If you are represented by an agency, then why are you querying me directly? Isn’t that your agent’s job?
Ahhh…yes and no.
Scenarios run like this; Big Agent tries like the dickens to get your manuscript onto the Big Editors’ desks. Only they pass on the project. Repeatedly. Now the options are more limited – and that translates to money. Big Agent has a choice; do I work just as hard to sell to a smaller publishers where the remuneration isn’t as grand, or do I let my author do the legwork because I. Am. Too. Important.
If the author is successful in getting a bite from an editor, guess who swoops in for the kill?
And this is what I know when I read the innocent query letter that tells me they’re repped by Ima Too-a Bigga For-a My-a Britches-a.
And what do you think my attitude is toward that agent? Not so hot-a. No one likes to think, “Hey, what am I, chopped liver that I didn’t deserve your time and effort?” as they read a query letter. And that’s exactly the message that comes over loud and clear.
I’m not so petty that I take it out on the author. Just the opposite, in fact. My heart goes out to them because they’re on their own now. “Hey, I tried, and you’re on your own now. I’ve lost faith in your manuscript.” I find that cruel.
If it’s not worth it to continue pitching the work, then let the author go. But for crying out loud, don’t half-ass it. Agents know far more about opening doors than authors do. Agents can pick up the phone and pitch to editors. An author who tries that will incur the beagle’s wrath, which usually results in her pearly whites connecting with the posterior soft tissue.
And let’s say I want the manuscript. Does anyone believe I’m going to feel all warm and fuzzy toward Mr. Fancy Pants Agent during contract negotiations? And what about pre- and post-production conversations? Does this agent really believe I’m going to give a rat’s fuzzy navel what he thinks about cover art or promo plans? First thing out of my piehole would be, “ohhh, so now you care. ”
I know, you’re thinking, “So what’s you’re point, Pricey?” Well, my point is that if your agent says you’re free to query on your own, take that as a big sign that he’s writing you off. That his sole purpose now is to enjoy the fruits of your labor because he’s Too Big to do it for you. He needs to concentrate on his other client, The Sure Thing and sell to the Big Editor.
Sure, he’s there to negotiate the contract, should you prevail, but don’t forget who opened the door – you. Seems to me that should change the percentage that he’s entitled to.
Posted by lynnpricewrites 
Probably my biggest misconception in the industry was the marketing and promotion. Quite frankly, there isn’t any. I’ve been published by three different houses ranging from small to large and, although the marketing varies a little, each one puts little effort in the promotions. Unless you are established and have made the house millions, i.e. Stephen King, James Patterson, don’t expect ads in Vanity Fair or People Magazine promoting your book. Also, to ask your publisher to send your book to Oprah is like asking for a free trip to the moon. Imagine the wealth of manuscripts and books Oprah receives daily. Unless it is passed along by someone with an “in”, AND she loves it—it’s not going to happen.
I know this is a virtue that is hard-won, but please…if you sent your pages on the fourth of the month and it’s the fourteenth, it’s a little early to be asking me if I’ve had a chance to read them. Especially since I have no less than fifty others before you.
