What Agents Really Do

First of all, I know it has been a while since I posted. Things have been "uber-crazy" here. Still, time to get back with some posts for you.

Recently, I read a post that came across my social media feed. This author wrote an article talking about the number of agents who have closed shop after a lot of years. Yes, this list is big and the names of the offices that closed was equally impressive. What jumped out at me was the way the author took the article. 

She proceeded to note that just because agencies are closing, opportunities for authors is still there. She then spent the bulk of the article talking about the number of publishers that take unsolicited manuscripts. What she seemed to be implying is that the only significant role of an agent is to get an author into publishers and to take care of contract issues.

This is far from the truth. 

Now, let me first say, do we get you through the system a bit easier without going though the slush piles? Yes, this is a benefit. But we do a lot more.

Our job is to work with you on stories through the developmental editing process, to ensure that your story is ready for market and something that fits with what is currently being purchased by the readers. 

We also work with career planning, helping you make the right decisions about which project you want to work on next.

We also work as an intermediary between the publishers and you so that when issues do arise, we can often work out the issues without interfering with the creative connections you have built with your editor. 

Don't be deceived. We are not simply a contract lawyer.