Guest Blogger: Susan Kearney!
I can’t believe that Plotmonkeys is nearly two years old and Susan Kearney has never guest-blogged here before. You see, Sue and I have been critique partners for over 15 years. We both started out as unpublished wannabe writers who attended the same RWA chapter meeting. I was fairly active in the chapter already and Sue was new. She tells the story that she listened to me speak about something, decided I knew what I was talking about and then approached me about critiquing.
In the beginning, there were four of us. One, Maryhelen Clague, who wrote for Kensington as Ashley Snow, was published. Over time, the other two drifted away from writing and Sue sold her first book…and then learned that her publisher was closing down the line that had purchased her novel. Not long after, however, she sold again, this time to Harlequin and on a proposal–which is pretty unheard of for a brand new author. She’s since sold over 50 novels to diverse publishers such as Harlequin, Dorchester, Simon & Schuster, Red Sage, Berkley and Tor. She knows this business and I’m very glad I enticed her over to talk about agents.
She’ll be stopping by to answer questions in the comment thread, so pose them if you have them! And don’t forget to click over to her website and play her new book trailer. It’s amazing…and she did it herself.
—————————-
CHOOSING AN AGENT
This article is not about the merits or whether or not to get an agent. This if for writers who are agent hunting. If you have decided that you want an agent, keep and refer to this list.
I’m assuming the agent has already read your work and is willing to represent you. This is a list of questions you may want to ask an agent before agreeing to work together.
Remember, An AGENT WORKS FOR YOU. So choose carefully. Always keep in mind that to become an agent, you don’t need any schooling, licensing, certification or registration. If an agent is a member of AAR the Association of Author’s representatives, it may be a point in their favor.
And don’t assume you can just leave business to your agent. How will you know if they are any good if you don’t pay attention? Even if you hire an agent you should know about contracts–know what to ask and what is going on in the industry.
What does an agent do? Some help with writing. Some just send it on to sell. Others market the work. Remember an agent is supposed to fight for you. If there is a problem with your publishing house, the agent’s job is to solve it.
Many agents receive 100% of your money from the publishing house, deduct their 15% commission and then pay you 85% of the proceeds. However some agents will agree to split the royalties, sending 15% to the agent and the rest directly to the writer. If you prefer this split payment method, don’t be afraid to ask for it.
Picking an agent is similar to choosing a spouse and the agent that is best for you, may be terrible for your friend. So think first about what you want from an agent. Do you want them to critique your work? Do you want career advice? Do you want someone who is very hands on? Are you more comfortable with a large agency or a boutique operation? Some of these questions have no right or wrong answer. Do you want to be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond? To help you research, these are questions you want to ask your prospective agent:
1. How many authors do you represent? How many are published?
2. Will you multiple submit?
3. Who answers your phone? A secretary? A service? A machine?
4. How long will it take to return my phone call?
5. How often is it appropriate to check in?
6. Does the agent help with career planning? Work with a publicist?
7. What genres does the agent handle?
8. What are the agent’s business hours?
9. How long after you send the agent your work will it take her to send it on to a publisher?
10. Will you know where and when the agent submits your work?
11. Will you receive copies of rejection letters?
12. How long after the agent receives advances and royalties will it be until she sends them to you?
13. Is the agent a member of any professional organizations?
14. What is the agents percentage? Does he charge for mailing, copies? Faxes? Phone calls?
15. If the agent doesn’t like the work, but the writing is good, will she still submit for you?
16. Does the agent handle subrights, scripts, foreign rights, audio rights?
17. Will the agent ask you to sign a written contract?
18. What happens if you wish to sever your relationship?
19. Do you see eye to eye on where your career should go?
20. Is the agent enthusiastic about your work?
21. Ask agent for names of happy clients.
22. Will agent submit just a synopsis and 3 chapters? Or need the whole manuscript?
23. Who takes over when the agent is on vacation?
24. Does the agent critique your work?
25. How many authors has the agent dropped in the last year?
26. Are royalties escrowed in a separate account? What happens to the royalties if something happens to the agent? (This is a concern in small agencies)
27. If you speak to an editor at a conference and they ask to see your work, will the agent send it out?
28. If you don’t like the story, but it’s well written will the agent send it out?
29. Who pays for manuscripts copies? The agent or the author?
30. Do you have problems if the author switches genres?
31. How much work do you expect to get from me in a year?
Remember an agent need not be your friend. This is a business relationship where both parties must work together to sell books. Your career depends on many factors and an agent can be an important one. You must trust their instincts and feel your agent is fighting for you. And most of all, remember, a bad agent is worse than no agent. So check them out. Do your homework. And good luck.
————————-
Julie again! Don’t miss a chance to see Sue’s newest, exciting book trailer at her website! She’ll be back again next month, too! Thanks, Sue!
Hello Susan,
First of all a huge welcome to you and thanks for joining us in the jungle. Choosing an agent is a great subject because I’ve always wondered how an author decide who to pick. And you’ve definitely answered a lot of questions. So it also depends on your agent whether your books are published or not, doesn’t it? And now another question. It might be a silly one but I’ ll ask it nontheless. Are there any published authors out there that don’t have an agent? I really don’t have a clue! I’m not a writer myself but I still like to hear more about the world of writing and publishing.
I’ll definitely be checking out the trailer on your website.
Thanks for joining us and thanks to you Plotmonkeys for picking another great other. Hope you’re having fun.
Enjoy the weekend all
See you
Vero
Comment by Vero — January 12, 2008 @ 7:02 am
Really great post, Sue and welcome to the jungle! It could not have come at a better time for me. This is one I’m printing and keeping by my desk. I’m almost through with edits and my goal is to start submitting by the middle of February.
Of course, you already know I think you ROCK and love the fact that you give it to us in a straight up way.
Comment by Vicki — January 12, 2008 @ 7:52 am
I forgot to add I’ve linked to you in my Saturday Check Outs on my blog.
Comment by Vicki — January 12, 2008 @ 7:59 am
Hey, Sue! So glad you’re here. And I agree with what Julie said. Can’t believe it took so long! Everyone, Sue helped me plot Cross My Heart at a dinner at National a few years ago. She rocks!
And you won’t find a more tell it like it is person. Gotta respect that … and her! 
Comment by Carly — January 12, 2008 @ 9:58 am
First Welcome Susan, and Thank You for your guidance
.
I’m pessimistic, and maybe a little jaded 
When I think about how much control is given to an agent and just how much you have to trust them….well it makes me cringe. Of course trust comes with time, but I’m not sure I’d be willing to put my work in someone else’s hands and then if I was lucky enough to get published allow that person to get their hands on my hard earned money before me! 
Well at least now I know for sure how I feel about having an agent…I’m just a little surprised with myself 
After reading this blog I’ve realized something about myself that up until now, I didn’t know existed…
Comment by Tina Martinesi — January 12, 2008 @ 10:52 am
Hi Everyone and thanks for the warm welcome! I’ve known all the Plot Monkeys for years and enjoy their books, too! And if someone would tell me how to use all the cool icons I try using them.
Vicki, thanks for the links and best of luck with your submissions, the only way to sell is to get your work done and out there.
Vero,
Interesting questions.
Ah I see the icon pops in at the end. Hmm. I was trying to inset it but this will work, I hope!
Back to your question. I sold my first book myself, then went and got an agent. When the line closed and my books were dropped, the agent dropped me, too. So I resold to Harlequin on my own and didn’t pick up an agent again for about 10 books. And it wasn’t easy. The agents I wanted didn’t want me–even after 10 Harlequin books. But I finally picked up an agent and stayed with him for 6 years. Actually he never read my books, but when trouble arose, he smashed the hammer. And in my case that was necessary. I’ve worked with 18-19 editors, so many I’ve lost count. But one of them had a different vision than me. I had to ask for a new editor. And well, I think I hurt her feelings–although I tried to do it diplomatically, things didn’t go so smoothly after that. In fact, the editor I didn’t work well with got promoted to Senior Editor and my editor broke her arm and was out of the office for several months. When Julie and I took a trip to Toronto to the HQ headquarters and I asked to see my summer covers–3 books. None of them were there. In fact they weren’t on the schedule. The senior editor had moved them out of the year–all three of them. She never told me. And my poor editor didn’t know either. That’s when having an agent came in very handy. he went right to the top and took care of things. that I didn’t have the clout to do.
After 6 years the agent’s agency I’d been with asked me to sign a contract that had a clause I didn’t like. It said the agency would represent me for the life of the copyright. If my agent left, anyone could take over. I wasn’t comfortable signing that and left.
I hired a new agent and that didn’t work out. She wanted my career to go in one direction, I wanted to write in another. She was very professional, it just didn’t work.
So again, for the last ten books I haven’t had an agent. But I just hired one again because agents can do things for us we can’t do ourselves.
That said a bad agent is so much worse than no agent. And most beginners can’t get a good agent. So that leaves you with a few choices. Wait until you are such a spectacular writer a good agent will take you on. (I was never that patient) Or submit a dynamite query letter and hope an editor asks for that ms. If an agent sends the ms. for you, you’ll get read faster. But then you have to get past two people to be sold, an agent and an editor. Either way is hard.
The writing business is hard. But you can sell a book with or without an agent. Just remember, either way, you’ve got to know the business side.
And best of luck.
Susan Kearney
Comment by Susan Kearney — January 12, 2008 @ 11:07 am
Tina, I think you’ve made a breakthrough! Honestly, it’s great that you’ve learned something about yourself now so you’ll know how to deal with those feelings. Trust me, when you meet the right agent, some of those misgivings will be relieved…some, but not all. Few successful authors turn over their work to their agent 100%. Realistically, an agent has 30-40 clients (some more, some less) at any given time…and you only have you. So you are alway
Comment by Julie Leto — January 12, 2008 @ 11:07 am
…always (sorry, damned laptop!) your own greatest advocate.
Vero, great question. I’m going to let Sue answer it because she’s the perfect person to ask.
Wanted to thank Sue again for coming…I’m off…I’m spending the day with my agent! (Mine is in CA, not NYC). We’re going on a walking architectural tour of downtown LA, then having lunch, then she’s driving me out to meet up with the Plotmonkeys. And discussing business, of course. But we’ve never had this one-on-one time before and it’s been awesome (we had lunch yesterday, too, in Beverly Hills at this awesome Italian bistro.)
Comment by Julie Leto — January 12, 2008 @ 11:11 am
Tina,
Trusting anyone with your career is hard to do. When you think about it, not much is in a writer’s control. We don’t pick our covers, or the back cover copy. We don’t pick the month or release or which stores will carry our books. We aren’t in charge of the sell in material. We have no clue when our competition will come out, or if a hurricane will ruin book sales like Katrina did. Mostly writers just write the books, send them off and hope for the best.
As for agents, most of them do their best too. When one agrees to take you on, it’s usually a writer’s first affirmation from a professional that they can make it in this business. Of course we want to throw our arms around the agent and say, yes, yes, yes. But be careful. Check around.
Susan Kearney
Comment by Susan Kearney — January 12, 2008 @ 11:13 am
Welcome Susan to the plotmonkeys jungle…
Comment by Elisa V — January 12, 2008 @ 11:51 am
Hi Elisa http://www.plotmonkeys.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_cool_dance.gif
Glad to see you here.
I’m off to belly dance class. I’ll be back in a few hours.
SueK.
Comment by Susan Kearney — January 12, 2008 @ 12:11 pm
Hi Susan~ thanks for being here! Wow, I had no idea there were so many things to consider when finding an agent. Your list of questions is invaluable - thank you. Is there a typical length of time an author agrees to be represented by an agent? And once you’ve had an agent is it easier to get another one than someone who hasn’t had one yet?
Julie said few successful authors turn over their work to their agents 100% - what does that mean? Can an agented author submit a ms without their agent?
Julie - hope you’re having fun in LA today! I’m so glad we’re having such nice weather here in CA for you guys!
Thanks again, Susan!
Comment by Robin — January 12, 2008 @ 12:29 pm
Welcome to the jungle, Ms. Kearney…the info you gave on agents was very informative…there is still so much I need to learn if I ever want to go out there and publish a novel…I didn’t realize that you had agents who did different things…I would definitely want one that was hands on and was willing to work with me on a WIP…is there that much of a difference between how much you pay and agent who critiques, is more hands on or just gives career advice? I also found it interesting that you say a bad agent is better than having no agent…wouldn’t it be best to keep looking for one that you could have a good business relationship with who will fight for you, than having one that was bad? Thank you for visiting with us today…
I hope that everyone is having a wonderful weekend so far…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — January 12, 2008 @ 12:30 pm
Ms. Kearney,
I need to make a correction…I read the last line about the editor quickly and misread it…forget the last question I asked about bad editors…i went back and read what you wrote again and found my error…having a bad editor is WORSE than having no agent…got it…sorry about that…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — January 12, 2008 @ 12:35 pm
Robin, it is gorgeous here!
What I meant was that an author may turn over the work, but not all of the responsibility. It’s up to every author to know the business as well as their agent so that they can have a say in how things progress…as much as they can. As Sue said, writers have very little control over their work once they’ve typed THE END. So you don’t just turn over your work and forget about it. I wish that were the case! Authors who do that often end up disappointed with how things turn out because they aren’t part of the process. To me, an author needs to learn as much as she can so she knows when to let her agent handle things, her editor, art, marketing, etc. and when she needs to get involved.
Comment by Julie Leto — January 12, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
Thanks Julie! So you’re saying once an author hands over her work, she shouldn’t stay quiet about things, but be involved in the process herself. I truly hope I get to that point one day, but I know it will be hard for me. I’m pretty shy and quiet. I’m working on it though!
Comment by Robin — January 12, 2008 @ 2:25 pm
Good Morning, Plotmonkeys!
Welcome Ms. Kearney to the jungle!
Thank you for your great insight into the agents’ world. I’m on the fence as far as really trying to get an agent. I think back to some of the rejections I’ve received in the past–from reputable, good agents–and think now they were doing me a favor.
I do have one question.
In your above response you said, “Actually he never read my books but when trouble arose, he smashed the hammer. And in my case that was necessary.”
What do you mean?
Thanks and have a terrific day everyone. Plotmonkeys, happy plotting.
Cher
Comment by Cher — January 12, 2008 @ 2:44 pm
Hi All,
Robin asked: Is there a typical length of time an author agrees to be represented by an agent? And once you’ve had an agent is it easier to get another one than someone who hasn’t had one yet?
There are no rules in this business. Everyone works differently. Some agents require authors to sign contracts for varying amounts of time. Some don’t use contracts. There is no right or wrong. However, if you sign a contract, make sure it doesn’t take too long to get out of it. Most agents let you change your mind if you give them 30 days to wrap up their current submissions. But it varies from agent to agent. And it’s always negotiable.
As for your second question. I think it matters more if you’ve been published and how well you’ve been published to an agent considering you than who your last agent was. I’ve left two very good agents for two different reasons. It’s kind of like a marriage, your perfect husband might have me pulling out my hair in distress.
:fourturkeys:
SueK.
Comment by Susan Kearney — January 12, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
Thanks for answering my questions, Susan!
Comment by Robin — January 12, 2008 @ 2:56 pm
Paula wrote:
I would definitely want one that was hands on and was willing to work with me on a WIP. And if that is what you want, that is the kind of agent you should look for.
To be honest, that wouldn’t work for me. I’ve had agents tel me I’d never sell something, and an editor made an offer the next week. I’ve had agents tell me something was brilliant, fresh, the most exciting proposal to come into a huge agency in a decade–and it didn’t sell. Agents are people and while they are often on top of the market, sometimes they are wrong.
For me, I just want the agent to sell my work, negotiate the contract and ease problems.
Comment by Susan Kearney — January 12, 2008 @ 2:57 pm
Hi Cheri,
You asked, n your above response you said, “Actually he never read my books but when trouble arose, he smashed the hammer. And in my case that was necessary.”
At that time, I had a great working relationship with my editor. And I’d written over 15 books and we’d go to contract on a synopsis or even an idea. When the book was done, it went straight to my editor, the agent had no need to ever read it.
However, when my books got moved out of their slots, I needed someone with more clout than I had to make the publisher do what they had promised. That meant going up the ladder past editorial. I might have done that on my own, but then again, I had no clout. The agent did. He got the books moved back.
SueK.
Comment by Susan Kearney — January 12, 2008 @ 3:01 pm
Hi Susan!
Thanks for all that advice- and wow- what a lot of questions. When I think “agent” I always think a lawyer- like sports agent, etc. :-P
Comment by JSL — January 12, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
To All,
Julie is totally correct that you have to speak up in this business. And you have to know what’s standard, what’s going on in the industry, what is it fair to ask for? An agent can help here. But if you don’t do your homework, how will you know if the agent is doing a good job? I know some writers turn ever business decision over to their agents, and for some, it works. We are all different. The hard part isn’t so much going after what you want. The hard part is figuring out what you want.
SueK.
Comment by Susan Kearney — January 12, 2008 @ 3:05 pm
Hi JSL,
Some agents hold your hand, tel you your writing is wonderful. Some tell you every step of the selling process and send you every rejection letter. Other agents don’t tell you anything until they have an offer. That’s why I came up with the list of questions. Because most people are so happy to get an agent, any agent, they leap and it doesn’t work out.
I once copied a bunch of ms. and put them in a box and mailed them to an agent. She told me she was intimidated by the size of the box. And she only sent out one proposal at a time. She was too cheap to make lots of copies. And since the waiting time can be years–I once had a ms sit on an editors desk for two years. MS. Julie told me to call and get the ms back since it’s not good to just leave it floating around. When I called the editor said my name sounded familiar. 4 months earlier, she’d put it on the Sr. Editor’s desk for a buy. They did buy the book. But it took two years and I was already published. Part of it was my fault. I’d forgotten about it. However, for an agent to send out just one ms and then wait for it to come back before resubmitting is ridiculous.
One of my agents used to call me every six months and ask if there was anything he could do for me. I didn’t talk to him often, but when I needed something he was there. And once you’re under contract, if things are going smoothly, your agent needn’t do much.
My pint is that we all have different needs. And al agents are different. Just because one agent likes your work doesn’t mean you’ll work well together. be cautious. Check them out. Ask former clients why they left that agent–those are always the best people to check with.
SueK.
Comment by Susan Kearney — January 12, 2008 @ 3:13 pm
Thank you, Ms. Kearney for answering my question.
Cher
Comment by Cher — January 12, 2008 @ 3:30 pm
Hi Susan~ you talk about doing your homework in order to know if an agent is doing a good job. What’s the best way to do that? Talk to other authors? Find out what their agents are doing for them? How do new authors keep up with all that is going on in the publishing world? Any advice?
Thanks!
Comment by Robin — January 12, 2008 @ 5:01 pm
Yes, Robin, you’re already thinking in the right direction. Talk to authors. Go to seminars. Listen to agents and editors who blog. Go to RWA meetings. If you write romance, join RWA. Make friends and enjoy the writing community. Some of my best friends are writers.
SueK.
Comment by Susan Kearney — January 12, 2008 @ 5:09 pm
Thanks Susan. I’m off to the right start.
Comment by Robin — January 12, 2008 @ 6:11 pm
Hi Susan!
I have read Kiss Me Deadly and enjoyed it immensely.
Comment by Estella — January 12, 2008 @ 7:26 pm
Estella
SueK.
Comment by Susan Kearney — January 12, 2008 @ 8:16 pm
Thanks so much for being in the jungle and all the great advice…what a wonderful list of questions to have!!!
Julie…you’re in CA? Plotmonkeys meeting?! I’ve been trying really hard to limit my time on the internet and work on my writing but damn…I might have to give up lunch or something so that I can still have my blog time.
Robin - I’m pretty shy too, but I think my writing will be like one of my children. I have no problem speaking up when it comes to defending or taking care of my children and I imagine my writing will be the same way.
Hope it’s a great weekend for everyone!! Thanks again, Susan, for all the great information!
Comment by Jodie — January 12, 2008 @ 9:15 pm
Thanks for the invite and the friendly welcome. I enjoyed being here.
SueK.
Comment by Susan Kearney — January 12, 2008 @ 11:44 pm
[...] they are a good one? This is not a decision for the faint of heart, as Susan Kearney points out at Plot Monkeys. The biggest thing to keep in mind when looking for an agent, and once you get that agent, is that [...]
Pingback by Worderella Writes » 31 Questions when Choosing an Agent — March 20, 2008 @ 10:21 am