Paths To Publishing
There are many paths to publishing these days. You can publish with innumerable online E-presses. You can self-publish. You can publish via print on demand. You can publish with a small publishing house (independent or university-affiliated). There are many viable ways to see that your book gets to print.
But most of the writers who come to Writer’s Relief dream of being among the small percentage of authors who publish their book with traditional publishing houses, like Penguin, Random House, or Hachette. The question that is often posed to us is, “Why does Writer’s Relief query agents before publishing houses?”
To get the answer, we first have to offer a quick overview of agent-editor relationships.
Agents and Editors: Let’s Do Lunch
The roles of agents and editors are mutually beneficial. First, agents are the front line in the submission process. They “weed out” the projects that they don’t feel will be a good fit for publishers and try to save publishers' valuable time. Also, agents get to know the editors they submit to; they become familiar with their tastes and preferences. When an editor receives a manuscript recommendation from an agent she or he trusts, it’s not much different than if you were to receive a book recommendation from a good friend.
So, What Are The Benefits Of Querying Agents First?
Here are just a few reasons we advocate getting an agent for book-length projects.
Foot in the Door. The facts are plain: the vast majority of traditional “big-time” publishing houses like those listed above will not take you seriously—they won’t even look at your work—unless you have an agent. If you’re considering publishing with a smaller, independent publishing house, you may have a chance to see your manuscript reviewed without getting an agent (but you’ll be on your own with the contracts and negotiations). If you’re shooting for that pie-in-the-sky contract, an agent is the first, best step in getting you there.
Effectiveness. Pitching your book to an agent is like pitching your book to dozens of editors. When an agent gets your submission, he reads it with an eye toward the editors who might like to buy it. A good agent will be running through his mental Rolodex while reading your submission.
Tradition. Querying an agent first demonstrates professionalism and a knowledge of the workings of the industry. Some publishing houses will not require agented submissions. But most traditional houses will insist on it.
Author’s protection. Sending your manuscript with an agent means that someone is in your corner. Agents will negotiate contracts and will tactfully intervene if the art department puts a naked centaur on your story about 19th-century Harlem. Having an agent means you might have more control over your work.
More money. If you are able to get a book deal, your agent will be able to negotiate your advance, your percentages on royalties, and more. It’s been reported that some publishing houses are known to pay out smaller advances to writers who don’t have agents to go to bat for them.
Subtext. If you approach a publishing house through an agency, your work will be taken more seriously. Having your name on an agent’s letterhead goes a long way toward ensuring a good read.
But what about all the people who get book deals without an agent?
As with most endeavors, there are always nontraditional and unusual ways of achieving a certain goal. And certainly, the publishing climate is changing. You will most likely have heard stories of self-published authors who land a book deal after hand-selling their novel one book at a time. You also may have heard stories of writers who land a big publisher through their blog.
But the reason you’ve heard those stories is they are exceptions, not the norm. A far greater number of authors get book contracts the traditional way—by gaining agency representation before seeking a publisher. There are dozens of agent-editor deals on www.PublishersMarketplace.com every day.
In the end it’s up to you to decide if you want to seek representation. But here at Writer’s Relief, it’s the method that we most strongly recommend.
Here are more resources to check out if you're submitting a book:
More info on whether to get an agent: http://WritersReliefBlog.com/post/Do-You-Need-An-Agent-For-Your-Book-Project.aspx.
How to identify a good submission service: http://WritersReliefBlog.com/post/Submission-Services.aspx.
How to write a query letter: http://WritersReliefBlog.com/post/CoverQuery-Letters.aspx.
How to submit your nonfiction book: http://WritersReliefBlog.com/post/The-Art-of-the-Nonfiction-Book-Proposal.aspx.