Maybe you’ve finally completed your manuscript and gotten it evaluated and edited. If you’re a first-time author, the next step is probably the most daunting: getting published. If you’re taking the self-publishing route, go ahead and put your story out into the world! If you’re taking the traditional route, you might be considering some literary representation.
Before you hire a literary agent, here’s a breakdown of what they actually do:
- Pitch your work
- Negotiate deals
- Secure better opportunities for your work – for example, pitching for international editions or adaptations!
- Offer support throughout the publishing process
Check out this article for an in-depth look at what agenting involves.
Now that you know what a literary agent does, how do you decide if you need one?
Here are some ways hiring a book publishing agent can be extremely beneficial for you:
1. Contacts and Connections: A lot of major publications don’t accept unsolicited submissions, and in these cases, literary agents are your only way in. A literary agent will know all the ins and outs of the publishing industry and can connect you to the right editors and publishers for your particular manuscript. If you’re a first-time author without an established reader-base, a book agent could be helpful in getting your first book published.
2. Industry Expertise: A book publishing agent is required to stay on track of current market trends and industry needs. This means, if the agent sees potential in your manuscript, they are qualified to offer editing advice that complies with industry standards. But here’s the catch: your manuscript already needs to be brilliant to attract an agent’s attention.
Need to get your manuscript evaluated and edited? Reach out to us here!
3. You can focus solely on writing: If you have a literary agency representing you, you don’t have to worry about any of the steps that come after completing and editing your manuscript. Any work in regards to distribution, negotiation of deals, and even adaptations, will be taken care of by the agent. All you have to do is put your head down and keep writing!
So, do first-time authors stand no chance of getting published without a literary agent? That’s not true. Many authors do get their first book published all on their own.
It can also be slightly difficult to find a literary agent as a first-time author. Literary agents only make money when your book sells, which means they might be hesitant to take risks when it comes to authors who don’t already have a history of published books.
That said, it can’t be denied that literary agents can take a load off your shoulders and make the pitching and submission process way easier.
If you’re ready to pitch your first book, we’d love to be part of the journey! Check out our book agenting services here.
