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“An agent’s job is to take a writer’s creative property and help them make smart career decisions.” — @wordwomon, speaking now in the TO AGENT OR NOT TO AGENT webinar at #FOLDAcademy
Most literary agencies have a submission process—usually it’s outlined on their websites. Often agents also hold pitch sessions online via social media. #FOLDAcademy
There are often barriers, however, to accessing even those submission processes for BIPOC writers in particular. This highlights the lack of diversity in the publishing industry and emphasizes the importance of doing the work to break down these barriers. #FOLDAcademy
When looking for an agent, it’s important to look for agents who are forward-thinking—who are cognizant of the ways that the industry needs to change and are doing the work of changing the system. Shoutouts to @leonicka @LWEstudio and @sl_sinclair! #FOLDAcademy
Many of the large publishers in Canada only take agented submissions—but many of the smaller publishers don’t require agents. #FOLDAcademy
PROS OF HAVING AN AGENT:
- you have an expert in the industry who is your champion & helps you navigate the difficulties of the publishing process.
- someone who can help you unpack the difficult philosophical parts of the publishing process/be a sounding board
- you have an expert in the industry who is your champion & helps you navigate the difficulties of the publishing process.
- someone who can help you unpack the difficult philosophical parts of the publishing process/be a sounding board
PROS OF HAVING AN AGENT cont’d:
- helps a writer’s chances of getting published with a larger house.
- you have someone who can help you read the contract and guide you through the mechanics of this
- an agent will help & support you to build a career and identity as an author
- helps a writer’s chances of getting published with a larger house.
- you have someone who can help you read the contract and guide you through the mechanics of this
- an agent will help & support you to build a career and identity as an author
CONS OF HAVING AN AGENT:
- sometimes it can be difficult to find agents who understand different lived experiences—the industry still needs to do a lot of work to change
- sometimes it can be difficult to find agents who understand different lived experiences—the industry still needs to do a lot of work to change
You have to be mindful that this process is complicated whichever way you choose—stay rooted in the reasons you have for WHY you love to write and WHY you want your book out into the world, and use that to help guide you. #FOLDAcademy
