Part Five of “How to Find a Publisher for Your Nonfiction Book”
A literary agent can serve many useful purposes in your effort to find a publisher for your non-fiction book. Here are two of the most valuable roles an agent can play:
1. Expert Guide. An experienced agent knows the ropes of the publishing industry. He or she can help you polish your one-sheet, book proposal, and sample chapters, so that you can feel confident you’re submitting your best work to an acquisitions editor; know which publishing houses will be a good fit for your book; know how to navigate the negotiating and contracting phases of signing with a publishing house; andlearn how best to market your book.
2. Advocate. An experienced agent also has contacts and relationships within the industry that can open doors for you. He or she will: make the initial contact with each publishing house to secure permission to send a proposal; pitch the full proposal to the acquisitions editor and make a case for its consideration; and conduct negotiations with the editor or publisher on your behalf.
Having an experienced agent in your corner can be a huge benefit in finding a publisher for your non-fiction book.
However, for many first-time authors, finding a literary agent can be as challenging and intimidating as finding a publisher. This leads many to wonder whether the “extra step” is really necessary. The answer is that it all depends on what your goals are.
Many people will tell you that having an agent is an essential step on the pathway to publishing. The reason they say this is that many publishing houses will not accept proposals from authors except through agents. For these publishing houses, the agent serves as a gatekeeper to ensure that the publishing house only invests time reviewing the best proposals.
However, there are a few other pathways to consider.
1. It’s easier and less expensive to self-publish than ever before. And much of the stigma that self-publishing endured in its early years has been reduced. An author that has success in selling a self-published book will merit a closer look by a publishing house for his or her second book. However, there are two caveats:
First, if the self-published book does not sell well, it will be more of a negative than a positive.
Second, it’s highly unusual for a traditional publisher to republish a self-published book. A self-published book will probably always remain a self-published book.
If you do choose to go this route, you won’t need an agent, but do be careful and do your homework. Know what you’re getting yourself into before you sign a contract.
2. Some smaller publishing houses still accept unsolicited, un-agented manuscripts. Before you submit, however, take time to review the publishing house’s submission guidelines and publishing interests. Make sure your proposal fits what the publishing house is looking for so that you won’t waste your time and theirs.
3. Finally, many writers conferences offer the opportunity to connect with an acquisitions editor from a larger publishing house. Many editors will tell you that this is the one way that they will review a proposal from an author who doesn’t have an agent.
If you ultimately decide to go the agent route, make sure to do your due diligence, check references, and so forth. Also, remember that your agent works for you. While they have experience and connections, the book and writing career are yours. Your agent can give you great advice, but the important decisions are always yours to make.
Continue the series: 7 Reasons to Attend a Writer’s Conference