Quote:
Originally Posted by dustinzgirl  I have not seen much good on my own research (as noted by John above)
I will tell you that if an agent asks for large amounts of money up front (I've seen 200 dollar reading fees), more than 10-15% cut, they are probably not on the up an up. There is a difference however, between a reading fee and an editing fee---most agents will not charge you to read an excerpt to see if you are worth thier time, but they will charge you if they like the story but it has so many grammatical errors that it needs strong editing---or they will give you the option to edit it yourself. Also be wary of agents that promise too much--Guaranteed publishing within a month, for example.
If it looks too expensive and has too many promises that are improbable, don't waste your time. an agents job, in my understanding, is to be the writer's network and communication medium to publishing companies, many of whom will now only take submissions from registered literary agents...
John, feel free to correct me on any of the above if I am wrong, this is just based on my own readings and personal opinions.  |
Quite right. Once I take an author on, I feel it's part of my job to edit their novel, where required, so I don't charge for that. And I make it clear immediately that, while I obviously feel their work is terrific - or I wouldn't have taken them on - there is no novel from a first-time writer that one can point at and say 'That will sell'. It's a highly subjective business, and if an editor and their colleagues don't feel that the book is deeply special both personally and professionally, the answer will be no.
10th February 2007, 08:21 AM
