Do you think literary agents are worth the bother? All I seem to get from these agents is a load of hassle. I haven't done that much submitting (only to 6 agencies' so far) and for every one I had to change my submission package around so that it was to their guidelines, and all I get from them is an automatic rejection letter. The one agent I got a full manuscript request from has gone very quiet and I haven't had a whisper from him in 4 months.
Does anyone feel that these agents are just too fickle and they don't even treat you with any respect at the end of the day
Hi,
I am not an agent or an author who is near finding myself an agent but I recently attended an online writing course about agents and I would recommend to you that getting an agent is crucial.
Agents only take money from you when they find someone to publish your book. They also are very, very clued up about the industry they work in and will know exactly which publishers to take your work to, to get you the best deal. They also have incredibly valuable knowledge about publishing contracts and it was highlighted in the workshop that if you approach publishers without an agent then they will more often than not take you for a ride and make you sign a contract that ties you to them with a limited income (publishers, at the end of the day, are businesses and want to make money).
I hate to say it, but if agents aren't picking up your novel, are you a) sending it to the right kind of agent and b) are you sending it to enough agents? You quote only sending it to 6 and really, that's not very many at all. I suggest you either cast your net wider and approach many more and not give up (it could take months or years to hear back from one who is interested) or you can choose to skip the agent step and approach publishers on your own or self publish. It depends whether you feel you have the knowledge and capabilities to sign contracts, promote your own book and do all that leg work or whether you'd rather stick it out and wait for an agent to come along to do all of that for you.
I hope this is helpful! Sorry, it's probably not what you want to hear!
It's an interesting question and there's no shortage of debate to be found online. Some argue they're still essential, while others are adamant that they're pointless and only take money away from writers who don't know better. The truth probably lies in between, and depends on the agent.
While it is a slog to get an agent, and submission requirements can get annoying, the benefits (to me) come from more access to publishers, better contracts, and professional / legal support. The cons, of course, are that you have to pay them a cut of your income.
Lots of writers self publish now, and for many it seems to be working. While I don't think it takes a big budget, it does take an enormous amount of work with (probably) less immediate return. It's every writers' choice which path they take, or whether they do both.
Speaking personally, getting an agent got me a publishing contract, so yes, it was worth it. Just follow the guidelines and be patient - not especially fun advice, I know, but it's really at the heart of being an author.
It is very much a dog eat dog Industry. You're simply just a submission if you do not have a name. I'm sure if JK Rowling wanted to write a book on used teabags someone would publish it and make a feature film.
Unfortunately there isn't another alternative and we're stuck with the agents. Unless you have hundreds and hundreds of thousands of pounds to self promote a self published book or you are sitting next to Steven Spielberg sharing afternoon tea you are stuck with the agents.
Good luck and I hope you find one soon.