Agents

There is a great debate about whether or not an unpublished author needs an agent.  Some say that you can do it just as easily on your own, and you won't have to pay.  Others claim that since more and more publishers are not accepting unagented submissions, that an unpublished author is limiting their choices when they don't find an agent.  Which one is right?  Probably both.

Here's my take on the situation.  If you are writing a category romance, you probably don't need an agent.  Initial contracts with such publishers as Mills and Boon, Harlequin, and Silhouette are general standard.  An agent won't be able to get you more, and you'll only have to pay him/her a percentage of what you make. 

However, if you're writing single title, an agent call help you get in the door at many publishing houses.  Just look at my publisher list if you don't believe me.  Many of the biggest and most prestigious houses don't accept unagented submissions. Why?  Well, there are a variety of reasons, but here's a big one.  These publishers get thousands of unsolicited manuscripts every year.  Some are good, some aren't.  If an agent submits one, then the publisher knows that manuscript has already gone through an edit from a professional person who knows the business.  Also, agents can be more difficult to get than contracts, so if an unpublished author has one, then that might mean they have a better chance at being good.

So, are you interested in finding out more information about agents, or finding an agent yourself?  Here are some links that might help you, followed by some hints on what to do, and what to avoid:

Sara Elliot's Agent List -- Sara has put together a great list of romance agents.  As a bonus, she's also listed some authors that each agent has represented, along with that author's email.  These authors have agreed to answer any questions about their agent, and agents in general.

Association of Author's Representatives (AAR) -- This is the comprehensive list of agents who are in the AAR.  Although not all "good" agents are listed here, it's a good place to start.  The AAR has a cannon of ethics and agents are held accountable.  If an agent is in the AAR, they're a good bet.

Romance Writers of America -- RWA has just added a list of RWA approved agents to its members only section.  All these agents take romance submissions, and have a clean record as far as RWA member complaints go.  If you aren't a member of RWA, then I strongly suggest you join!  It's information such as this that makes the membership worthwhile!

Guide to Literary Agents, 2000 : 500 Agents Who Sell What You Write (Guide to Literary Agents, 2000) -- This is a book that will help you find out what agents sell romance.  Just like with publishers, not all agents sell romance.  It's a waste of time to query them. 

These links should get you started.  But here are some helpful and important tips about taking on an agent:

1.  An agent shouldn't charge a "reading fee".  Most reputable agents will not charge you to read your work.  They should read what you submit and then tell you yes or no, just like a publisher would.  Steer clear of agents who don't follow this guideline, they are probably phonies, just like vanity presses.

2.  Agents shouldn't charge you until you make money.  If you aren't published yet, then your agent shouldn't be charging you except for minimal costs (some charge for postage, copying, etc.  Those things are ok.) .  Your agent should get paid for their real services when you do.

3.  Read the agent's submission guidelines carefully.  Just like publishers, agents have guidelines for submission.  Some of them don't want to read your whole book at first.  Some want a query initially and some want a few chapters and synopsis.  Please, follow these rules!!  If you don't, then it's likely the agent will just return your manuscript without reading it, and they'll remember you when you try to resubmit. 

Those first impressions are so important.  If you can't follow the simple directions of "Query and first three chapters only", then the agent (AND publishers) will assume that you can't follow directions period.  Since the agent will probably be with you for a long time, and through difficult periods in your career, they want to pick clients who won't be difficult to work with.  How you submit is almost as important as how you write.