Monday, July 8, 2019

To Agent or Not to Agent?

I've discovered a few things in my quest for publication. One thing I've discovered is that there are some publishers that will not accept unsolicited manuscripts, period. These publishers require an agent representing the author to directly reach out and provide the submission. I'm sure that this provides the publisher with valuable benefits as they do not have to sift through hundreds, if not more, of submissions, paying interns and entry staff to find the diamond in the ruff. Having a trusted name in the form of a known agent telling them everything they need to know about the manuscript up front is by far cheaper and simpler.

However, there are still publishers who will accept unsolicited manuscripts, allowing the author to submit their work directly. Sometimes the open callings are only for a short period of time to limit the likely deluge, but this still offers the author direct access without the need of a representative. This being the case, it is fair to ask, Should I find an agent to represent me or go at it alone? 





As with most things, there is no easy answer here. The benefits an agent can provide to an author, particularly a new author, cannot be understated. Having someone reputable supporting your work and using their connections to push you to the front of the line, so to speak, can be invaluable. Also, as mentioned above, there are plenty of publishers that will only accept submission from an agent.

Because of these benefits, it is easy to think that having an agent is a sure bet to become published. Sadly this is not the case. I have encountered a number of personal accounts during my online research where even published authors have had no success getting some of their work published under literary agent representation. I've also heard it said that having an agent who doesn't really believe in the project is almost worse than not having an agent at all. In most cases, having an agent is really like stacking the deck in you favor, but doing so does not guarantee success.

We also have to consider the economy of effort. Finding an agent takes time; researching, querying, waiting for responses...it all adds up. I've spent the last several months undertaking this process myself, and as I've said in a previous post, I'm still searching for the right agent. All this time and effort to find an agent to represent my work and, in essence, even if I found one I would be no closer to actual publication. However, with an agent to represent my work, my chances would likely improve.

So, what is the best approach to successful publication; is it best to find an agent first or take one's chances at unsolicited publication? As so much of this business is based upon the subjective tastes of the recipient, it seems there is no singular formula for success. Really more of a "right time, right place" or "lighting strikes" kind of luck to it. If your work reaches the right hands in the unsolicited inbox at a publishing company and they make a case for it to the editor; boom, you're in. If the right agent finds your work compelling and intriguing and wants to represent you, they can use their special contacts and get your work in front the right editor. That way too, you're in.

Is one way better than the other? If it ends in publication, either way is equally successful and in either case it seems to come down to that "right time and place" luck. My only recommendation at this point is to try both. Why limit the potential to get your manuscript into the right hands by favoring one approach over another. I have received responses from publishers regarding my submissions, showing that they do read and consider these unsolicited queries. Again, it seems to just be a matter of luck and timing. And those, we seldom have any control over. As any good statistician might tell you, if you want to improve your odds you need to increase your exposure.

One last word on the matter. Either way, it is like fishing. It takes time to get a bite, even if your bait is good. Which brings us to the topic of the next blog post: traditional publication vs self-punishing in the modern era. Stay tuned....

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