Blogger: Wendy Lawton
One of the questions we are most often asked at conferences is how many clients we represent. Most agents skirt this question because it is difficult to put into context in a short question-and-answer period. But here, with all the blog bandwidth I care to take, let me tackle this question.
Most of us could give a simple answer. For instance, at this moment, I represent fifty-eight clients. I am seriously considering five more. It sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? Let me put it in context. Of those fifty-eight, twenty-two are successfully tucked into multi-book contracts. I’m currently shopping or preparing to shop seventeen of those clients’ projects. Nineteen clients are inactive at this point— either taking a break or working to come up with the next big idea. So while fifty-eight may sound like a lot, they are in different need-stages at any one time.
I’m guessing I’m on the low side of CBA agents. Many run from seventy-five clients to well over a hundred. I like to stay right around fifty active clients. I’m struggling to do that right now because I’m seeing such exciting potential out there, I’m having trouble saying no. As Rachelle said in her blog, “If it seems like we’re too busy, it’s because the economics of this industry demand we carry a certain amount of volume to make a living wage.”
I’m also guessing I’m on the high side of ABA agents. Because they deal primarily with the bigger publishers and are not called to take on financially-modest/ministry-rich projects, they can afford to take fewer clients. We, in the CBA, would never give up our labor-of-love projects and clients. For us, this job is part work, part ministry.
And the number of clients an agent takes on has a lot to do with how many complicated careers we represent. The more uber-clients, the less an agent can add to her list. The bigger the career, the more time it takes.
Sounds like a lot of clients? I’m guessing my clients will tell you that I do a pretty fair job of staying on top of things and keeping my nose in their careers. The area that gets the short shrift is in handling queries and not-yet-client inquiries. We always care for our clients first and do client acquisition in the time left over. It’s one of the reasons Books & Such has made a big commitment to daily blogging. It’s our way of giving back when we can’t do it individually.
Feedback time: Does the number sound staggering to you? Is it less than you expected? Do you wonder why we keep inactive clients? Ask away.
Good morning, Wendy.
The number doesn’t sound staggering to me. Actually, for me, the number itself is meaningless. What resonates is your tone of confidence that it’s a manageable number for you.
For the sake of the people you’re considering, I hope you feel you can handle more.
Happy Tuesday!
The reason no agent ever says they are “closed” to new clients is that the joy of discovery is too big a draw. Besides, our client list is always fluid– some writers retire, others take a break to have a family, etc.
So yes, we are always scouting. . .
I was surprised at the number, actually. I thought you’d carry less, simply because from what you’ve all written about, your jobs sound so much more like “literary therapist” than “agent”. 😉
I’m glad to know you have a set point, it must be very tempting to want to do more, especially with all the potential out there.
Alrighty, a question…what do you do when someone has queried one of you ladies, yet the individual who has received the query simply cannot take on another un-published author? What if this writer sounds like he/she could really make an impact but Agent A has no time, do you sit around your box of Purdy’s Milk Chocolate Hedgehogs (what? we all know the power of increased levels of serotonin) and decide who can take him/her on? Or do you have a “when I have time” pile?
If I fall in love with a writer I squeeze ’em in. I’m also a fan of certain authors. I’m praying that they decide on representation and look my way. They are circled in my prayer journal (read The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson).
Other times I come across an author or a project who would be perfect for one of my colleagues and I pass them on. (We do this all the time here at Books & Such.)
I love your answer, Wendy. Having gotten to know you a little through your blog, I’m not at all surprised at your answer. Thank you for being a caring person as well as a businesswoman.
Thank you for asking this question for me, Jennifer.
Anytime Christine, anytime.
Wendy, Not sure whether I was surprised at the number, but I’m certainly grateful for this post. I’ve been unable to find any information on this subject, and was too embarrassed to ask my agent or any other how many they represented.
The economics of publishing (including agenting) are in a state of flux right now. I treasure the contribution of my agent to my situation, and–like my favorite restaurants and bookstores–I’m rooting for her to stay afloat in this sea of change.
Thanks so much for sharing.
It’s risky to open up our “inner workings.” Some may be horrified by the number, others may shy away from representation because of it but I believe writers make the best decisions when everything is out on the table.
Really interesting, Wendy! I had no idea what was normal, but it’s interesting to see how your client list is spread out, especially knowing where I am in the lineup. 🙂 I appreciate you breaking it down and showing how thoughtfully you spend your time.
The truth is, every client is in a special place for one reason or another. Next week I’m going to write about that– it’s a much more complicated, nuanced thing than the number of clients an agent has. Most of us build our list very intentionally– with no two alike.
I agree, Kim! No matter where I’ve been in the lineup over the last few years, I know that Wendy cares and knows what to do at each phase of my writing life, however active or inactive it may be at that time.
I’m a not-yet-client, praying to be ‘an exciting potential’ one day!!
That’s a perfect goal– that you be the one we just can’t turn down.
Very interesting post, Wendy. I am not as surprised hearing the number of clients you carry as the last time I read an agent blog about how many clients that agent represented. I can’t remember whose it was, but the number was close to yours. Once I understood that clients are different levels of need, the number seemed much more “do-able,” so to speak.
How do you determine when it’s worth it to take on a new client in spite of your current “load?”
Determining to take on a new client is much more a decision made in the heart (or the gut) rather than the head.
If I can’t stop thinking about something, I know it’s a sign that I need to be part of that writer’s team.
Also, sometimes I get requests for certain things from publishers and realize I have nothing to offer because all my authors who write that are tied up in long-term contracts. I then start looking to add to that category or genre.
Thank you for all the insights into how you work. I love hearing about that incredible partnership you have with God. Amazing, Wendy.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my question, Wendy. I love hearing how you seek the Lord out as well as staying open to what publishers want. So encouraging. 🙂
Wendy, I don’t think I was surprised that you maintain “inactive clients.” I think it just speaks volumes about your integrity, commitment, and overall mission.
Thank you for the candid information. Like Richard I didn’t have any ide on the subject. But I was curious, and championing fifty some authors sounds like a heavy load. Thanks for carrying it and giving us such inspired stories to love.
It’s actually the best job in the world. Stimulating. I discovered early on– as a writer– one career was not enough stimulation. 🙂 As an agent, I’m always celebrating a new book, an award, fabulous sales, bestseller list inclusions.
And my clients are the best. They are the very people I’d gravitate toward at a party or a conference. I get to surround myself with the brightest.
As a writer I understand the blessing of doing something you love. It’s very rare!
Thanks for the great information! I’ve heard you mention it before, so I wasn’t surprised, although I was surprised at the number who are inactive. I’m glad to know that agents don’t drop writers who have something going on in their lives or who need a little more time to come up with their next idea.
And I really like what you said about your thoughts toward ministry projects. That speaks volumes to me personally. While you have to make a living at this, money isn’t your key motivator. Very cool.
And even though it’s not the motivation, our goal is to take those ministry projects and make them lucrative as well. I think of the mandate in the Bible given in the parable of the talents.
Thanks for the inside information. The number was a bit higher than I expected, but when you say that it includes inactive clients that makes a lot more sense.
Truly, one of the greatest accolades for any agent is the word of praise from their clients and others in the industry. The number of clients isn’t nearly as important as the quality of representation.
Thanks for giving me a clearer picture of the agent schedule and client numbers.
One of the agents in our industry with a much larger list once moaned to us that he was twiddling his thumbs because he pretty much had all of his clients tucked into contracts and had nothing to shop. It’s hard to be sympathetic 🙂 but it just goes to show why an agent carries a certain client load.
I don’t think any agent takes on more than he can handle– it would make life unbearable.
In those moments you just want to take out your small violin and play a song for the poor agent with the twiddling thumbs. LOL.
Thanks for the info. and the smile moment.
I was surprised at the number – I thought it would be less. Mainly because my husband works as an account executive and handles 38 clients and he’s overburdened at times. But then again, I’m hoping that authors aren’t all as high maintenance as some of his clients, who he is communicating with on a daily basis. So, in that regard, I guess that number does sound reasonable.
I think writers are much more inclined to be partners rather than to expect nurturing. If your husband works with big egos, 38 would be heavy indeed.
Does inactive necessarily mean no income for the agency? I understand the 15% rule of thumb when a book is sold, but is that the only way the agency brings in income? As an author, I think about eventually earning royalties, but it just occurred to me you may not have a similar luxury!
Yes, inactive does mean no commissions unless we are still getting commissions on backlist books for this author. And yes, that is the only way a reputable agency makes money. (If an agent ever asks you for money– run!)
But that’s okay. We took that client on because we believe in him/her and much of our work has no immediate paycheck. Some clients will never net us enough to make the work “worthwhile” but it all evens out. Some of what we do is a labor of love. Happily, much of what we do is very successful. And the more money we make you, the more we get. 🙂
58 seems like a lot to me but you said you have 22 of them tucked into multi-book contracts. I would like to know if you would reprensent a client that has just one good book in them?
Yes. If I believe in that one project. But I’m much more enthusiastic about building careers. It usually takes more than one book to do that.
Cool to know. I would have guessed double, not realizing that uber-successful clients eat up a lot more time. That’s counterintuitive to me. Makes me feel extra-extra-ultra special to have such an awesome agent! 🙂
The reason big careers take so much more time is that there are so many requests to field and so much extra coordination, meetings, appearances, etc.
And I know for a fact your agent considers you one of those uber-clients who just make life a whole lot more fun.
Fabulous information. The number was more than I expected, but the dedication I see through these blog posts makes me confident in your system.
I’m curious, how long an author can remain inactive before representation is discontinued. I’m guessing this is an individual choice, but I see so many authors out there who write one book and years later they haven’t published anything else.
Thanks for allowing us inside your doors.
It is so individual, Cheryl. I have one client who tells me she has retired from writing but I refuse to remove her from list. She is such an amazing writer, I can’t believe she can ever really stop. I’m hoping she’s just on a sabbatical.
And when an author stops for, say, a new baby, I know it’s going to be a long hiatus. (Sleep deprivation and creativity do not play nicely together.) I guess keeping someone who is not writing is my way of saying “I still believe in you.”
I guess keeping someone who is not writing is my way of saying “I still believe in you.”
And that’s just one of the many reasons I enjoy coming here. I unsubscribed from an agency’s blog because all they did was complain about what authors did wrong. I like that I can find helpful information and inspiration on this site.
Ah, to be tucked into multi-book contract – sounds so nice and cozy, like a career wrapped in old flannel PJs. 🙂 I’m not at all surprised by what individual agents consider an acceptable client list. After all, we all manage tasks (read -stress/fulfillment/acceptable Nutella intake) differently.
Re: “tucked into contracts”– we love it. Multi book contracts give a newer author some time to grow their readership. It’s one of our favorite things.
I was just wondering this very thing today as I found yet another blog with the words: Represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary Agency!
I wasn’t surprised at your number, I feel confident that an agent knows his or her limits and would never represent more people than they can comfortably handle. I’ve been very impressed with everyone at this agency and I love your blog posts. They are informative and encouraging!
Thank you.
Part of the reason our blog posts are encouraging is that we are encouraged about the state of publishing. We see stronger writers and stronger publishers than ever. We’re selling more and seeing real success stories. It’s a good time to be a writer– so many good options.
This number doesn’t surprise me. You explained it well. Because your various clients are in different stages, they require different amounts of your time. This makes it clearly manageable.
I do wonder how it works with inactive clients, however. I don’t wonder why you keep them, necessarily, but how you re-introduce them into your juggling act. Do you ever have to prioritize your clients and tell some to wait while you finish bigger deals with bigger clients? How does that work?
Sometimes with an inactive or a “stuck” client all it takes is a strong brainstorming session or a serious career talk to get things tracking. It’s such fun to do that and then to get a knock-em-dead proposal. then off we go.
But you’re right, sometimes it’s hard to reintroduce a writer who’s been away too long. Just like a big gap in your resumé causes serious explanation in job hunting.
The number surprised me initially, but it makes sense that it’s not only do-able but necessary since each writer is at a different stage. Still, being able to handle over fifty clients says a lot about your organization and time management skills.
Thank you, Wendy, and thanks to all of the agents at Books and Such, for the time and energy you put into this blog. It is more than “giving back.” It is a ministry. Blessings to each of you for all you do.
Thanks, Christine.
We all know we could do a lot better but even with that, it all works out somehow. Another plus to having a big Books & Such family is that we draw heavily on each other. Writers helping writers. The networking possibilities are one of the best things about us.
That and the genuine care, support and love–from you all and all the writers who gather together on this blog.
Blessings to everyone.
This is obviously comparing apples to oranges but just for perspective, 1,800 to 2,000 patients are considered an ideal load for a physician http://www.aafp.org/fpm/2007/0400/p44.html . I would take that to mean that 50-60 clients are getting your full attention and very personal attention.
Fascinating. I had no idea what a typical physician load is. I imagine they have to hope that their patients fall into active and inactive as well. 🙂
I’ve never doubted you could handle every client you added to your list, Wendy.
The nice thing is that even though some of us may be fortunate enough to be tucked into multi-book contracts, we know you’re available to us when we need you to step in and help solve a problem or help us with your stellar creative abilities.
And that’s the fun of this job. Getting to help brainstorm and getting to read these books long before your readers do. Because I represent the same writers I’d avidly read if I were just a fan, I look forward to each new book.
I found a lot of the well-known agents have at least 50 clients so it isn’t a surprise to me. I think it’s awesome! Even more awesome that you are the one responsible to making their dreams come true. That’s quite a bit of dreams. 🙂
Or if you look at it another way, I’m the slave driver with the whip. 🙂
I was surprised by the number, actually. I have wondered about this very thing, but I wouldn’t have had the nerve to ask as it seems a little personal. I understand why an author would want to know, but still. It’s just not something I would do.
I’m glad you wrote this post. I was wondering if an agent would keep an author if said author needed to take a life-break or something. I love it when my questions are answered so quickly!
My favorite part? (and I probably shouldn’t be telling you this)
‘keeping my nose in their careers’ It just made me giggle. 🙂
When it comes to “answering questions” we try to set aside time on the day we blog because we learn so much from the conversation. If we don’t have the back-and-forth it’s just one-sided. We appreciate the time you take to respond.
Even 50 seems high to me. I’m not sure how you manage to stay on top of everything. I salute you and your fellow agents.
I don’t know if any agent would claim to be “on top of everything,” but we consider it a team effort. It’s not unusual for a client to nudge– we love that.
The thing that falls behind is reading new proposals and manuscripts. When we get a half dozen or a dozen clients who all prepare something new and send it at the same time, we’re going to be buried. And for some awful reason it usually happens at our busiest travel seasons (summer and fall). *waves at all the clients patiently awaiting feedback*
Plus trying to fold in new clients at this time of year is a challenge as well. We just have to trust that it will all be in God’s timing.
Wendy,
I really appreciate these type of posts from agents. I grew up in a boarding school (missionary kid) and you remind me of a dorm-mother! Some of us were high-maintenance, some of us weren’t. Some of us showed up for every meal, did our homework, went to bed on time, lights out, plugging away doing what they were supposed to do. Others of us were always coming up with new and crazy schemes to keep the dormparents on their toes…. If a parent of a “normal” household tells you they have 24 children, all between the ages of 12 and 18, well, that would sound insane. But if you ask a dorm parent the same question… it all makes sense, doesn’t it?
Great post – thanks for your openness.
I love this. It’s a great analogy. Especially since I’ll bet you helped raise each other. That’s the best thing about community.
Thanks for sharing this information. I think whenever agents, editors, and writers can understand the jobs they all do better, it’s a good thing.
It’s true and I hope we agents never forget what it’s like to be a writer. All the hard work with no promises and all those dreams. . . It’s not for the faint of heart.
Your post is loaded with reassuring and motivating food for thought.
I love the goal of being ‘tucked in multi-book contracts’ and my agent keeping her nose in my career! I think most serious writers invest years of work into developing a career. The thought of someone working with me to enhance those efforts and offer guidance is very encouraging.
Don’t stop until you find that perfect agent who will enhance all you are doing. (All it takes is a perfect manuscript.) 🙂
I’m amazed at how much agents can keep up with.
Sometimes I feel like the people I follow on Twitter are too much!
Wendy – I used to be a very regular commenter (under the name “Caroline”) here a few months ago, but had to take a break (though not completely from writing) while my son began undergoing several months of medical testing and procedures.
All along the 2 years I’ve read this blog, one of my favorite things about you all here is how you share all aspects of this industry (financial, workload, emotional, content, and more) with such an open heart. You all present information realistically and yet still encourage us hopefuls. Thank you, thank you.
I appreciated how you answered Tanya’s question above. I had wondered about that circumstance as well!
Now I wonder if you sleep! Actually, I probably already know the answer to that.
This number seemed a little high until you broke it down. I know I have 36 projects in development at work, but only a few require a great deal of my time at any one time. We joke that since it’s a new day the priorities have changed, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens with you as well.
Thanks so much for fitting all of us in your schedule. Your posts are so helpful for us new to the business. They’ve been a blessing in my life.