How to Have an Agent
if you're used to doing everything yourself
Hi Friends,
We talk a lot about how to get an agent and what an agent does (and doesn’t) do, but we haven’t talked about how to have an agent, especially if you’re someone who’s used to doing everything yourself! (Or maybe you’re like me and asking for help makes you want to crumble to dust!!!!!!) If you’re coming from a self-publishing background or other creative area where literary agents aren’t the norm, here are some tips on how to get used to the fact that you have an agent whose actual job is to help you!1
Repeat after me: YOU ARE NOT BOTHERING YOUR AGENT
I really and truly mean it. Have a question? I promise it’s a good one they will be happy to answer. Need something explained again? That’s ok—we want to make sure you understand stuff! Need more time on a deadline? TELL YOUR AGENT. Want to BBC them on something you’re not sure about so you can talk about it later? GO AHEAD. Your agent is there to communicate with you. They are not mind readers and cannot know when you need something, don’t understand something, are unsure about something, want to celebrate something. Email, call, text—whatever way you both best communicate. You are not bothering your agent! I stg you are not.
Let them do the little stuff
Don’t want to say no to that blurb request because saying no is hard? Your agent will do that for you. Need to send in an invoice for something (that your agent is commissioning)? They can do that! Need help on a little contract? YES DEFINITELY TALK TO YOUR AGENT ABOUT CONTRACTS (even if you’ve both agreed it’s not something they are handling for you). Nervous about asking your editor something? I guarantee your agent is not! It’s an agent’s job to advocate for you and help you, in little and big ways. They’re there for the big stuff like edits and deals and submissions, and the little stuff like saying no to things and following up and nudging people.
No really CC them on that email
We all get a lot of email. Maybe too much! But client-email does not fall into the too-much category. I mean, it’s possible your agent will say no need to CC me on your meme wars with your editor! but also maybe they want to play along too! Bottom line, agents don’t know what’s going on unless you tell them and CCing them on emails about your book is one way to keep them in the loop. That way they can say OH WAIT YOU SHOULD NOT DO THAT before you spend three months or whatever doing that. I promise again you are not bothering them if you CC them on emails. If they don’t need to be CCed on something specific, they will tell you (and that won’t be the end of the world either).
Talk to them BEFORE you agree to a new project
You might be used to getting your own gigs, maybe you’re a ghostwriter or an illustrator or something like that where the project acquisition process isn’t usually lead by an agent. That’s great! When you have an agent, though, loop them in on what you’re doing before you say yes, especially if you already have a traditional book deal somewhere. There are clauses in that contract that say you can’t (necessarily) do 10 other projects at once! It usually works out just fine and you can do those 10 other projects no problem, but the one time it does not will be a true headache. Your agent can help you avoid that. You’re not looking for their permission—you’re looping in your teammate.
Tell them what you want to do
I mean, I want all my clients to write 25-book series and work for the fandom/brand/whatever of their dreams. I can’t promise to get anyone a Star Wars deal, but I do know who to call! Talk to your agent about your goals and dreams and see how they can help you achieve them. You never know. They may know the droids you’re looking for.2
It might take a bit to get used to not doing everything yourself when you’ve been doing that a long, long time. That’s ok, too. Your agent isn’t there to grade you on your performance as a client. They’re there to help and advise you. Neither you nor they are going to get it perfect every time, and that’s ok, too! You can help either reach your goals by communicating, asking questions, and yes, sending email. I promise your agent wants to help. They really, really do.
OXOXOXOXO,
Kate
This was supposed to be Tuesday’s newsletter but WHEW this week! Thanks for rolling with my, uh, flexible posting schedule.
I’m sorry.
From a DIYer to newly agented, I absolutely needed this. Thank you.
As someone who comes from the small publishing and self-publishing world, this is so helpful!