My husband is a realtor. People try to slim his commission all the time. A percent makes a noticeable difference in a paycheck but some customers are so obsessed with paying him less money that they don’t seem to consider he’s supporting a family. And that his commission is his paycheck. It’s not a tip. It’s what pays our bills.
Sometimes on the net I’ve read people saying you shouldn’t begrudge agents their commission. I totally agree. And find it hard to believe that some people think an agent doesn’t deserve 15%. Whoa, that’s crazy to me.
The fact is an agent is a professional foot in the door. Someone who studies the market, knows the right peeps and stuff. I certainly wouldn’t know how to negotiate a contract. I don’t know how much of an advance is right for me.
Okay, I take that back. Something in the six digits works for moi.
lol, Just kidding.
Anyway, most agents have editing or publishing experience. So if you snag one, you’ve automatically got someone who knows what they’re doing to get you published. Whoopee. The agent is your new crit partner who’s got a personal stake in getting your story sold.
Needless to say, it’s hard for me to see the cons in having an agent. Sure, if you get the wrong one you’ll be in trouble. There’s another saying all over the internet. Having no agent is better than having a bad agent. Which is true. Because once your manuscript is farmed out that’s it. No retries. You get one chance and if a bad agent messes it up, well . . .
I’m definitely trying to get an agent. But if you’re reading this and don’t know much about it here are some links below to help you make a good decision.