Do I Need a Literary Agent?

You Likely Need a Literary Agent If:

• You aspire to be traditionally published by a major publishing house (Big Five or larger independent publishers). These publishers generally only accept submissions from literary agents. They rely on agents to vet manuscripts and bring them professionally presented, high-quality work. Trying to submit directly to these publishers is usually a dead end.  

  
  

• You value having an advocate and negotiator on your side. A good agent understands the publishing industry, contract terms, and royalty structures. They can negotiate the best possible deal for you, including advances, royalty rates, and subsidiary rights (like film, translation, etc.).  

  
  

• You want someone to manage the submission process and navigate the complexities of the publishing world. Agents have established relationships with editors and know which houses and editors might be a good fit for your work. They handle the often time-consuming and sometimes frustrating process of submitting your manuscript.  

  
  

• You want career guidance and long-term support. A good agent isn't just about selling your current book; they're invested in your long-term writing career. They can offer editorial feedback, help you develop future book ideas, and strategize your overall career path.  

  
  

• You're not comfortable or don't have the time to handle the business aspects of publishing yourself. This includes contract negotiations, tracking royalties, and managing subsidiary rights.

  
  

You Might Not Need a Literary Agent If:

• You are planning to self-publish. If you choose to go the self-publishing route, you are in control of the entire process, from editing and formatting to cover design and marketing. There's no need for an agent to pitch your book to publishers.

  
  

• You are aiming for publication with smaller, independent presses that accept unagented submissions. Some smaller presses are open to direct submissions from authors. You'll need to research presses that align with your genre and are currently accepting submissions.  

  
  

• You are primarily focused on ebook-only publication. While an agent can still be valuable for ebook deals with larger publishers, if your main goal is to publish ebooks independently, you can do so through platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and others without an agent.

  
  

• You are publishing non-fiction and have a strong platform. If you have a significant platform (large social media following, established expertise in your field, etc.), some non-fiction publishers might be willing to work with you directly. However, an agent can still help you secure a better deal.

  
  

• You are comfortable handling the business and legal aspects of publishing yourself. If you have the time, knowledge, and willingness to negotiate contracts and manage the various aspects of publishing, you might feel confident going it alone with a smaller press.

  
  

Things to Consider:

• Getting an agent can be challenging. It often involves writing a compelling query letter and a strong manuscript and then facing potential rejection. The process can take time and persistence.  

  
  

• Not all agents are created equal. It's crucial to research potential agents, understand their track record, and ensure they are a good fit for you and your work. Be wary of agents who charge reading fees (legitimate agents typically don't).

  
  

• An agent works on commission. They typically take a percentage (usually 15% in the US) of your book earnings.  

If your goal is traditional publication with a major publishing house, having a literary agent is almost a necessity. They act as a gatekeeper and can provide invaluable expertise and advocacy. If you're leaning towards self-publishing or targeting smaller presses that accept unagented submissions, you might not need one. However, even in those cases, a good agent can still offer significant benefits in terms of negotiating deals and managing your career.  

What are your publishing aspirations? Knowing that will help determine if pursuing a literary agent is the right path for you.