Debunking Common Myths About Agents
For this month’s blog post, we’re taking a look at some of the most oft-repeated myths about agents and the publishing industry. Read on to see what some of these myths are, and what the Dunham Literary agents (Jennie Dunham, Anjanette Barr, & Lee Melillo) have to say in response to them!
Myth #1: Agents need to work as editors first.
An agent doesn't need to have experience as an editor in order to be a strong advocate for an author. Agents and editors have different jobs. What they have in common is reading and advocating for manuscripts, so being a good reader is crucial for agents. But, agents also negotiate contracts, license subrights, and handle payments. Publishers are more likely to have separate departments for these.
Myth #2: Agents spend their days reading.
Yes, but not in the way most people think. Agents spend their days reading emails, contracts, and royalty statements, but most agents do not spend their daytime desk hours reading manuscripts. Most agents read queries and manuscripts other than during the regular business day.
Myth #3: Agents never sign authors from the “slush pile.”
While agents love referrals and meeting authors in person, agents always have their eyes open for great manuscripts. Lots of our authors come to us from cold queries. Because agents receive so many queries, when they do find a great project that was unsolicited, there’s a special thrill in doing so.
Myth #4: Agents all live in New York.
New York is still a central hub for publishing in the US, and many agencies and publishers are headquartered there. But, according to the most recent AALA annual report, only 43% of agents live in New York. Another 11% live in California, and the rest are scattered throughout the country. Connecting with people across the world is easier than ever with technology.
Myth #5: Authors should only query long-established agents.
While long-established agents have experience and years of making connections in the industry, working with newer agents at reputable agencies can have a lot of benefits. Agents who are at the beginning of their careers are often more active in building their client lists and taking chances on new writers, and they may have more time to work with a client to get a project off the ground than someone with a full client roster. With mentoring from a more experienced agent, new career agents can represent authors well.
Myth #6: Agents only care about your work, not you, the writer.
While finding manuscripts we adore is important, equally vital is finding writers who we connect with and want to build our careers alongside. After all, we’re signing up to work with you, not your book, and we want to make sure there's a strong personality/work style match.
Myth #7: A manuscript needs to be perfect to land an agent.
While authors shouldn’t query with a first (or second, or likely even third...) draft, if an agent really loves the manuscript’s concept and sees potential in an author’s writing, one wonky chapter or an occasional typo won’t turn them off. Most agents are willing to work with the authors they sign to get their manuscripts ready to send out on submission.
Myth #8: Agents follow the trends and want manuscripts that fit those trends.
Agents are aware of trends and can sell books on trend, but finding a new trend is even more gratifying and frequently more lucrative too.
