THE PERFECT AGENT
I'm looking for an agent who can help to guide me through the publishing process
and then through the broader process of marketing and selling a book successfully.
I'm hesitant about agents who are prolific writers or seasoned lawyers primarily
because I liken the agent to a marketer, promoter, salesperson, negotiator and broker.
I'd probably be most comfortable with a people-person who knows the industry inside
and out, who has a lot of contacts within the industry, and who knows how to get in front
of a publisher and who then knows how to market an author.
From a financial and legal standpoint, I'd like an agent who is familiar with prevailing
royalty rates, advances, and types of contracts that we'll need to enter into and
additionally, I'd like an agent who knows how to successfully negotiate within the industry
(I'll listen). I see the relationships between agent and author as symbiotic - one needs
the other to succeed. I'm willing to work hard and to listen and I'm always courteous and
keep a positive attitude. If my view of agents is all wrong, please educate me. I'm willing
ot listen.
I'm not interested in editing services, pre-publishing publicity services, pay to publish, etc.