Critical questions to ask before signing with an agent, plus red flags to watch for
Congratulations, you have agent interest – What questions should you ask BEFORE you sign?
First of all, congratulations! In today’s publishing landscape, getting a full request from an agent is incredibly difficult, so if you have reached this milestone, give yourself a huge pat on the back.
Before we go any further, I think it’s really important to note that just because you have secured a call with an agent, you do not have to accept the first agent that offers to represent you. As a new author, one of the biggest mistakes you can make in the industry is rushing this particualr decision.
A very wise friend once told me, “No agent is better than a BAD agent” – and I can’t honestly say I truly understood that concept until I was on the other side of the publishing fence. The other thing I should clarify here is that a bad agent for one person does not always mean they would be a bad agent for you. Finding the perfect fit is often akin to finding the ideal life partner. You need to ensure that you align in various important areas, but this relationship may well be the most significant in your writing career. So, take your time, don’t rush it, and remember that the only way to ascertain whether you and your agent are a ‘perfect match’ is to ensure you ask the right questions.
Landing an offer of representation from a literary agent is exhilarating. After painstakingly assembling your submission package and carefully reviewing every word in your manuscript and synopsis, someone in the industry believes in your work enough to want to represent it. However, before you sign on the dotted line, take a moment to pause. Up to this point, this book of yours has been a passion project—your baby. From now on, that book is a product to be sold, and finding the right business partnership to help shape your writing career should be your focus. This is business, after all, and you need someone who has your back.
With that in mind – let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.
The Initial Conversation
When an agent emails you to express their appreciation for your work, they do not immediately expect you to sign on the dotted line. So, before you dive in headfirst, take a moment to breathe. Ensure you agree on a day and time for the conversation, but allow yourself sufficient time to prepare for the call. This is not a process to be rushed! Agents will anticipate that you have questions; in fact, they should encourage them.
Don’t feel pressured to make an immediate decision. It’s entirely professional to take time to consider the offer and even speak with other agents who have your manuscript or other authors they currently represent.
Essential Questions to Ask
Every author will have questions in their mind for specific agents, but I have put together a comprehensive list of the questions you should absolutely have on your checklist.
- What is your communication style and frequency?
Your agent is your first point of contact throughout the publishing process, so it’s essential to establish communication styles!
While some agents provide weekly updates, others prefer to only touch base monthly or when there’s news to share. But in this relationship, how you wish to work should always take priotity. If you prefer to be hand-held throughout the process, make sure the agent in question is willing to do so. Understanding their standard practice helps set realistic expectations on both sides of the fence. - How do you prefer to handle revisions?
ALWAYS ask about their editorial process. Some agents love to be involved with every aspect of their authors’ work, from the original concept to marketing ideas. Other agents prefer to take a hands-off approach and only get involved when authors request their help.
Some agents will prefer to do an edit with you before sending off to publishers, other may preffer a more polished manuscript. What is important here is how you prefer to work. If you need or prefer someone who will sense check your ideas and do a full developmental edit with you on each book, make sure you make that clear on the initial call. - What is your submission strategy?
A good agent should always be able to outline their general approach to submissions, but they should also have an idea of where they would like to send your specific manuscript. Start broadly and then delve into specifics. Does your agent prefer to send submissions in small rounds or larger batches? How do they select which publishers to target? How often should you expect updates during the submission process? Then ask which publishers or editors they are considering for your specific manuscript and why. Any agent worth their salt will be able to easily provide all this information, especially if they are eager to take you on. - What happens if my book doesn’t sell?
This question might seem negative, but it’s essential. Some agents are willing to collaborate on future projects, while others might recommend parting ways. - How do you manage subsidiary rights?
Foreign rights and TV/film options represent a significant aspect of publishing. It is crucial to understand from the beginning whether your agency will handle foreign rights in-house, collaborate with co-agents, or if the agency has a dedicated rights department. - What is your agency agreement like?
Request a copy of their agency agreement to review. Ask about their commission structure (the standard is 15% for domestic sales and 20-25% for foreign sales) and what happens if either party wants to terminate the relationship. - What are your bugbears? This is one that I personally recommend to all my mentees and any authors who seek my advice. In my opinion, the agent-author relationship is unlike any other in publishing. This question has stumped almost every agent to whom I have posed it initially, generally because it catches them off guard. They expect the standard questions, but asking them something personal rather than process-driven allows you to see their true personality rather than the ‘sales pitch’. A few of the responses I have received in the past include: “I really dislike it when authors don’t listen to advice.”
“I actually really hate discussing edits over email and much prefer chatting on the phone.”
“I hate not being kept in the loop when my author collaborates with an editor.” Understanding what irritates your agent will aid you in resolving any possible future conflicts.
Red Flags to Watch For
While asking these questions, stay alert for potential warning signs:
- Reluctance to provide client references. (Personally, I always suggest contacting a few of the agents’ current and past authors. Inquiring how people have found working with a particular agent is not deceitful; it’s merely exercising your due diligence. In any other industry, references would be expected, And publishing is no different.)
- Pressure to sign immediately without time to review
(Even after your initial call, it is normal to request at least two weeks to consider the offer. During this time, it’s essential that you take the time to speak with any other agents who currently have your manuscript or those who have requested the full.) - Ambiguous responses regarding their sales history (Agents ought to be able to reveal how many deals they have finalised, and while they may refrain from divulging specific financial details, they should at least disclose the number of books they have managed to place in that year.)
- Unwillingness to provide a written agency agreement
(Never agree to representation without a written agreement, and in all cases, I recommend having the agreement reviewed by The Society of Authors.) - Commission rates higher than industry standard
(Standard rates exist across the industry. You can check the ‘norm’ with The Society of Authors.)
Making Your Decision
So, you have had your phone call, gathered all your facts and asked all your questions. Now what?
The first thing to do—and this is vital—is take time to process everything. This is not a decision to be rushed. Take your time to contact the agent’s current clients and chat with others in the industry.
Remember: no agent is better than the wrong agent. This person will be your business partner and advocate in the publishing industry. The individual you choose should be just as passionate about your book as you are, and they should be excited to work with you long term. If you don’t feel their excitement, ask yourself why. However, be cautious not to get swept up in the hype of everything. At this stage, the agent knows they want to work with you – that’s why you had the call. They will use their best sales pitch to get you on board; but remember – this person is not just a cheerleader; they will be your business partner moving forward. You don’t want an excited puppy with no focus. You want a bulldog that will negotiate hard for you, fight your corner when needed, but also be the shoulder to lean on and a colleague to bounce ideas with. Take your time to find your person; when you find them, it’ll have been worth the wait.
Moving Forward
Once you’ve made your decision, respond professionally. If you agreed to respond to the agent within a set time, do so. If you accept the agreement, express your enthusiasm and ask about the next steps.
If you decline, do it politely – the publishing industry is small, and maintaining professional relationships is important. Agents move agencies all the time, and you never know when you might come across them again. Remain professional, always.
The right agent-author partnership can be career-changing. By asking the right questions upfront, you’ll lay the groundwork for a successful professional relationship that could span many books and years.
