Kelly McClymer's Blog

When the agent search begins, new writers cannot help but believe that any agent is better than no agent. After all, most publishers no longer accept unagented queries, so without an agent a writer is stuck at the velvet rope like a no-pass wannabe club goer, watching all the agented writers getting their manuscripts considered, sold — heck, even a rejection looks good to writers standing behind the velvet rope.

I will confess I felt exactly the same way when I began submitting my first novel. There was, of course, a tug in my gut that said I was risking ruining my chances of publication — but it all felt like such a big risk that one more risk didn’t seem so…risky. I was much more cautious when signing with Agent #2 than with Agent #1. But Agent #1 was the first professional to look at my manuscript and say, “I think I can sell this.” How was I supposed to resist that? She was an new agent, but worked for an established agency, and she wasn’t asking for any upfront money, or suggesting I run my manuscript through a specially recommended book doctor [NOTE: Even back then I knew those were two huge red flags signaling a scam agent; either request would have triggered my Spidey senses and made me flee. Today there are many better ways to identify scam agents. Scam agents are not bad agents, they are hucksters, pure and simple.]

So, what is a bad agent? A bad agent:

1. Does not have established relationships with editors (the better an editor trusts an agent, the quicker the read)
2. Is not organized (an unsubmitted manuscript cannot sell, even if agented, and nudges are a part of the biz)
3. Has more ambition than common sense (an agent who does a blanket submission to twenty editors is…clueless)
4. Does not understand contracts (every word in a contract matters, for the life of the contract)
5. Has a “throw the spaghetti against the wall” business model and is indiscriminate in taking on clients
6. Is going through a life crisis that has taken all attention from the business

A bad agent means well, and wants to succeed, but is not, for one or more of the reasons above, successful. If you take the time to ask key questions of an agent and an agent’s current clients, you may hear some things that signal you to stay away, because they hint at one or more signs of a bad agent. However, all of the above red flags can be eliminated by an agent who takes the time to go back and educate herself on the business, or resolves the life crisis or organizational issues standing in the way of success. Treat these signs of a bad agent as potentially fleeting, and be careful not to cross off an agent forever who may just be having a bad month, or year.

Finding out this information about various agents can be difficult. Quite naturally, all small businesses and entrepreneurs who rely on reputation for success try to spin even the worst news as a plus. If many complaints about an agency or agent make it to a warning website or writer’s board, then that means real trouble. However, all warnings have to be read for what is not being said as well as what is being said. If someone is unhappy with an agent who takes six weeks to reject a query, then the complainant is not aware of the realities of the business and the fact that query letters take a back seat to making deals and reading client material. If, on the other hand, there are several complaints that even hint about an agency not paying clients — walk away, and don’t look back.

One of the difficult things to remember when looking for an agent is that most agencies are small businesses that revolve around the individual agents. A health problem, car accident, or life crisis is likely to disrupt the affected agent’s success. It is perfectly appropriate to ask an agent who has made an offer to explain her emergency plan for the business should a health crisis or life crisis strike. [NOTE: At some point, when the writer is contracted and selling, it is also appropriate to develop such a plan for the writer herself.]

While I strongly believing is giving everyone slack for out-of-their-control life events, I believe an agent who has had three or more incidents that led to problems for her clients is someone to cross off your list (that’s three or more separate incidents of crises, not three clients who were caught short by one of the agent’s crises). We all believe ourselves capable of working through crises, until the first crisis that derails us. At that point, we should learn a lesson and make a plan for the next crisis. And if that plan doesn’t work as well as we hoped, then the next plan should. Or that’s my opinion, anyway.

If, despite, all your care and research, you realize you signed with a bad agent, don’t beat yourself up about it. Just part ways with that agent in as swift and drama-free a way as you can and begin the search again. I’m here as proof that a writer can survive five … and counting … agents and still be (relatively) sane, productive, and optimistic.

And now, we are finally up to the last “Truth” — Top “Truth” Number Ten — An Agented Manuscript is a Sure-Fire Sell

Top “Truth” Number One
Top “Truth” Number Two
Top “Truth” Number Three
Top “Truth” Number Four
Top “Truth” Number Five
Top “Truth” Number Six
Top “Truth” Number Seven
Top “Truth” Number Eight