Hi there. I hope you don't mind me popping by. A friend recommended your post and I enjoyed what you had to say here.
And wanted to add a small thing you touched on. Besides the reasons you outlined on the benefit of an agent for a first time writer (both very valid points), the agent also plays a pivotal role in protecting first time writers. When signing a first book agreement, a new author may not understand why they want higher royalties, how their next option may work, why they need approval, etc. An agent, if they do their job, serves as a guide and reference on how to get the best possible agreement in the Author's best interest. Each party, publisher and writer, want the best agreement in THEIR interest and those don't always coincide. An agent serves here to go to bat for the Author, especially a first time one, and make sure the agreement is in their best interest and most beneficial for their career.
The job of the agent is to sell their client and make sure they have the best deal possible. For a first time author, this can be invaluable.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2009-04-24 11:01 pm (UTC)And wanted to add a small thing you touched on. Besides the reasons you outlined on the benefit of an agent for a first time writer (both very valid points), the agent also plays a pivotal role in protecting first time writers. When signing a first book agreement, a new author may not understand why they want higher royalties, how their next option may work, why they need approval, etc. An agent, if they do their job, serves as a guide and reference on how to get the best possible agreement in the Author's best interest. Each party, publisher and writer, want the best agreement in THEIR interest and those don't always coincide. An agent serves here to go to bat for the Author, especially a first time one, and make sure the agreement is in their best interest and most beneficial for their career.
The job of the agent is to sell their client and make sure they have the best deal possible. For a first time author, this can be invaluable.
Thanks for the post!