Jeff Abbott is an international bestselling author and Curtis Brown client. He has been nominated twice for Edgar awards, and his most recent novel, COLLISION, was published in July by Dutton.
Obviously, you know you need an agent, or you wouldn’t be stalking Nathan, er, reading his blog. But I have found that too many new writers eager (or desperate) for representation are not thinking beyond the agent’s sale of their first book. And some aspiring authors balk at surrendering fifteen percent (or more) of their income to an agent. Others feel sure that their lawyer brother-in-law can cast an adequate eye over their contracts with publishers. (After all, using a lawyer for representation worked for President Clinton.) And with all the free agenting advice on Nathan’s blog and elsewhere, can’t smart, savvy authors just represent themselves?
Here’s some reasons why having an agent is crucial to your long-term career—and what an agent can do for you that you may not have even considered.
Advice you can use. A great agent does not just get you a solid advance and favorable contract terms for that first novel. A great agent will help you think about what your strengths are as a writer, and how to develop those strengths with each new book you write. For instance, I had written two successful crime series when my publisher suggested I might write a standalone thriller. A common thread in my mysteries was family relationships twisted by past secrets—not an obvious component of a novel of international intrigue, which was what I was envisioning for my standalone thriller. After my agent said, “you really do family relationships well, and you might consider carrying that over to a thriller, even though it’s a rather different kind of book.” I thought about it and realized he was right. I kept family secrets as a cornerstone of the standalone novel—it was a way to offer my existing readers a facet of my writing they already knew and liked. At the same time, it brought a fresh sensibility to an “innocent man on the run” novel. My agent had the wisdom to remind me family dysfunction would be an element I would love to write about—whether writing a small-town mystery or a global thriller. The result was Panic, a novel that has sold a half-million copies around the world, and is in development at The Weinstein Company.
Sound advice is not just about markets; it is about you, as a writer.
Subrights matter. A greater than anticipated amount of my annual income comes from subrights: foreign sales (my books are popular in the UK, Ireland, France, Portugal, and other European countries, and there is no single explanation for this) and from film options (either new, in the case of Collision, or renewed, in the case of Panic) and from screenwriting work that my film agent got for me (rewriting a treatment for a film that will most likely never be made—but I still got paid). Most new writers don’t think for a moment about the potential of their foreign or subright sales, or for additional writing work that their agents can negotiate for them. (Imagine an agent hearing that an editor would like to buy more historical fiction, and knowing that one of their clients has a burning passion for all things medieval, for instance.) New writers tend to think only of their agent’s relationship with American publishers. But an agent who is prepared and experienced in dealing with subrights negotiations—and works with overseas agents who know their markets—can have a profound effect on your bottom line. Authors representing themselves, or relying solely on local lawyers, are at a staggering disadvantage in these markets.
The quality and nature of the meeting. Most authors attempting to represent themselves are going to get only one kind of meeting: with an editor. (This assumes they’re extremely lucky enough to get that.) And of course, no meeting is more critical; the editor is every author’s first advocate inside the publishing house. But the best agents don’t just meet with editors. They also meet with editorial directors and publishers. Here I mean publisher as an executive title—the person who is the head of the entire publishing firm or imprint. In other words, the editor’s boss. Editors can only approve deals up to a certain dollar level; beyond that, it must be approved by the publisher. The agents who can get meetings with those executives are at a decided advantage in furthering their client’s careers. As well, truth be told: editors don’t want to negotiate with authors. They’d much rather deal with agents. Editors would prefer not to muddy the waters of their relationships with their authors—which involve a lot of creative feedback, revision, and trust—by haggling. Let an agent take point on those rough-and-tumble negotiations; you can focus on having the best creative relationship with your editor.
Your long-term relationship. I have been fortunate in having had the same agent now for twelve years. He took me on just as I hit a very unproductive streak: my father was terminally ill and I was working full-time and taking care of him, and not writing. I didn’t sell a book in the first two years of working with my agent. I wrote proposals that garnered no offers. Many agents would have dumped me. He stuck by me, constantly encouraging me, never giving up. When I started publishing again, I went through three wonderful editors in the course of six books. My agent has been the constant: through editors coming and going, multi-book deals, tough negotiations, setbacks and leaps forward, foreign sales to twenty countries, film options. An excellent agent can be not just your representative, but your rock.
These thoughts are based only on my own experience. But I urge you to think about your agent as more than a sales rep for your first book. And if you think you don’t need one—think again.
bryan russell says
A nice confirmation. Thanks.
Robert A Meacham says
This information helps me to keep on keeping on. So far, I have struck out trying to find an agent but I will keep trying. Thanks again for the great information.
Marilyn Peake says
Hi, Jeff,
I’m delighted to have the opportunity to chat with you on this Blog. This is really a very special treat! I definitely believe that I need an agent, but have several questions. You mentioned having been taken on by an agent twelve years ago during an unproductive streak. My impression is that, years ago, agents took on authors for their ability alone; but now a new author must also have a potential best-seller. Do you feel that the world of publishing has changed in that way? And what advice would you give to new authors about how to find an agent? The task seemed so daunting to me years ago that I signed with a small publisher instead of looking for an agent. My books have received good reviews and won awards, and a TV Show Producer is currently including my children’s fantasy adventure novels in a pilot. I would love to be represented by a literary agent at this time.
Justus M. Bowman says
Nathan chose a great guest blogger.
Robert A Meacham says
Jeff,
Sorry to post again so soon but after thinking about what you said; should I seek a professional editor first? I will take advice, work hard, and do whatever it takes to succeed.
My only claim to fame, little at best, is my short stories published on the amazon short program but am currently working on three other projects.
Regards,
Robert
Deaf Brown Trash Punk says
of course we need an agent… *sigh*
nice article, btw
Crimogenic says
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for guest blogging. Though unagented, I do fully believe that an agent is the way to go, so I’ll keep trying to get one. I don’t want to do the tough negotiating with the editors or even think about trying to sell foreign rights on my own. Agents are very valuable and he/she surely earn their 15%.
Also, Marilyn Peake, you made some interesting points about the change in the way authors take on new authors.
Crimogenic says
blah typos.
I meant to say:
Also, Marilyn Peake, you made some interesting points about the change in the way AGENTS take on new authors.
Taylor K. says
Great blog. Nice to be reminded that all this work I’m putting into finding the right agent isn’t for nothing.
Scott says
At this point in my writing career, my need for an agent stems mostly from being faced with lots of closed doors that won’t open without one. It’s nice to have a few more reasons to concentrate my efforts.
Thanks, Jeff.
Kimber An says
This all assumes any one of us can acquire an agent at all. Normally, a never-before-published author has a very slim chance of obtaining the services of any agent who isn’t a scam artist. In these hard economic times, an aspiring author’s chances are practically zero. I realize an agent may not want to come out and say that, because it diminishes his chances of receiving any original material. Still, what are the other 99.9% of us supposed to do? The way I see it, we either take what we can get or we get nothing at all.
Please, tell me I’m wrong and back it up with facts.
GutsyWriter says
I met an amazing lady last weekend at a writers’ retreat. During her sixteen year writing career, she never could never get an agent, so she self-published. On the brink of bankruptcy and with a sick husband, she tried one last thing. She took an intensive Internet marketing class and succeeded in getting her book as a bestseller on Amazon.com for a day. She was contacted by six agents on that one day and signed an incredible book deal with a NY publisher.
Anonymous says
Thanks for your insights, Jeff, and also a big congrats on Panic possibly being turned into a movie. I love the Weinsteins!
I hate to say it, but I think that these types of “stand by their writers” agents are actually getting to be fewer and farther between.
My own experience with agents (plural) has been the opposite. When I didn’t sell right away I was pretty much tossed aside. I wonder if this has to do with the “blockbuster” potential of your work? If an agent is more willing to stand by a “thriller” writer — who’s work may garner foreign sales, film deals — rather than being this encouraging to a writer who churns out less commercial fare.
My guess is hell yes. Maybe I write the wrong genre. 🙂
Mark Terry says
Hi Jeff. When I realized I’d missed Collision I promptly ordered. Now I’m caught up reading books for the Thriller award, but yours in on my as-soon-as-I-get-past-this-contest list of reading.
Having negotiated contracts myself and later having my agent negotiate them, I can honestly say there is high probability that if you negotiate with the editor yourself you will be so pissed off you won’t want to take editorial advice from them. All those emotions and problems were there when my agent negotiated the contracts, but in that case she could reassure me, no problem, it’s just the process we go through.
Conduit says
Excellent post. I was the guest author at a Q&A session just a couple of days ago, and I talked about how my agent guided me in choosing which idea to pursue for the second book of my two-book deal. One of the people gathred pulled me on the point, seeming to think there was something wrong with an agent influencing you in that way.
I pointed out that an agent's job is not just to sell your book. A good agent is there to help you make those choices and steer your career. I admitted to the questioner that I needed that guidance.
And yes, yes, yes on the subsidiary rights and contract issues. The Japanese translation rights to my first novel are worth more than my agent's 15% on the main deal, so he earned that back straight off. He also helped me dodge the "joint accounting" clause that surely would have tripped me up otherwise.
So, in short, Agent = Good.
Lapillus says
Thanks so much for sharing!
Adaora A. says
This is an awesome post. It’s fabulous. Thanks for all of this.
And hey, I’ve never thought of myself as a stalker!
Gay says
LOL, it’s the first time I’ve ever been called a stalker, too.
I’m among the many longing for an agent (maybe not for long? I’m as far as pages being read… stops typing to cross fingers, throw salt over the shoulder, and do all those other superstitious things) that looks to this blog for information, encouragement, a dose of reality (ouch) and advice.
Guest bloggers were a great idea. Thanks for your time and for your perspective.
It’s off topic, but while we’ve got your ear, how have changes in the industry affected you? Particularly digital rights and the way books are sold? Are you feeling it yet? Or is it business as usual?
(As a physician who went into practice just as HMOs were starting, I remember what it was like to have my business do a 180 before my eyes… it seems as though publishing is in for a similarly earthshaking metamorphosis.)
Elton A.R. Alwine says
Thanks for the post, Jeff. It was great to hear your side of the story.
I honestly don’t ever imagine getting published without a good agent, so this puts it into perspective for me.
Madison says
Once again, great confirmation that a great agent is key to succeeding in this industry. Thanks so much!
Other Lisa says
kimber an – it IS possible for an unpublished author to get a legitimate agent. I know from personal experience. It’s one of those right project/right person/right time equations that’s a lot like trying to hit a moving target. But it can and does happen.
Now I’m into this whole word verification thing: “onerazon.”
Jeff Abbott says
Thank you everyone for the warm welcome and the kind comments. I’ll attempt to give some answers to your questions.
Marilyn: No, I don’t think an author has to be a potential bestseller to be taken on by an agent. I do think there is an advantage in finding agents who have had success in your particular genre (if you’re writing in a genre).
As for advice on how to find an agent, I joke that asking me that is like asking someone who’s been married for twelve years how to get a date. (I only learned this year that agents would take emailed queries.) But in truth, you are taking one major step by reading Nathan’s blog and being more informed. I would have loved to have had a resource like this when I was looking for an agent. That said, the most important thing you can do is to polish and refine and improve your book so that it is absolutely irresistible to an agent. And if that book doesn’t sell, then you must write another.
Robert A Meacham: I never used a professional editor, and frankly none of the pro writers I know use them. That doesn’t mean that others don’t use them, I can only answer from my own experience. I think editing yourself to a certain point is a skill that every pro author must acquire. Yes, you will still get edited by your editor, but you have to learn to polish your own work at a pretty deep level.
Jeff Abbott says
Kimber: I feel your frustration; I’ve been there. But every year there are many debut authors published by both the major publishers and smaller houses, and they all have agents. I was signed by an agent when I was a debut author. So was every other writer that I know. None of us agreed to be represented by scam artists. The idea that agents are not looking for fresh talent is simply not true. Does new talent face a high bar? Yes. That’s true in any creative field.
What matters is your book. That trumps all.
The harsh truth is that not every person who tries to get an agent will. I have a friend who wrote nine unpublished novels before she found an agent and got published. Nine. Tenacity counts for a great deal here. And you gain nothing by going with a scam artist for an agent, because an agent who does not sell books to editors is no agent at all. (If I’m understanding your comment about scam artists correctly). Good luck to you!
jnantz says
Mr. Abbott,
Thank you for this post. I’m always thankful and excited to see what a spirit of cooperation and helpfulness there is among many published authors toward the rest of us.
Jeff Abbott says
Anonymous @ 10:16 AM
I don’t think you have to be a blockbuster to gain representation. If that was true than many writers would never get representation, and of course they have agents. And when I was signed by the two agents I’ve worked with, in neither case were my books seen as potential blockbusters when I started working with them.
Marilyn Peake says
Hi, Jeff,
Thank you very much for providing such detailed answers to our questions. It is greatly appreciated!
Ardin Lalui says
Well I’m new to all this. I’m young and I wrote a book. It sort of appeared without my even thinking about it and I found writing it natural and easy. I never for a second thought that writing it would put me in such a difficult position though.
Writing a book is liking walking up to a brick wall. What do you do next?? I’ve decided to look for an agent because I know for certain that I don’t have any other ideas up my sleeve. I don’t know how the publishing industry ticks. Putting my shoes on in the morning is a mission.
I have a question though. I have a list of agents from a writer’s directory. But how do I judge between them? Is there some website that ranks agents so I know who’s the best. Because I want that one! And also, can I write to more than one agent at a time. If they’re all going to take a month to reject me it’s going to take years to work down the list.
Thanks for all this great free advice by the way. Hand on my heart I appreciate it, and when I’m a famous writer, I promise I’m going to give sound advice to new up-and-comers!!
Jeff Abbott says
Adaora and Gay: I hope you know I was kidding about the stalking. 🙂 I am really impressed with the folks that hang out at Nathan’s online pub here–focused and determined.
Gay asked if digital rights have affected my career. Right now the vast majority of my books sold are of the traditional variety. Only time will tell if that will change.
Ello says
This was such an excellent post! Thank you so much for guest blogging. I really enjoyed reading your insight and your comments here are very warm and encouraging. ANd I just looked up Collision and it sounds like something my husband and I would both love to read! I am ordering it right away!
Ello says
Ardin – have you tried agentquery.com? They are an awesome search engine which allows you to look for agents by genre which will help you narrow your search. Also, it gives you lots of information on sales too. It is a great resource! That’s what I used to get my agent! Trust me when I say that researching for agent is also lots of work but worth investing the time to do. Best of luck!
Amber says
Hey Jeff, thanks for the wise comments 🙂 It’s always good to hear someone in the know tell me – yes, it can be done. Not easily, but hey, that’s all right. Nothing is ever easy.
Ardin – Agentquery.com is a great site, I second that.
Also, another site I recently found that is awesome is Querytracker.net
Not only can you get agent info (and search them by Genre), there are a lot of folks on that site that rate the agent and the responses, including response time.
HTH, Amber
Jeff Abbott says
Tyra! The Hills! Rhetorical questions! Okay, I just wanted you to think Nathan was back for a minute.
(Okay, while Nathan is settling into the Witness Protection Program, can I just say I do not get his obsession with The Hills? He told me I had to watch it. I obeyed.) Our email exchange afterwards:
Me: What? The? Heck? Was? That?
Nathan: Isn’t it brilliant?
Me: Is it trying to be a Jane Austen novel on acid?
Nathan: Isn’t it brilliant?
Me: I liked the theme song.
Ardin: I don’t know about the websites Ello and Amber suggested, but they might be worth a try. But any ranking is going to be a somewhat subjective exercise. The best match is an agent who is madly enthusiastic for your work and has a vision (shared by you) on where you can go as a writer.
Re simultaneous submissions, you should really read the FAQs on Nathan’s site. They will have a lot of useful information for you re submission policy.
Ello: Thanks and I hope you enjoy the book. I had a lot of fun writing it.
I’ll check back later this evening in case there are more questions.
Jeanne says
My understanding of the term stalker keeps expanding.
I have just been through a weird experience with a genuine stalker on my blog. I’ve taken my blog down 3 times during the past 3 months due to weird/lude/insulting remarks made on my blog by a woman from Austin, Texas. I even created new blogs with new addresses until the remarks started right back up. And I finally realized she finds me via the link that leads her to my profile.
As far as following Nathan’s blog is concerned, I feel more like a student than stalker. 🙂
Mary says
I would not dream of trying to sell a book to a publisher without representation. Even if that means 10 novels beneath my bed (I like to think long-term), my focus is to find the right agent.
Thank you for such a great post!
April Henry says
Hey Jeff – I loved Panic. I’ll have to look for Collision. Like yours, my agent stuck by me, even as my first and second novel didn’t sell.
And I do believe it’s not imposible for an unknown, unpublished person to get an agent. I watched it happen this summer with a friend of mine, who got an agent and a two-book deal within a couple of months (after trying to find an agent for over a year).
aprilhenry.livejournal.com
Ryan Field says
Kimber an said,
“Please, tell me I’m wrong and back it up with facts.”
If you keep working, you’ll get one eventually. Getting an agent took me a long time, but I love her and trust her completely.
And, I’d like to add this, too. I’ve read your blog a few times over the past few years, Kimber an, and I really like it a lot. And I always remember it, which to me says something. You just have to keep working, hard as it is. And that’s a fact 🙂
Laurel says
I KNOW I need an agent…my characters WANT an agent…the children who could be enjoying what I write LONG FOR an agent. I’m now feeling inspired to get back out there and try again. Tomorrow at the Pittsburgh SCBWI conference I’ll use this info when I meet the visiting agent. Whew! Who knew it would all be so much work??
Anonymous says
I guess if nathan didn’t want “stalkers” he shouldn’t have started this blog. Unless it’s merely to boost his ego.
Other Lisa says
Clean-up on Aisle 8!
jodie says
Normally, a never-before-published author has a very slim chance of obtaining the services of any agent who isn’t a scam artist.
I’m a never-before-published author and I obtained an agent a few weeks ago. She was my dream agent, completely legit, and the only one I submitted to. She took me on as a client less than a week after receiving my query. So yes, it can be done.
BarbS. says
A nice, thoughtful post and nice, thoughtful answers to readers’ questions, Mr. A. Thank you!
There’s nothing like having the RIGHT agent. Mine turned out to be something that belonged in prison. I keep stalk- er, reading 😛 Nathan’s blog for assurance that the search is worth the trouble and there are true professionals out there.
Jeff Abbott says
Barbs: Sorry to hear you had a bad agenting experience. Most legit agents belong to the AAR (Association of Authors’ Representatives) and are required to abide by a canon of ethics. It’s always a good idea to see if an agent is an AAR member. And yes, the search is worth the trouble.
Anonymous 7:16: I hope your day gets better.
Thanks for the very gracious welcome, I wish you the best of luck with your writing projects, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the guest bloggers. I will check back in over the weekend if there are any further questions.
Kim Stagliano says
This is such helpful information. Especially the part about an agent helping you determine your niche and such. My agent has been incredibly helpful to me. And I’m starting to get over the “I’m not worthy!” stage. It’s been almost two years….
KIM
Kim Stagliano says
Normally, a never-before-published author has a very slim chance of obtaining the services of any agent who isn’t a scam artist.
I disagree. I met my agent at Backspace. Finding an agentt’s hard work. Querying is the pits. Rejection are rotten. You need nerves of steel and buckets of gin (oh, come back Miss Snark) but I know tons of “newbies” who have agents. Keep at it – you can do it! Good luck.
K
mlh says
Stalk agents? Who? Me?
Billy says
I can’t think of a major NYC house that even accepts submissions anymore. Maybe a few small presses and indies, but after 2000-2001, the avenue of “submitting it yourself” seems to have been closed. The times they are a changin’.
Jeff Abbott says
Billy: I know of someone who had an offer from a major house last year and did not have an agent, and did not think she needed one, as she could just ask me and other authors to read her contracts (this was her plan). I advised her to get an agent ASAP. I’m not sure how she got her submission in front of an editor, but she did. It still happens, if infrequently. Many times editors and writers meet at conferences, and the editor might ask for a partial based on a pitch or a discussion, and so the ball gets rolling without an agent involved.
lotusloq says
I am all about finding me an agent that I will be able to work well with and who loves my writing. I’ve learned a lot stalking Nathan and other agents like him who blog.
I’m just getting started and your advice has been most helpful. It’s nice to hear if from the author’s point of view. I had not considered the part about the agent helping me develop my own strengths. I was thinking about the agent helping me eliminate my weaknesses.
Thanks for stopping by!
Julie Weathers says
Jeff, this was excellent advice. Thank you for taking the time to “speak” to us.
Julie
Umm, I did not push Kimber An, it was, uh, Stuart. I just didn’t get my lip waxed this week thus the confusion.
Anonymous says
Left in the comments:Normally, a never-before-published author has a very slim chance of obtaining the services of any agent who isn’t a scam artist.
Now me: I think this old-school thinking, and while it used to be true, may not be so true anymore. I know plenty of writers who don’t have published books and have snagged an agent. I had four offers from agents without having published a book. Granted, it took me two years of querying, revising manuscripts, writing something new, starting a website, reading a ton of blogs and even more books, writing articles…totally committing to the agent search. I didn’t submit to any editors at all during that time (except one who had asked for a revision before I started the agent search).