Continuing my post from last month (How to Find an Agent Part II: Pitching/Approaching an Agent), we’ll conclude this series with How to Find an Agent Part III: You Have Interest…Choosing Your Agent Match!
Once an agent reviews and enjoys your work, they might: (a) let you know that they’ll be sharing it around their office (sometimes a second read helps!), (b) request more of your work (especially for pic books), (c) ask about your WIPs, and/or (d) set up a call to discuss more and possibly offer representation.
Discussing or reviewing additional work is important! You want to find an agent who is interested in your full breadth of work and interested in developing your full career, as opposed to just a single project. You want an agent that is looking to sign authors, not individual projects!
Okay, so you get that call or email from an agent expressing their interest (hallelujah!)…now what? Here’s a general protocol for what to do when you have serious interest or an offer:
With any agent that has requested a full or partial of your project, when you receive an offer from another agent you should send all reviewing agents an update to let them know of the status change, and give a deadline for their response if you have one. You can also feel free to update agents that only have your query letter / sample pages–at the very least, it should get you a speedier response.
To the offering agent—if your project is still out on request with other agents when you receive an offer, you should be comfortable asking for a week (this is pretty standard), or more, to give the other agents a chance to respond before you make your decision. Don’t feel pressured to say “yes!” the moment representation is offered–this is a big decision!
Here are some points to consider when choosing an agent….
– Their work style: how often will they be communicating (by phone or email)? Are they hands on—will they be providing revision notes to you before submitting your work to editors?
– Their agency: big or boutique? Their experience: in their first five years or been around the block? A large agency and/or more established agent might have more experience but they may also have a lot of clients and you may get lost in the shuffle. Conversely, newer agents may not have as much experience but they may be very eager and have more time to spend on your work.
That brings us to the most important criteria in choosing your agent match: find someone who LOVES and understands your work. As agents, we get as much rejection as you do—you want someone who will keep pushing for and believing in your project when the going gets tough.
I hope these tips provide some guidance to you on that magical day when you receive a gushing call or email from an agent. Keep your cool, be professional with all agents involved, and follow your heart! I know, cheesy, but really…SO important!
Good luck in finding your agent match!
Sara
