What does an agent do?

An Agent is someone that has a proven track record as a Talent Scout. They can be thought of as Lead Talent Scouts. An Agent gives final approval to artist listings. They can also perform some of the actions typical of a Talent Scout. An Agent has a proven track record of, selecting high quality music, constant adherence to high ethical standards, and following the rulebook.  more

An agent's services depend on the agency. First, an agent reads and comments on your manuscript and advises about the need for rewrites, depending on whether the agent thinks s/he can sell the ms. as is or if it needs more work. The agent then sends the ms. to editors/publishers s/he believes are right for this particular book; often these are people the agent knows professionally through meetings at lunches, conferences, and professional parties. When a publisher makes a contract offer, the agent is the one who negotiates the terms: not only how much money should be paid and how it should be paid out (on signature of the contract, on delivery of the finish book, on publication), but also who controls foreign rights (some publishers have their own divisions in other countries where they feel the books will sell; others will leave such rights in the agent's hands), movie rights, book club rights, and most recently, electronic book rights.