Have you just finished a novel and you’re having trouble justifying getting a literary agent? Here are a few reasons why you do need one!

Negotiation

A literary agent is there to love your book and make sure you get the best deal possible. The agent should be able to find the best publisher to get your book on the store shelves. Your agent is the person that knows when to walk away or when to push for that advance or publicity commitment. Agents are also well versed in the legalities of publishing, so you don’t have to worry about territorial rights or e-book rights. A good literary agent is working for your best interests because that is also in their best interest.

Link To A Publishing Company

Many of the larger publishing companies (think Penguin Random House or HarperCollins) may not accept manuscripts from writers without agents even if you send them the greatest manuscript. Publishers work with agents to weed out the writers who send out their work without understanding what the publisher is looking for. Not only are agents your “in” with a publisher, but they know the best publisher for your particular manuscript. For example, you wouldn’t want to send a romance novel to a publisher who works mainly with non-fiction writers, but your agent would be able to get your romance manuscript onto desks.

Knowing The Market

Agents also have a good idea of what the market is looking for. Even if you have written the “Next Big Thing” it may not be the right time to publish it because the book themes that are currently popular are completely different. The agent would be able to work out when to publish your novel to ensure that it gets the highest sales.

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