Agenting Advice

If you are an illustrator seeking agent representation, you have probably fantasized about getting THAT call or email with an offer- and maybe in your fantasy you just run around your home screaming “YES YES YES!” But before you start throwing confetti and dancing with joy, there are a few questions you should ask your prospective agent! I asked the Cuddlefish Gang (we have many agents between us, and a huge variety and breadth of experience) which questions they would advise asking. These may not apply to every situation- but it’s an excellent place to start. We hope these help and- happy agent searching!

1. How long have you been an agent?

2. How many other clients do you represent, and would you mind if I talked to one or two of them? Related, is there a lot of client turnover at the agency?

3. What are some recent books you sold?

4. Do you have an agency agreement I can look at?
(Look for “cooling off” periods or any other criteria that feels odd/ not market standard)

5. What percentage does your agency take? (15% is standard for a literary agent, although it can vary for things like foreign rights sometimes)

6. Ask about foreign rights. Is there a separate foreign rights agency affiliation?

7. What is your preferred communication style?

8. Are you editorial—how hands-on are you? Do you like to add input such as editing suggestions?

9. Have you sold books similar to my project(s)? What publishers do you have in mind?

10. What is your favorite genre? What do you read for fun?

11. What is your favorite kind of project to sell?

12. How do you promote your illustrators?

13. Are there fees involved? (Maybe marketing fees like postcard printing and postage for example)

14. How do you communicate submissions and responses?

15. In a larger agency- would I work directly with the agent versus admin?

Perhaps most importantly—do I feel comfortable and supported in these answers? Because regardless of how they answer… they could be super rad and exciting… it always comes down to how comfortable you feel.