By P J Hale
A literary agent is not a new term. In fact, the earliest form of a literary agent stems back as far as the late 19th century. The Middleman – as it was often referred to – saw the opportunity during a rise in demand for literary material to gain from the commercial possibilities. They completed several transactions on behalf of an author. This could include finding publishers and outlets for their clients writing, negotiating terms and contracts and collecting payments and royalties. For these services, they would commonly charge a commission of ten percent on any money earned by a client.
Some publishers saw this new addition to the publishing chain as a threat. They thought that it would disrupt the traditional relationship between publisher and author. Their concern was that literature would suffer due to the increase in commercial attention. However, to the dismay of those traditional publishers, these ‘middlemen’ quickly became the norm. They grew rapidly both in the U.K and U.S over the next 100 years. They were here to stay.
Now, in 2021, during the age of glorious writing and fierce competition, literary agents seem to be the guardians of the gilded archway many writers consider as success. They hold the key. An agent is expected to generate a revenue stream by cultivating their own contacts and building their client list. They will seek out submissions from authors and decide whether they fit their client-list and whether that author can prosper or not in their career.
For writers, an agent’s specialist knowledge and contacts in the publishing sector makes them a desirable attraction. As a writer myself, I have often searched and scanned the insurmountable selection of agencies and agents. I have read and dissected the lists written in the Writers and Artists Yearbook. I have studied their submissions wish lists. I have even narrowed the possible agents down to several that may have the slightest interest in the words I have typed. All the while, realising the impact that one of these stratospheric super-humans could have on somebody’s career, if only they said one word – yes.
As the publishing sector changes, more avenues to success present themselves to writers. Self-publishing, indie presses, unsolicited competitions; each one offering a personal relationship and freedom for authors. And yet, a literary agent remains the direct route to the larger publishing houses, (most not willing to consider writers without an agent!)
So, would I consider them the gatekeeper to a writer’s success?
I recently had the privilege of listening in on a Q&A session with a literary agent from Watson & Little Agency – Donald Winchester. Donald spoke on his role as a literary agent and his views on the contemporary publishing industry. His insight was eye-opening. He described his role, first and foremost, as a friend. Followed by colleague, advisor and even sometimes a therapist. A very personal relationship to say the least. He spoke of agents as the first point of contact for authors and their closest industry friend. He reiterated through-out that an agent is interested in the career of a client from the out-set, not just the first book.
Who’d have thought?
Speaking directly with Donald drove home the possibility that a relationship between agent and author may actually be a mutual concession after all. I even had the chance to ask Donald about his client-list. It amazed me to find out that on occasion he has acquired an author rather than the other-way around. This clearly indicates that an agent needs an author just as much as an author needs an agent.
If you asked me now, would I consider agents as the gatekeepers to a writer’s success? I’d say possibly. But after hearing Donald speak, I would consider them much, much more.
Although it is no secret the difficulty for a first-time author to acquire an agent, the prospect of working with an agent does remain enticing. The personal interaction and freedom that may be lost when working with a conglomerate publisher is made up for by the role of the agent. This approach, as well as the connections and knowledge an agent will bring to the table, seems to be the perfect blend for an aspiring author.