Literary Agent Secrets: What They Never Say to You

A literary agent is necessary to help you sell your book proposal to publishers for a large advance. How can you determine if a literary agency is right for you? Agents can work with large agencies. Others are well-placed in their careers. Some are younger and starting their careers. Others are at the middle of their careers. Agents are often very busy. Some agents are very busy while others are quite idle. Others are more passive. Others agents are not interested in finding new clients and are more jaded.

How can you, a new writer, find the right agent for your book proposal? These are the secrets I have learned over twenty years of publishing.

SECRET # 1 – LITERARY AGENTS WHO ARE YOUNG

Although they are often inexperienced, young literary agents can be very enthusiastic about their work. Young literary agents are often new to the field and find it exciting. Keep in mind that agents can be your best option as they are always looking for new clients. They will also put in a lot time and effort to get you published.

Agents who are younger tend to be more energetic than their older counterparts. This is a good thing, as it takes energy to make calls and find editors. Maybe the lunches Judi Bola aren’t so energy-intensive after all. How much energy is required to eat a plate full of coconut chicken and pasta? Younger agents are more energetic so they should be considered.

SECRET # 2 – LITERARY AGENTS IN MID-CAREER

Mid-career agents make up the majority of the most influential agents. They are able to make big advances and have many contacts. They are slower than their younger counterparts. Their greatest strengths are that they are at the top of their careers, have lots of contacts, and know how to sell books. Their greatest weakness is their tendency to avoid new talent. As a new writer, they are often very busy and will not have much time. You may be able to get an agent, but don’t expect too much assistance in getting your book published. If they don’t sell your book immediately, they might lose interest.

SECRET # 3 – SENIOR LITERARY AGENTS

Senior literary agents, who are more than 50 years old, have been in business for over twenty- or thirty years and have achieved a lot. They are well-respected, highly respected, and will eventually slow down. They are more steadfast in their ways. They are most reluctant to accept new clients. They are often overburdened with past responsibilities, except where they have permission to do so. Many of them only collect royalties from the estates of deceased authors. Whoop-de-do. These senior literary agents are not recommended to be chased. You can accept a knock at your door from one of these senior literary agents. They are usually so busy that it is not worth your time to sign up.

Agents go through three stages during their career. A younger, more energetic agent is the best choice for a novice writer. I will be sharing my next article on how to determine if an agent meets these criteria.