Why I’m not your agent

I’ll help you write a book proposal. I’ve been pretty good at that, and I’ve recently helped some interesting authors get book contracts.

I’ll even make some connections for you with agents and publishers. I’ve had some success with that recently, too.

Since I’m ready to show your proposal to publishers, doesn’t that make me your agent? Why do you need an agent if you have me?

What agents do that I don’t

I know a few publishers. Agents know dozens, and more importantly, know who is buying what right now.

Publishers will take agents’ calls and emails seriously and give a careful review to any proposal they send. The agent’s interest is a signal that the book is worth considering. And the publisher doesn’t want to disrespect the agent by failing to respond to their query.

Agents know about the ever-changing trends and fashions in the business. They track that closely. I don’t.

Agents know how to evaluate a solid offer and identify what might be missing. I have seen enough offers to know something about that, but I can’t guarantee I won’t miss something.

I’ve seen a dozen book contracts. Agents have seen hundreds. They know all about subsidiary rights, errors and omissions, and scores of other issues. I might catch a few of those, but I’m certainly no expert.

An agent will make sure the publisher pays you properly, and intercede on your behalf if they don’t. I’m not willing to do that.

And in case your book is very successful and generates ongoing royalties and subsidiary rights payments, the agent will stay on top of those for years, because that means more money for them and for you. I’d rather get you the deal and then move on.

I have no interest in becoming an agent

My focus is content and editing, not chasing relationships and payoffs. Your agent is not a good content editor; I am. I am not a good schmoozer and dealmaker; the agent is.

Of course, if you’re smart, you’ve realized by now that this post isn’t really about me. It’s about that other person you know, who says they know the publishing business and can be your agent.

Now you know what questions to ask to make sure they’d do a good job. Otherwise, even if they can help you succeed at creating a great book, they’re really not appropriate to be your agent.