Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
A writer asked: If there are two or more agents interested in representing me, how do I make my decision? I’ve heard it can be better in some cases for a less established author to go with a younger or newer agent—is this true? What other factors would you consider?
If there are two or more agents interested in your work, you have a pretty good problem on your hands! You should approach this the way you’d approach any situation in which you’re going to “hire” someone. Let them know that you’re deciding between two or more agents. Then find out everything you can about each candidate and decide who seems like a better fit.
First, a Conversation
It starts with talking to each of them on the phone. You’ll definitely want to chat, ask questions, and get a general feel for who they are and how they communicate. Find out how they work, who they’d expect to be pitching your project to, and how close they think your manuscript is to being ready to submit. Get a feel for the other clients they represent and what kind of a track record they have for selling books to publishers.
Check ’em Out
You’ll also want to do your due diligence in finding out whatever else you can. Read their blogs, websites and Twitter feeds; Google their names to find online interviews or articles; check Facebook to see if they have a page.
Got References?
Some people even like to “check references” by talking to some of the agent’s current clients. Many authors have blogs/websites with contact information and you can write them asking if they’d mind being a reference for the agent.
Newer Isn’t Always Better
Some people advise that a younger or newer agent might be a better fit for a new author, and this can be true, but I don’t think you can make your decision based on a generality like this. Try to choose the person who is the best fit for you.
Don’t Rush
While you may be excited and want to make your decision quickly, I recommend you take your time and do as much investigating as necessary first. You should be able to find out everything you need to know within a few days… then put those agents out of their misery and tell them your decision!
If you were choosing between two or more agents, what qualities would you be looking for?
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I’d certainly love to be in that position!
* The quality for which I would look, above all others, is best described as ‘simpatico’; a commonality of values and outlook.
* Do you know what it’s like, in a conversation, when you seem to just ‘click’ from the beginning? Simpatico is like that.
* It’s far more important than a blinding resume. Life is all about relationships, and I’d rather fail arm-in-arm with a true friend and comrade than succeed in cool professionalism, because Love is the only eternal currency, and we are borne to Heaven on its wings…because warmth rises.
Simpatico? I like that Andrew. I hope you have a good day. I continue to keep you in my prayers.
Jackie, thank you so much! I am able to be here…and that makes for a happy day.
I’d like a Christian agent who I’m comfortable with. I know you say an agent works for an author, but an author must be picked by an agent which skews the relationship. So if I had a choice of two, I’d go with the one I’m more comfortable with.
A wonderful phrase is often repeated, especially in the Old Testament: “inquire of the Lord.” It isn’t the quick answer of the Magic 8 Ball. It is the due diligence of collecting all the facts and prayerfully laying them out before God, asking, “Lord, what would you have me do?”
* Oh, to have such a problem!
How does one end up with multiple offers? I thought it was etiquette to query one agent at a time.
*I agree with Andrew: it would be important for me to feel like we click. I’d also look for someone who has a high standard. I’d want an agent that doesn’t use the phrase “good enough”, but can recognize when the thoughts are as developed as possible and will tell me to stop revising.
Becky, I always hear the phrase “query widely” which I think means always having 10-20 queries out at all times.
A lifetime would not be long enough to find an agent if you did one at a time, unless you are a superstar. Many agents take 90 days or more to respond, if they respond at all and most don’t, meaning as a writer you would find yourself never knowing when to move on to the next “one.”
Perfect answer, Sheila, thanks!
Becky, Sheila’s answer is spot-on. “A lifetime would not be long enough…” I couldn’t have put it better myself! Best to query in batches, maybe 10 at a time, wait a couple of weeks, send 10 more, etc.
Rachelle,
Did you know that you were lauded on the Janet Reid blog today? She mentions your blog as a “must read”.
When I first started querying agents, I totally worried about this. Now, eight years later, it does not keep me up at night. I’ve had enough trouble trying to find one agent. I really doubt that two would show interest all at once. Would be a great problem to have, maybe? I do hate disappointing people, so perhaps not.
But the quality I would look for most would be someone who adores the same kinds of books that I do for the same reasons. Someone who feels about story with the same thrill that I get. Someone who genuinely loves what I have written and thinks that it is something that needs to get out there. That is hard to find, harder than I thought it would be. I had an agency intern adore my story back in 2008 and request the full, the day before she took a job somewhere else. So the search continues. But I am more patient now, I want just the right agent, not just any agent.
I so agree with this, Kristen.
The agents should send a query letter to the author, followed by an agency proposal, and finally a list of all “comp” books they’ve sold to major publishers.
Okay, maybe I’m dreaming, but switching up the normal process would be fun…at least for the author.
Jasen, that does happen sometimes! Not exactly in the way you described, but we occasionally chase people down if we find them online and love what they’re doing.
Wow! A wonderful problem, but let’s say it comes to pass. I would be selfish in my selection, and I’d judge specific attributes: First, a moral compass to do the right thing regardless of consequences. Second, past performance or in the instance of new LA’s, the degree of commitment to represent the agency’s interests in concert with mine. Finally, education and background, by which I would tend to favor a grad from the Columbia Publishing course over one who wasn’t. Personality compatibility would be nice, but hardly a requirement.
It’s also important that we fully understand what they represent. Many ‘agents’ out there are merely marketers for self-publishing companies. I’ve had several approach me offering to ‘sign’ me to a contract, only to find out they want me to pay them to print my book. Not what I’m looking for, and not what I consider to be a ‘publisher’.
Great point, Kevin. There are just too many scammers in this world, aren’t there?
Hi, Rachelle. I’d love to find myself in this situation. For me, I make many decisions in life based on my gut. Call it a “hunch” or intuition, but I generally feel a peace about who or what is the right decision. I pray, seek God’s guidance, and hope what I’m discerning lines up with God’s plan. Like many others have stated already, it’s who you FEEL most comfortable with. Of course, I agree some of the other things matter some, but if two reputable, professional, equally matched agents are interested, it would come down to my gut telling me who’s the best one for me.
Actually, it’s easy.
* The Coliseum.
* Russell Crowe.
* “Hail, Author, we who are about to die salute you!”
I’ll have to add to “You can’t be too thin or too rich” the phrase “or have too many agents wanting to represent you.”
Seriously, I agree with your suggestions. All other things being equal, I’d look for a good rapport between agent and author.
Also…”you can’t have too many Pit Bulls”.
You can’t have too many pit bulls… OR YELLOW LABS.
This may be a REALLY stupid question, but do you tell each of the potential agents that you’re considering someone else at the same time? How do you approach this? Do you give names? How do you avoid hard feelings?
Andrew, I did tell each agent that they were one of two I was considering. I did not name names. I then asked each agent to talk to me about the competitive point of difference when compared to other agencies in the CBA end of publishing. I felt like this leveled the playing field and put me in a position of total honesty. And because the manuscript in question was also being strongly considered by a MAJOR publisher, the knowledge that another agent was making an offer ensured that my work became a priority, and I was able to respond to the publisher in a timely fashion.
Andrew, yes, I always advise authors to be totally upfront with each agent, letting them know they’re not the only one in the running.
Hey Rachelle, I did find myself in exactly the same situation 3 years ago. Debut novel, 2 junior agents and a start up publishing house all wanted it. I loved one agent, but the other came from a very reputable house so I signed with her, despite the little warning bells that were firing in my head. 2 1/2 years later I ended up firing her, because those warning bells were right. The other lovely agent is now at a major house and she’s left the door open for my next MS. (Debut novel now at that start up house) I would say ALWAYS listen to your instincts. That little voice inside is wiser than we think! – HLDickson
HL – Yes! Trust your instincts! I should have included that in my post.
I don’t know that I’ll ever be in this situation, but it’s an interesting situation to consider. 🙂
*I research the agents I submit to, so knowing what I can know about agents if I had two who were interested in me, it would become a matter of prayer first and foremost. Then, I think I would want to be with the agent with whom I feel the best rapport, a level of comfort to share with honestly, and to have that be the case going in both directions in the relationship.
The epic Mary G. Keeley was one of two formidable agents (literally from the best agencies in the CBA end of the business) who offered contracts one weekend three years ago. Fortunately I was new enough to writing and had recently retired from my former profession, so it was easy to approach the choice as if vetting a cohort or freelance extension of my advertising firm. One of the most useful tools was Skype: I had long conversations with both agents after doing a motherlode of research. My mentor (DiAnn Mills, herself no slouch in the “formidable” category) is a B&S author, so several elements eventually tipped the scale toward Mary. But the Skype conversation (and Mary’s sense of humor during that dialogue) sealed the deal.
Kindred spirits, as Anne with an “e” would say.
And God was so good as to give me one.
Excellent post, Rachelle. Thank you so much.
I’m late coming to the conversation, but here goes. I would want an agent who was knowledgeable (on so many levels), tough (with publishers and with me), compatible with my personality, and more patient (with me) than my parents (think patience of Job)! I don’t want much. 🙂 I’ve been sizing up agents for years, from long before I decided to self-publish my first book as well as ever since. I know which two I would like to be choosing between. I think they both possess the first two qualities. I’m not sure anyone could manage the second two! 🙂
I’d go for the one that loves my book best.
If I do end up with two or more agents, I’d take a week break, from everything and wait for the first contact. Just kidding! It would be a wish granted.