Book Agency
A book agency reviews unpublished manuscripts and represents them for their authors to the commercial publishers. It is essential for an author to have a book agent if they want to send their book to traditional publishing houses and therefore a writer must work an agency
Langtons International is a book agency that represents a variety of fiction and non-fiction books to commercial publishers. As a book agency, our goal is to turn writers into published authors. A successful agency can launch an author’s career, and ensure that they receive the best deal possible from a publisher.
A book agency has several roles and ways in which they help their writers. While a book agent’s primary job is to sell the book to the commercial publishers, they may also play a part in developing the book and bringing it up to publishable standards.
Before a book agent takes an author on as a client, they must read and review the manuscript. If an agency feels the manuscript has potential, these days many agents connect writers with professional independent editors. If the book is almost ready and requires only a few changes, the book agent may guide the author through the revisions themselves. If the book has a strong base but needs a lot of work, the agency will connect the writer with the appropriate independent professional editor.
The collaboration process may continue once a book agency has signed an author. If the author continues their career and writes multiple books, the agent may help the writer develop their ideas, choose which projects to pursue, or edit manuscript drafts. This is a mutually beneficial relationship, as the agency is keenly aware of the market and what books publishers are acquiring and are familiar with the author’s writing style and strengths.
An important role that a book agent plays is that of a negotiator. The book agency should have a strong reputation and track record, so that they have strong grounds to negotiate with a publisher. Negotiations can include film and audio rights, length of contract, advances and royalties, among others. An agency has their authors’ best interests in mind, so they will work to obtain a great deal.
Once a book has been sold, a book agency will continue to support the author’s career. They should maintain paperwork and royalties, keep track of sales, and encourage the author to write more books. While most, if not all, marketing is up to the author, an agency may also provide marketing support by featuring the authors and their books on their own social media pages and websites.
Every agency has their own personal style and methods, however these are some of the key ways in which a book agency launches and supports an authors career.
Langtons International Agency is a book agency which has represented many successful authors. We are always seeking interesting, well written manuscripts to sell to the traditional commercial publishers.
To submit your work for consideration, contact us on our website here.
