As a new author, you face many decisions that will determine your chances of success. One of these decisions is whether you should hire an agent. A literary agent helps you find a publisher and can negotiate on your behalf to get you the best deal. Working with an agent is completely optional. Before hiring an agent, understand the costs and fees to decide whether it’s the right choice.
- Commission – Literary agents work on commission. Their fee is sometimes negotiable, but expect to pay between 10%-20% of your book sales to your agent. The acceptable standard is 15%. Since they also benefit from getting a higher rate per published book, your agent will negotiate with publishers to get the best deal for you both.
- Other costs – There may be additional costs or fees associated with publication not covered by your publisher. Fees for things like promotional submissions or legal reviews are most often covered by your agent or reimbursed.
- Other services – Your agent may offer services related to polishing your manuscript before submission. Be wary of any charges related to this service, as it’s generally accepted for those service fees to be built into the final commission, not billed separately.
Your agent works on your behalf, so choose someone you feel comfortable with and can trust. Avoid using an agent who asks for up-front fees. Reputable agents don’t charge to read your manuscript, provide feedback, or pitch your work to publishers. Be wary of anyone who asks for upfront payment, as that is not industry standard and may mean the agent isn’t trustworthy or knowledgeable.
Hiring a literary agent means you have someone on your side to advocate for you in contract negotiations. An agent can be helpful to new authors, but many don’t understand the costs involved. Understanding the costs along with the benefits can help you decide whether hiring an agent is in your best interests as a new author.
