To agent or not to agent
I’ve been thinking a lot lately and wondering whether or not I should get an agent to represent myself as well as my written work.
Here’s where the problem lies, according to the Writers Union of Canada there are only about 30 literary agents in Canada. Yes, I just said 30. I know it seems like such a small number for the amount of writers as well as people in our great nation.
It’s really a catch 22 so I’ve created some pro’s and con’s.
PRO- If you don’t get an agent you ge to keep 100% of the profit from your sales.
CON- If you do have an agent they normally receive about 15% of the amount they negotiate for you.
PRO- Established agents are well known in the market and well known to publishers. So to have that person on your team is definitely an asset.
CON- Most established agents only accept query letters before they will even THINK about looking at your manuscript.
So I pose this question to my fellow writers.
What are your thoughts on literary agents? Are they needed or not?
xoxo
Elle
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2 Comments
In some cases, an agent is needed. I was scammed and immediately turned off from the whole “Agent” thing. Sometimes I feel the need to have an agent, then I find myself sending out a vast amount of query emails and via regular mail. Like you said, It’s a catch 22 because, as i’m currently experiencing, it’s hard trying to reach the amount of readers you KNOW you’re writing is capable of reaching. People who have an Agent and a Publishing Company backing them tend to get more writing done. (At least it seems that way to me because self promoting takes away from the time devoted to writing)
Great Blog.
Thanks for the comment. It really is a tough field to be in. I was surprised myself to find out that the number of agents in the country are so low. Self publishing is a great option but you are right it’s so hard to reach a mass amount of readers with self promotion.
thanks for the comment.
xoxo
Elle
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