AGENT VS NO AGENT

Authors want to have the best representation for their books, and the question has been asked many times whether to have an agent or not. To me, this is a matter of preference.

An agent can get you into a larger publishing house, but in today\’s market it may be best for you to stay with a smaller company. Agents are more informed about contracts, and dealing with publishers. This is their job. Agents should have your best interests at heart and try to get you the best deal.

If you have any doubt regarding an agent, go to https://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/about/. They only list names of publishers, but they will give you a good idea about how to find a good agent.

If you do not want to go through an agent, that\’s fine. Remember the larger publishers only take proposals from agents. This leaves you to consider publishing with smaller companies.

Small publishers are fine if they are reputable. If you are in doubt, ask an author who publishes with them. They should give you an honest answer. Check out the publisher\’s website. Think about what you want from a publisher. Write the publisher if you want to. Ask as many questions as you can think of. Most small publishers are honest, hard-working people, and they care about their clients.

A small publisher does not mean your book will be published quicker. All publishers have a calendar they work with. If the publisher is well respected, they will have a full calendar. Don\’t be disappointed if you don\’t fit in immediately.

You can also self-publish. I\’ve talked about this in a previous post, and I won\’t go into it all now. Be prepared to do all the work yourself, or you can hire someone to do it. Self-publishing is not a free ride.

If you do want an agent, study the craft and write well. You will have to have a well-written manuscript for an agent to take it.

Blessings on your journey.