The HEA Cafe

Many writers often wonder if the road to publication would be a little smoother (and perhaps shorter) if they were represented by an agent.

I do think it is possible for writers to get their lovely feet inside the doors of publishing houses without an agent–some houses, for example, Harlequin/Silhouette, certainly will review unagented material. Writers can also enter contests in the hope of winning and getting that all important request from an editor. Or writers can attend conferences and pitch in person to the editor of their choice–all without the benefit of an agent.

And, as I’ve heard many people say, it is often better to have NO agent than to have a bad agent. A bad agent, well, a bad agent can kill (or seriously wound) a writer’s career.

When I began my writing career, I did not have an agent. I sold manuscripts to smaller publishing houses (ImaJinn Books and Red Sage Publishing) on my own. I tried to break in with New York, but I just couldn’t seem to get past the slush piles. So, I made the decision to acquire an agent–and that is a decision that I have most certainly not regretted. I reviewed RWA’s website and agent list. I searched online. I talked with other writers. I double-checked on Predators and Editors. I created a list of my “top” agents and then I sent out my queries.

In the end, I signed with Laura Bradford of the Bradford Literary Agency. Laura had recently started her own agency, and after talking with her extensively, I knew that she and I shared the same vision for my career. I felt like she “got” me. A few months later, Laura got me a 3-book deal with Kensington. A definite agent success story in my book.

So, the question remains…Do you need an agent? It’s a question that each author must answer for herself. It’s an important decision–one that should be made with care and careful consideration.

Good luck to all the authors who are agent hunting out there!