Agency Sales Processes - Blog

Note 1: Literary Agents are NOT lawyers. Nothing is a substitute for competent legal advice. The information below is our opinion only and should not be construed as legal advice.

This blog contains 1) an overview of what an agency does, and 2) a sample of letters that we have used.  We feel this is quite instructive.

We call this the "An Anatomy of a Deal".

----------------------------- 

A Description of the Tasks and Time Commitments Inherent in a Publishing Deal

Publisher Research –

 Knowing which publishers and editors to approach is a continuous learning process for literary agents. This kind of first-hand knowledge can only be acquired by thoroughly researching publishers. If an agent expects to have a good pulse on who’s who in the publishing world, he or she must dedicate a good-sized portion of working time to  researching publishers. Three hours of careful research should be sufficient for fiction works. On the other hand, researching publishers for non-fiction works will require even more time.   Please notice in the list below that some publishers will take the work electronically, some only by snail mail, some want the entire manuscript, some want partial manuscripts.  Complying with buyers’ requirements is a major effort on our part. Please note: Many authors have specific buyers in mind for their work.  If this is the case we would love to have your input.

Writing Query Letters –

Penning query letters is a vital part of an agent’s life. The amount of query letters he or she must write all depends on the scope of the work and the number of publishers on the pitch list that has been put together. Unfortunately when it comes to query letters, one size does not fit all. Each and every query letter will have to be tailor written. 

Preparing and Mailing Submissions –

Preparing and mailing submissions, is by far, one of the least glamorous aspects of an agent’s life. It is a necessary evil that comes with the job. While it may not seem like it, this process can be very time consuming and tedious. Once the agent of choice has been given the green light to submit a manuscript, he or she must pause the marketing process to prepare a mail-out. This involves printing out multiple copies of the manuscript, typing up address labels and envelopes, carefully preparing packages and making sure sufficient postage has been added.

Followup Work –

The one thing an agent can always count on is follow-up work. If an agent has no follow-up work to perform, this is a tell-tale sign that he or she is not doing her job properly. Normally, follow-up work arises when the agent least expects it. This is why an agent must learn to multi-task and be flexible. The agent of choice will engage in any follow-up work that may arise as a result of his or her marketing campaign. Follow-up work typically involves, calling editors to check on review process, fulfill unexpected requests to submit the manuscript and other incidentals and accidentals that crop up in this business.

Miscellaneous & Client Communications

As difficult as it may seem, an agent must set aside some time to bond with each and every client. Sometimes, a client will approach an agent and ask for career advice. An agent should always have a client’s best interest at heart and on the back of his mind at all times. If an agent happens to come across a great writing opportunity for a client in a specific genre of interest, he or she can help her client make the connection by serving as a liaison. Some time must be earmarked for these kinds of things.

Click Here to Open A New Window
With Sample Agent Correspondence.