A Behind the Scenes Look at A New Literary Agent’s First Sale

As a new agent, there are new experiences around every corner. Some have been expected, and others have been lovely surprises. I recently had the new experience of making my first sale (woohoo!), and I learned even more about my new role as an agent, and just how vital it is for writers to have representation during a sale. I thought I would highlight some standout moments in the process for you.

Prepping to perfection (or close!)

After a client and I have gone back and forth (and back and forth again) making a proposal shine to the best of our ability, it’s time for me to make certain I do everything in my power to communicate to editors the value I see in a project. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed becoming my client’s cheerleader when drafting submission letters, and it underscored the importance of only representing authors and projects that I believe in deeply. It makes it easy to tell someone else (like an editor) all of the reasons you believe a book deserves a space on the shelf when you have loved the project from the very start.

A step in the right direction

Another surprise was the excitement I felt hearing that my client’s proposal was heading for the publisher’s Publishing Committee–a group of decision-makers who choose whether or not to buy the book. At this point in the process, it can go either way, but it’s a step in the right direction. It means that  I’ve done my job in communicating to the editor the value of the project.

It’s a Yes!

I knew that making a sale is a highlight for literary agents, but what I didn’t know is that getting to make a phone call to tell my client that they’re going to be a published author is the best. I’ve had the blessing of many exciting career moments in my lifetime, but this? This one is up there!

Now we negotiate

While a publishing contract is somewhat shorter than, say, a home mortgage agreement, there is a lot to wade through. With current concerns such as AI clauses that, without attention, could hinder an author’s current and future career in a variety of ways, it is vital that writers have an agent read every line of a contract before any agreement or acceptance of terms is made. Typically,  an offer will be sent with basic terms for both client and agent to consider, with a full publishing agreement sent to the agent to read carefully after the details of the deal have been negotiated. The deal points usually include what rights the author will assign to the publishing house, size of advance, royalty percentages, and other terms. Much like the proposal that author and agent send back and forth, the contract also undergoes edits and changes as both parties come to a final agreement. This part of the process my first time around was expected, but I was surprised by the level of detail and attention a contract demands of an agent, and I learned a lot. (Janet did most of this navigating, but I was part of the process, too.)

The big event

Once negotiations were settled, and it was time to sign the contract, I was able to let my client know it was “go time!” Much work had been completed on her behalf! Working with an agency that works so diligently on behalf of our clients behind closed doors really highlighted once again for me the personal touch that Books & Such uniquely offers.  To get to the point of signing a contract takes a lot of work, often that the client doesn’t see. She signed her contract, and I added my first sale to my sales goal chart—an exciting moment, and hopefully the first of many!

The end product

Some may think this is where I as an agent step back. The sale has been made, the contract signed–what more is there for me as the literary agent to do? My work continues on as the liaison between author and publisher. I attend onboarding and marketing meetings, as well as any others my client would like me present for. If there are any snags or questions to be handled or asked along the way, I will step in and keep the publishing process gliding as smoothly as possible for all parties involved. And when the book is launched and on the market? My client will continue to market her book, as we start the process all over again with a new project when she’s ready!

My takeaways from the process

Taking a project from concept to contract to bookshelves is a long, long journey, and one that is a true partnership between  agent, client, and publisher. It’s one that asks for patience (and then some more patience) and grace. This work is so meaningful and exciting–who knows what a book will do out in the world? To be a part of that, and to get to be the bearer of good news (in a job that often requires a lot of no’s) has been the most fun.

Did any of these steps in the contract process surprises? Let us know in the comments.