Re: Agent of the times

**"* S* <a*@amystewart.com>**

I'll just jump and second that.  Agents do not cost money
out-of-pocket--they get a commission on what they earn for you.  They should
be able to increase your advance or otherwise negotiate a better deal for
you that at least covers their commission, and then some. And although my
agent contracts always say they can bill me for photocopying etc, they never
have.  And probably never will, now that it's all done by email.

Someone emailed me to ask at what point to look for an agent. The time to
get an agent involved is when you have a proposal and sample chapters that
are as good as you can possibly make them.  The right agent will help make
them better, then shop them around to publishers for you.  Or, if a
publisher approaches you about doing a book, you could call an agent at that
point to get them in on the negotiation.

It's true that agents don't always find it worthwhile to take on a project
that's destined for a very small press with a very small advance.  Then
again, in this economy there might be agents out with a "no job too small"
attitude!

Cheers,

Amy

www.amystewart.com

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