing, and submission guidelines before approaching them.
3. Understand your rights. Find out which rights you are giving an agent to sell, including audio, translation, film, and television rights.
4. Read the agreement. Check the commission, contract length, and termination terms before signing. Seek independent advice if you are unsure.
5. Know your publishing options. You don’t always need an agent. Some publishers accept direct submissions, and self-publishing is another route.
6. Check AI policies. Most agents and publishers will not accept AI-generated material. Check their submission requirements before sending your work.

Remember: A good agent should be someone you trust to represent your interests and help you make informed decisions about your writing career.

The Last Word

A literary agent can be a valuable partner in your publishing journey. We looked at what agents do, what they don’t do, and how to find someone who might be right for your book. We also shared seven tips for writing a synopsis that will make agents want to read more.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

by Amanda Patterson
© Amanda Patterson

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