An Agent’s Role in Shaping an Author’s Career and the Second Book
By Elisabeth Weed | April 13, 2014 |
photo by Gavin Wray
Today I want to talk about the literary agent’s role, not just in selling an author’s book, but in shaping their career. It’s a more nebulous part of the job description, beyond the editing, negotiating and contract work that comprises the nuts and bolts of the job. I’ve also found it to be both the most exciting and the hardest part of what I do.
I love thinking alongside an author about the direction in which they want their career to go. Thinking long term is an important part of the initial conversation an author should have with their agent as you want to be on the same page, and while of course that path isn’t set in stone, it’s a good idea for an author to have a general vision which she can share with her agent at the beginning.
I still believe in the old-fashioned way of growing an author–book by book, review by review, and fan by fan. And to that end, an agent’s job really begins after she’s helped edit the book and placed it with a publisher. It’s her job to then foster a relationship between the author and the editor, and in turn that editor’s publicity and marketing department, which means making introductions, setting up meetings at the appropriate time before publication, and actively participating in the outreach (either blurbs or advance reviews/conferences/festivals/film contacts/bloggers etc) along the way.
With long-term thinking in mind, an agent also has to work strategically alongside the author about what book two (or three or four) is going to be. That can sometimes involve a tough-love conversation when an agent doesn’t think that follow-up book is strong enough. I once heard an editor say (rather glibly, I might add) that everyone can write one good book but it’s the ones who continue to write better and better books that separate the good from the great. I don’t think that’s the case. I certainly can’t write one good book and I am guessing neither can she (those that can’t, teach and all that), but it is something that writers struggle with.
[pullquote]7 things I did this month to help guide my clients’ careers
(1) submitted a manuscript to a film agent
(2) recommended an author for a book festival
(3) wrote a promotional piece on behalf of an author
(4) had a heart-to-heart with an author over future vision for her career
(5) guided foreign sales
(6) secured a blurb for an author’s galley
(7) hashed out what an author’s next book would be[/pullquote]
I was recently talking about why the second book is so hard with a group of agent colleagues. Sometimes, if a first book has been a wild success, an author can become paralyzed with fear about putting themselves out there again. Having written that first book in solitude, without the pressure of an audience, they are now writing under a microscope and with expectations to fill. That can’t be easy. Or, perhaps they had a lousy experience with an editor or the publisher themselves and felt their love of writing tarnished by the business of writing. Even though I work in the business of writing, I get that. An author is asked to jump through hoops, much higher than anyone else in the process is asked to jump, and it’s exhausting.
A very wise client once told me told (after not sharing pages of her next novel until they were as perfect as she could get them) that the only person she was competing against was herself and her last book and she wasn’t going to send it to me until she knew it would knock my socks off. Luckily it did, and I find myself quoting her to others, hopefully in a cheerleading sort of way, ala, I know you can push yourself to the next level. And sometimes (also enthusiastically!) suggesting that they are better than said work, and it might be time to put that book away. That’s the tough part for me, because, as I said earlier, I can’t do what these writers are doing, putting together a book with a beginning, middle and an end, but it’s my job to give my opinion about whether that next book is the best business decision.
What do you published authors out there think about the second book? And for unpublished authors, are you thinking about the book you want to land an agent for or are you thinking about the next 10 years? I am really curious. Perhaps just getting the agent is the focus once your book is finished and it seems fantastical to think beyond that. I’d love to know.
Elisabeth Weed formed Weed Literary LLC in 2007. Prior to that, she worked as a literary agent at Curtis Brown, Kneerim and Williams and Trident Media Group. Weed Literary is hands-on in every stage of the publishing process, from developing proposals, to submitting books to the all of the major houses and negotiating contracts with those houses, to involvement in marketing and publicity of books, as well as in the selling of foreign and film rights.
As a self-published author who has met several agents at writers conferences, this post resonated with me. The best agents are the ones who take an interest in the author’s career, not just their latest book. For my career, I have one self-published novel and three works-in-progress. None are ready for publication, but I know that my next novel must be much better than my first. I have given a lot of thought to which of my three WIPs would be the most suitable follow-up. That involves exceeding the expectations of the (few) readers I have, who expect something in my chosen genre. Thanks for a thoughtful post, Elisabeth,
Agented and currently on submission. In terms of ‘ten years down the road’: I have never been an especially good planner, so projecting is kind of hard for me, especially for something like this. All I can do is keep writing things that interest me, the best way I can. My hope is that I will continue to grow and develop as a writer and get better and better. And that what I write will interest other people as much as it interests me. The thing is, I don’t know that I have the capability of looking at a couple of completed manuscripts and saying, “This one should be number two, that one should be number three.” I honestly don’t know how you even figure that out.
Interesting post! I hope that when I find my agent, he or she will have a similar view on the agent-client relationship.
I’m querying with my first “proper” novel and writing my second, with ideas for a third and a sequel to the first in the back of my head. When I wrote my first novel, one of my biggest fears was that I wouldn’t be able to do it again – to write something with such intensity, something that’s so much a part of me. Fortunately, that’s not true. It doesn’t get any easier, though. My second novel is as much a journey of discovery as my first, but that’s what makes it interesting.
If my first novel doesn’t get picked up, then hopefully my second one will, and maybe my first novel could be published as my second, after revision if necessary. I’ll write anyway; it’s my art even if it cannot be my living.
I didn’t even start querying my first novel until after I had finished my second one, so I didn’t feel real pressure or anxiety about how it was going to turn out – it was more like it was just a continuation of the process. In some ways the second book is better, but it’s so different from the first one that I don’t think they can be objectively ranked in any meaningful fashion. I can see, however, why a long-term plan is essential, particularly now that I’m working on a sequel to my second novel. I’ve definitely been thinking long and hard about the order in which I want to release these books, as I believe this could make a substantial difference in how they are received.
I floundered around after my first novel was published until a reader suggested I write a sequel and that snapped me out the mess and gave me fresh direction. Regret my agent didn’t get involved but we’ll see where that goes when I finish the sequel. What I do understand is how important it is to get that second book done and crash through that barrier. Wonder what the third will be like?
I have two completed books, but in two different genres (middle grade and adult mainstream), so my long-term plans are a bit complex depending on which one of my books “goes” first.
I have the rough draft completed for my third book, which is middle grade. My plan is to have that third book completed by the end of the year. I’ll start on my fourth book in 2015. In the meantime, I will be querying either one or more of my completed books depending on Life circumstances. (I kinda have to work and raise children among all of this.)
Finding an agent and going the traditional publishing route is my first choice. This is why I continue to write more books while I query. However, I have not counted out the indie route. And that’s where it gets muddled for me. I told myself that if I am still unagented by the end of 2014, I will make a decision about continuing to find an agent or researching the indie arena. And from there, the long-term plans vary depending on which route I end up taking.
Having a long-term plan is what kept me in this game. I think if I’d kept my focus on just the here and now, I would have given up because it’s a tough, tough journey we are on. To be serious about anything, we have to be in it for the long haul. That’s just the way life works.
Hi Elisabeth, I’m enthused by your question as to whether I’m interested in landing an agent for just one book or for a career. I’m a series writer (epic historical fantasy). I’d finished my trilogy, had beta-readers, and hired a developmental editor for the entire trilogy before I earnestly began submitting to agents. I’ve since finished a fourth manuscript set in the same world that precedes the trilogy, with some character crossover, and I have thorough plans for a second trilogy, also set in the same world. When I revise, I consider the implications for the entire series.
All I’d ever heard before submitting was that agents and editors *did not* want to hear that a book was part of a series. While I understand that the first book must be able to stand alone, and that selling a series for an unknown would be uncommonly difficult, I guess I never understood the advice to not even mention the other completed works. I do understand that all of my work will need scrutiny and further development. I would’ve guessed that this might be of interest to an agent looking to establish a long-term relationship and foster a life-long career. That, ideally, is what I’m going to be looking for.
If you get a moment, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Thank you for sharing your role in the process so openly.
It is in my dreams that I find an agent who becomes part of my writing in the manner you, Ms Weed, describe. What a delightful, encouraging prospect. And, would I have the problem of having to compete against my own prior run-away success.
But, to answer your question:
I’ve completed a memoir about my experiences with the U.S. health-care system after sustaining a mild traumatic head injury. It focuses on both the difficulties of identifying intangible injury and illness and the personal costs of wrong diagnoses.
I am, however, more interested in fiction. So, while looking for an agent (that challenging, inspiring agent) , I am working on a collection of short stories and contemplating a novel.
That pretty sums up why I want an agent. I have so many ideas and projects (some finished, some not) that it’s hard to know which one might be best (in terms of my career) to pursue.
I just signed a contract with an agent but we never spoke about my “future” though I certainly am hoping there is one with her and her agency. She did mention that she hopes this is a long-term relationship but, in reality, isn’t it all about sales? If the book that I am contracted with doesn’t sell well, I am expecting to be dumped. I’ve heard so many stories like that, maybe I’m just jaded.
Wow. This is great stuff! So just wow. I’m prepublished. I have MY agent picked out. She’s just WOW too. (I have talked with her on the phone.) So this was so interesting to read, you guys. Thanks to Elisabeth, too. Tweeting like a little birdie. :-)
As it happens, my second published book, The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn, releases this Tuesday, but I avoided the perils of writing it after my first novel was published last August by having both novels written before I signed a two book contract, back in 2012.
I’m excited to share this new book, nervous about whether it will be received as well as my first, but mostly I’m too busy polishing up my third book and researching & writing a fourth to devote too much attention to nerves. Who has time???
I’ve edited two books now, and the process has its grueling moments. For this book about to release, there was a six week stretch last summer (with the release of my debut in the midst of it) of editing where I worked 8-10 hour days without a day off.
I have the utmost respect for authors who have continued on this track for years, or decades, without burning out. I’m in the process of establishing a long distance pace for myself. I’m sure adjustments will be necessary, down the road.
I’m a children’s author of 4 published picture books by two different publishers, but there were 10 years in between the first book and the second, not for lack of trying, I might add, although having 3 kids in that 10 year span did slow me down a bit. I was pre-agented for 3 of those books, but now have a wonderful agent. My new book GOLDY LUCK AND THE THREE PANDAS was just released in January, but I signed the contract for it 3 years ago, and since that time, I no current work under contract. I did have one manuscript I submitted to my agent which resulted in one of those “difficult” conversations about the marketability of the book. It finally evolved into a different book which my agent is subbing around now. It’s already garnered one rejection (from the editor of my current book no less). Traditional publishing is such a long, tough road, and I always worry I’ve reached the end of the line, that nobody will want the next book, or the next, or the next. But this business is also all about perseverance (my current book is a culmination of a 9 year journey), so my long-term plan is to keep writing and keep persevering!
Elizabeth–
In what I will do my best to say with a straight face has been my career, I’ve been taken on by three agents. None of them ever did the things you describe in relation to said career. All they focused on was the manuscript in question, nothing more. And aside from vague generalities, no agent I’ve had dealings with played any role in refining a manuscript.
But what I really want to comment on is your description of the agent’s role after she has helped not only to sell but to first refine that first manuscript: “It’s her job to … foster a relationship between the author and the editor and in turn the editor’s publicity and marketing department…,” etcetera.
Here’s the rub. The editor of my first and only commercially published novel moved on to other things. This is typical, not exceptional. The revolving door is nowhere more in evidence than in publishing, so how you can foster very many relationships of the kind you describe is not clear to me.
After failing to sell my second novel, the second agent soon left her New York agency for greener and warmer pastures in California. In the course of trying to sell a new, third novel, my third agent gave up her one-woman operation to join a shop, then joined a different shop (more revolving doors). After more than a year, she, too, failed to get me a deal.
The point here is not to offer up a pity party for myself, but to question the real-world workability of what you call the “old-fashioned” approach to agenting. The whole publishing world is in such a state of flux that I just don’t see how it’s possible for your admirable approach to be put in play.
I’m currently working with someone I will say is a coach/agent hybrid. From what I’ve read she is covering aspects of both careers. She will soon be presenting my book to one publisher and depending on the results of that, we have lined up another publisher for me to send a query to.
Book two has just been started and is in the early stages of researching and first draft writing.
I’m hoping I will be able to avoid getting mentally and emotionally entangled in the web of believing each book has to be better than the last. As a reader who also writes, I find I don’t notice that (constant “improvement”) as much as I notice when the expected level of writing from an author drops. Even then I don’t drop an author because of an occasional clinker. I wait for the next book and sometimes even the one after that before not following them as closely if the change is enough to take away from my enjoying their books.
Everyone, no matter what their career, will have times when things are just plain off, and I feel they should be given a break as I hope others will give me one. I think that the ideology of always having to get better and better is part of what has made our society so stressed out and anxious. It is a sure road to an eventual failure. I think it is a stronger path to find our personal best then strive to be consistent at that level.
Thanks, Ms. Weed, for insight from the other side of the fence. Second book? I am an author of ten books (Six Adult, Four YA). I have an agent. I am not published. I repeat, I AM NOT PUBLISHED. Yet. But my agent rocks. As a matter of fact, he sounds just like you! Which is why I have not jumped the slow-moving ship and climbed aboard the self-publishing expressway. He has award-winning books under his belt. He has shopped more than half of my “best” books to top editors, all of whom are a perfect match for me. It is a tedious process, what we both do: I write; he does everything else. Whenever rejections (most of which are uber enthusiastic about seeing more of my writing) are sent to him, he forwards them to me. When I cry, he wipes my nose with a hanky. When he cries for me, well, I pat his back for five seconds and then get back to my writing. He is my editor, my confidante, my coach, my therapist (unhealthy, so whatever) and my attorney. I can not imagine publishing without him now, or twenty years from now. I pray, every single day, that we publish. Together. I am in this for the long haul. Not having my agent would be like writing music without an instrument on which to try it out.
My husband is currently writing the second of a two-book contract and finding it difficult to even get the time needed to spend on it. Every time he thinks he’s done with the first book, someone’s emailing him about edits, covers, style sheets, etc. Also, as he works full time and writing is a side gig, it’s just hard to find the time.
As for myself, I have my next three or four books in some idea phase or another and I’m focused on building a long career, even though I’ve yet to snag an agent. I believe in the one I’m working on now and I believe once I start querying, I will be successful, but if it’s not, that’s not the end of the road for me. Lot’s more are in the pipeline!
This is a wonderful post! I applaud your approach to your
role in the industry. The objectives you have for working with your
clients show that you are a consummate professional. I feel
confident you must be an excellent mentor and collaborator. As to
your question regrading the second book, I wrote three works of
historical fiction before my the third written was published. The
second written will be released as my second published work this
summer. Sort of a backwards way into the industry, I know. Because
each of my completed books and my current WIP are so different in
premise, setting, etc., I am not really stressed over how the
forthcoming work will compare with my first published work, which
has been well received by those who have read it. What I am most
concerned about is building a longterm readership that appreciates
my voice and writing style, will accept variety, and doesn’t expect
formulaic story lines. There are common elements, such as strong
female characters and historical settings, that tie my works
together, but my great hope is to not be boxed in as an author. I
believe that is one secret to having one’s writing remain fresh.
Time will tell if my theory is correct and if my readership will
accept my plans.
Hi, Elisabeth.
I have to admit, agents and publishers do not come to mind when I’m writing a book. Not sure they should, but I like your concept of an agent’s role. I’ve known writers who have experienced the writer/agent relationship you describe, and those who ask where to find such a mythical thing.
Since you ask, I’ll mention that I’ve never seen an agent recruit a client (writer) based on the writer’s future potential. Agents typically sign based on a specific manuscript, and don’t ask about future projects or books previously written. If agents really are looking for writers who want a long term relationship, a lasting career, perhaps the system for finding each other should look a little different than the slush pile, and maybe more like a business interview.
Denise Willson
Author of A Keeper’s Truth, and (coming soon) GOT
This is an excellent question, and one I’ve spent a lot of
time thinking about. You know, when I’m not raising kids, working
full time, working on my Masters’ thesis, or finishing up my
180,000 word count beast of a doorstopper fantasy manuscript. I
don’t want to just sell one book; I don’t even just want to sell
one series of books. I am definitely looking forward to a long term
career as a (professional liar) writer. To that end, I am
constantly looking to improve my writing and storytelling skills,
looking for ways to make my story deeper, better, more resonant. I
study books I love and books I hate. I study movies, and music, and
the works of visual artists. Always searching for that bit of
brilliance I might take home and use to make my own bower that much
brighter. I’m finishing up my first book and already have a rough
outline for the second; I move back and forth between them,
tightening and improving story lines, and searching for new ways I
might make my readers cringe, or cheer, or cry. I want Pat Rothfuss
to curse my name because I made him stay up till three in the
morning reading my book. I want Neil Gaiman to read one of my
stories and say, “Damn, I wish I’d written that.” It’s very hard
work. But I don’t just want to be a writer…I want to
write.
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I’m both a post-agented and pre-agented writer! I’m also published, having had the good fortune to get four contracts with a book club. Considering the difficulty of getting anything published, let alone earn decent money in hardcover edition, I feel lucky.
I would love to have the type of agent Ms. Weed talks about. I have a book I’m shopping, another WIP 1/2 done, and a couple of other ideas I’m tossing around. Having someone I could run ideas by would be heavenly. Otherwise, I continue to write and send out books in hopes that “this one” will be snapped up. I was agented for a book series concept I’ve shelved for now. It was not a good fit for me so I relegated myself back to the ranks of the pre-agented. (I see that’re the new positive terms: pre-published and pre-agented, LOL)
I’m a traditionally published author, with my second book coming out, the third being written, although it has not yet been seen by anyone except a few trusted readers.
The key is for author and agent to be on the same page (HA!) and that takes honesty and communication from both parties.
I’m amazed at the difference in my process from book one to book two and see more of a change while writing book three. When I’m writing I think about the story and the writing — which combine and result in a book. I do want them to appeal to the same audience as the first novel — widening it if possible. I also think about my publisher and my readers, not to change what I write, but to remain focused on the prize — not only writing a good book, but selling it, and then, readers buying it.
Thanks for the post Elisabeth. It’s a good reminder that our agents are partners in our success and career :-).
I am in this definitely for the long run. Am finishing edits on my first book. Already started work on the second. At least two more ideas in the pipeline for future books. All broadly categorized as thrillers.
My search will be for an agent who will be willing to represent me and help shape my career for they next 10 years or so. And I hope that he/she will be equally willing to encourage as well as dish out the “tough love” whenever required to help shape my career.
A big shoutout to your client for understanding that in this business where each book and author is so unique our true competition is only with ourselves. So very insightful and true.
Ms. Weed, I have my first WIP, a Contemporary Christian Fiction story that at first I was considering to self-publish but then some friends steered me to complete the manuscript and submit to an agent to take the traditional publishing route. I should have the manuscript ready to submit with my book proposal to an agent sometime before the end of the year.
I have been writing sermons, devotional messages and other related short pieces for over 15 years, but only recently have I considered publishing. I decided to retire early so my 10 year plan is to invest that time on what I believe will be a three book storyline, plus I have several devotional related collections to publish. I also have another Christian work I want to complete that will be based upon the Gospel Harmony view and write a story that takes some license but follows the ministry life of Jesus through Peter’s life as the narrator… It may be controversial but likely draw a lot of readership who may otherwise not read the biblical account for the story it reflects.
Is landing with the right agent for this spectrum a real possibility? I sure hope so.
When the time is right to begin my agent search I pray I can find the right (God-sent) agent who can work on my behalf for whatever time my writing career will be in the future. I am a team builder and hope to have reliable team players to come on board to guide, coach and mentor me well beyond just one book. I already have a coach/editor helping and coaching me through my first novel.
Elisabeth, I would love to have an agent who would want to shape my career like you describe. I’ve written several books–3 just this year. I’m constantly thinking that, when I land an agent, I’m building a career. I hope each book will be better, so the audience will know I’m someone they can rely on. As a kid and teen (and even as an adult), I’d be be disappointed when subsequent books couldn’t live up to the first one. Easier said than done. But there are authors who continue to make each book better.
Writer Unboxed, love it–these post actually makes us think.
How does anyone know where they’ve been if they don’t have goals? I’m not published yet, and yes, I’d love to have an agent (especially if the agent thinks as you do.) But getting an agent and publishing isn’t on my mind when I write. That stuff must stay in my business department, not my creative zone.
My writing goals are simple: Write the most engaging stories possible. Make the reader feel what the protagonist is feeling (I love conflicted emotions). Have each manuscript carefully edited by a professional. Don’t let anxiety over what might happen with the first book interfere with the writing of subsequent books.
Currently, my first book is finally out there waiting for an agent home. My second book is almost ready to be edited, and I have three more dancing around in my head begging for their stories to be told. I, too, worry about my second book holding its own compared to the first. But I’ll work on it until it is. Obviously, I’m hooked on writing.
Thanks for the thought provoking post.
This perfectly sums up why I desire an agent – specifically
an agent who views a writer’s career holistically. I’d rather not
be a flash in the pan, or a one book wonder-kind. The goal?
Longevity. Recently heard the guys on the Self Publishing Podcast,
“I don’t write to make money. I make money so I can continue
writing.”
I loved this post and the comments – it’s so timely for me right now and confirms the many reasons I hope to find an agent. I’m querying now, with more than one request for a full out. Which means I check my email obsessively (actually, “obsessively” might be a bit of an understatement). I love to write and have a deep passion to storytelling, but I’m clueless about the rest. Contracts, negotiations, marketing – it all makes my head spin. I have no doubt I’m in serious need of a partner in this.
I found this to be a very interesting blog and pinned it on Pinterest as suggested above. Thank you for sharing this information.
I spent some time thinking through how I wanted to publish my first book. What I wanted was to sell books and I wanted some recognition. For the most part, I wanted to share my work with others.
I queried a bunch of agents who rejected the book. And they should have, it wasn’t good. But I learned a lot from the experience. My big takeaway was that I didn’t want the type of stress that went with traditional publishing .
As an indie author, I’m in charge of everything. That control reduced the stress. I choose my own covers and select my beta readers, and my editor. It takes weeks not years.
I do my own marketing. It isn’t easy, but I know I’m moving forward. The only barrier for me is me. I’m on my fourth book and finally I have one good enough to publish.