Agents have strict rules about the things they can charge for that are not commission-based, so it doesn't turn into a pay to play situation. Many former editors and agents do query consults, so I would look there. Sarah LaPolla does! https://www.nextchapteredits.com/aboutme
I am curious what role agents play in short story edits and sales. Maybe this is a fun Thursday Q&A question -- throw the A to some Thursday down the line, if you like! But let's say I sold a book, so now I am Somebody (To Some Extent), do I start sending my short stories to my agent? So the agent can say "This one looks right for The New Yorker, good work!" or "This is one Sarah would love over at Private College Quarterly, I'll give her a call!" Or does the agent play more of "Please sell these on your own" role?
And the answer is: Ask your agent! Some agents do and some agents don't! Many don't have direct relationships in the short story world because that market is lots of work with little return. But others come straight out of that world. I would say on the whole most agents do not directly submit short stories for their clients, but they're willing to advise/connect.
Love this! While at agent's job is straightforward - it also isn't, and it's both, all the time. You summed it up so well :)
Thanks, Kate!! Do you know of any agents who offer Query consultations? I think I've found the right balance in mine, but how would I know that!?
Agents have strict rules about the things they can charge for that are not commission-based, so it doesn't turn into a pay to play situation. Many former editors and agents do query consults, so I would look there. Sarah LaPolla does! https://www.nextchapteredits.com/aboutme
Oh, how interesting!! Thanks for the link :)
I am curious what role agents play in short story edits and sales. Maybe this is a fun Thursday Q&A question -- throw the A to some Thursday down the line, if you like! But let's say I sold a book, so now I am Somebody (To Some Extent), do I start sending my short stories to my agent? So the agent can say "This one looks right for The New Yorker, good work!" or "This is one Sarah would love over at Private College Quarterly, I'll give her a call!" Or does the agent play more of "Please sell these on your own" role?
And the answer is: Ask your agent! Some agents do and some agents don't! Many don't have direct relationships in the short story world because that market is lots of work with little return. But others come straight out of that world. I would say on the whole most agents do not directly submit short stories for their clients, but they're willing to advise/connect.