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Free Tips for Business Book Authors
Seven Things A Literary Agent Does 1. SCREEN. The agent screens book proposals for book publishers, rejecting the proposals that do not have commercial appeal. Publishers increasingly rely on this careful screening, knowing that an agented book proposal is generally of higher quality than an unagented (or "over the transom") proposal. Some publishers, such as Simon & Schuster Trade Group, will not review a book proposal unless it is represented by an agent. 2. TAKE EDITORIAL RISKS. The agent takes a personal financial risk in representing a book proposal. Since the agent's income derives from the sale of the proposal, if the agent doesn't make the sale, the agent doesn't get paid. The agent must therefore educate him- or herself about the potential market for books, current publishing trends, and "hot" authors. 3. SELL. The agent sells editors and publishers on the book proposal, the author, even the idea and the very market for the book. The agent's enthusiasm for a project makes a difference, because enthusiasm "sells." 4. NEGOTIATE. The agent negotiates the best deal for you, the author, and vets the contract. 5. FOLLOW UP. The agent oversees the publisher's prepublication efforts, following up to ensure that the publishing process stays on track. 6. TROUBLESHOOT. The agent troubleshoots and problem-solves with the publisher on the author's behalf. 7. OFFER CAREER ADVICE AND COUNSEL. The agent offers advice and guidance with respect to the author's writing career, including such matters as what is the best idea for the next book. |
Copyright © 2008 Martha Jewett. All rights reserved.