So, does every writer need an agent to sell her book and help “build” her career?
Jenny: Most of the major houses don’t accept unsolicited manuscripts, so you need an agent just to get through the door. A good agent will be your guide and your protector every step of the way. If you are approaching smaller houses you probably don’t need an agent as much, but I would then recommend that you use a publishing attorney to negotiate the contract. But basically, an agent handles your submission, negotiates your contract, sells your foreign, audio, and film rights, makes sure you have a good cover, makes sure publicity and promotion are happening correctly, keeps on top of your sales figures, makes sure you get paid in a timely manner, and interprets your royalty statements. And that’s actually just a fraction of what an agent does. The beauty of an agent is that he/she doesn’t get paid unless you do. So your goals and motivations are always the same. WOW: Could you walk us through how an agent submits an author’s proposal to editors at publishing houses? Jenny: 1. Write p
