Wrong question. What you should be asking is: How do I find the RIGHT agent?
It's the difference between being set up on a blind date by your hairdresser and saying "I do" to your soul mate.
Your hairdresser may know you like your bangs just-so, but she knows nothing about your fears and dreams and passions, while your soul mate understands it all and works with you to achieve your dreams.
The wrong agent is worse than no agent at all. You'll hear this from every published author—and the words are very true. Pay heed to them! Be picky, search long and hard, don't rush. You are CEO of You, Inc. and your agent works for You!
Steps to finding the right agent (these will each be addressed in depth in upcoming posts):
#1: Know your target audience. If you, the CEO of You, Inc. doesn't understand what your own product is and who it's designed/intended for, how can a total stranger?
Yes, your agent, like any good Executive VP, will help you to craft and polish and fine-tune your product and message. But it's up to you to make the final decisions and to know what it is you're trying to achieve with your work.
Notice that I say "work" and "product." That's right. If you're ready to enter the writing profession, then you have to treat your writing as not "your baby" but your product. You're now a professional, act like one, at least while doing business—learn to divorce this part of writing from the creative part. While you're pounding the keys, the muse busy whispering, then feel free to bond with your story as if it is your baby—but once you're ready to send it out into the world, it's all grown up and now is a product.
#2: Compare and contrast. Once you know your target audience, you need to understand what kind of book you've written. One way is by using comps: comparable authors and published novels (sometimes even TV shows and movies).
What authors would your target audience also be reading? How is your voice similar? How does it differ?
Where would your book be shelved in a bookstore? What authors would be nearby?
#3. Research, research, research. Start reading agents' websites, twitter feeds, and blogs. Who do they represent? What bestsellers have they had? Who have they bought recently?
(don't know any agents? Check out the blog roll of this former agent's blog for a good start.)
Publisher Marketplace's Publisher Lunch is a great way to read about recent deals as is Publishers Weekly's Deal column. Both are available free online.
Also, pay attention to a agent's voice and attitude as revealed by their blogs. Are they frank and pull no punches? Or warm and inspiring? Know your own strengths and weaknesses: do you need a little hand-holding? Then a power-house, hard-hitter may not be the best agent for you. That's okay!
We'll be exploring each of the above topics in depth in future Publishing FAQs, starting next time with: How do I find my target audience?
Until then, happy writing!
CJ
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As someone who was soooo close to signing with an agent but didn't at the last minute due to realizing we had different visions for the same book, I totally agree with everything you've said, C.J. It was very tempting to sign just to "have an agent" but the partnership wouldn't have worked and I'd heard so many times that "no agent is better than an agent who doesn't fit". Thanks for the post and reminding us!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you found it helpful! Finding the right agent really is like dating--and the committed relationship you forge once you get together is almost as important, at least to your career!
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