What would I pay my agent?
Most literary agents receive a commission of about 15% on your actual earnings. Artist reps make a little more money – in the 20-35% range. Agents usually take their cut out of your check they receive from the publishers and they pass the rest on to you. The agent earns their cut for the life of the book. If at any time you should leave an agent, they will continue to receive royalty payments on your behalf for the books they handled, and pass the rest on to you.
Many times there are other minor fees due to the agent, however reputable agents have those spelled out in their contracts. Be sure you know what expenses will be passed through to you at the time of signing the agreement.
What doesn’t an agent do?
Agents are not crystal ball readers, they do not work directly for you, and they will not completely manage your career. They will present your work to publishers and represent you when a publisher makes an offer. You are not the only person they represent, so they will have a limited time to talk with you. You might only hear from them now and then.
They gain access to editors that you might have only dreamed about, but that means they have invested a great amount of time in maintaining good relationships this those editors. You must stay involved in the process, let them know if you have issues with the contract of publishers. It is their job to go to bat for you!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Agent or Not to Agent: Part 2
What does an agent do?
There three primary things that an agent will for you:
1) Agents submit material to publishers. Agents are allowed to submit to all publishers without being concerned over which ones don't accept unsolicited material. Also agents know the business and have dealt with the editors before. Research is not an issue.
2) Agents negotiate contracts. Most agents have contracts that are better than what unagented people receive from the publisher.
3) Agents collect money and distribute it. Agents review the royalty statements, which are complicated, point out any mistakes and get the publisher to pay, which is hard for an individual to do.
This information just lists the basics. An agent will help with any problem that arises, can give good advice and will manage your career. It's nice for an author or illustrator who deals with more than one publisher to get one 1099 at the end of the year from his or her agent stating all earnings, commissions, expenses, etc.
There three primary things that an agent will for you:
1) Agents submit material to publishers. Agents are allowed to submit to all publishers without being concerned over which ones don't accept unsolicited material. Also agents know the business and have dealt with the editors before. Research is not an issue.
2) Agents negotiate contracts. Most agents have contracts that are better than what unagented people receive from the publisher.
3) Agents collect money and distribute it. Agents review the royalty statements, which are complicated, point out any mistakes and get the publisher to pay, which is hard for an individual to do.
This information just lists the basics. An agent will help with any problem that arises, can give good advice and will manage your career. It's nice for an author or illustrator who deals with more than one publisher to get one 1099 at the end of the year from his or her agent stating all earnings, commissions, expenses, etc.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
To Agent or Not to Agent: Part 1
Do I really need an agent?
Agents are not always needed to land a book deal. However, the “big 6” publishing houses (HarperCollins, Random House, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, Penguin Putnam and Disney / Hyperion) say they will only consider manuscripts from published authors or agents. These houses are also difficult to break into even with an agent. It is recommended that beginning writers begin working with smaller imprints. Use this opportunity to gain personal contacts and keep up with them. Editors are always moving from house to house. They are always trying to move up as well. Establishing these relationships early will only help you move up with them.
First time authors submitting manuscripts, would use their time more wisely submitting directly to a publisher by means of a query letter. Editors are more likely to sign a new author before an agent is to sign up someone to represent.
For children's book illustrators the situation is a little different. More artists work with agents, known as artist’s representatives, and unpublished illustrators do become clients for agents. For artists, having a rep helps them get more jobs then they ever would have been able to find on their own.
Agents are not always needed to land a book deal. However, the “big 6” publishing houses (HarperCollins, Random House, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, Penguin Putnam and Disney / Hyperion) say they will only consider manuscripts from published authors or agents. These houses are also difficult to break into even with an agent. It is recommended that beginning writers begin working with smaller imprints. Use this opportunity to gain personal contacts and keep up with them. Editors are always moving from house to house. They are always trying to move up as well. Establishing these relationships early will only help you move up with them.
First time authors submitting manuscripts, would use their time more wisely submitting directly to a publisher by means of a query letter. Editors are more likely to sign a new author before an agent is to sign up someone to represent.
For children's book illustrators the situation is a little different. More artists work with agents, known as artist’s representatives, and unpublished illustrators do become clients for agents. For artists, having a rep helps them get more jobs then they ever would have been able to find on their own.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Portfolio Content
Children’s publishing is a wonderful market for new artists. Children between the ages of 3-7 can’t read yet, or their skills are bare minimum. These rich stories can’t be illustrated with stock art or photographs because the story is particular to its own needs. The story requires its own creative and colorful visuals that tell the particular story along side the minimal words. This creates a dilemma for the art buyer. They can not see the actual art that will go into the book, therefore they have to take a “leap of faith” when assigning the project. How do art buyers chose and assign an artist to a project?
The answer lies in the portfolio by the artist. Several pages of an illustrated story must be shown in succession within the portfolio. This shows how an artist “visualizes” the series of events within the story. The artist shows character development by showing the same characters in different situations, scenes and emotions. The art directors can see consistency in character, color, compositional abilities and creativity.
Always present 1-2 stories in your portfolio. This will take up 4-6 of the required 10-15 pieces and really make your portfolio work for you. The stories can be made up or classical. It only takes a few images to show off what the buyer needs to see. The remaining 9-10 images can be of anything you desire.
The answer lies in the portfolio by the artist. Several pages of an illustrated story must be shown in succession within the portfolio. This shows how an artist “visualizes” the series of events within the story. The artist shows character development by showing the same characters in different situations, scenes and emotions. The art directors can see consistency in character, color, compositional abilities and creativity.
Always present 1-2 stories in your portfolio. This will take up 4-6 of the required 10-15 pieces and really make your portfolio work for you. The stories can be made up or classical. It only takes a few images to show off what the buyer needs to see. The remaining 9-10 images can be of anything you desire.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Manuscript Tips
Before sending your manuscript off to your chosen publisher, it is good to send an email or letter with a query. Ask if they will read your manuscript. If the answer is “yes,” then mark the envelope with the manuscript with “Requested Material.” This marking on the outside of the envelope separates you from the rest of the unsolicited manuscripts sitting on their desk. In any circumstance, always give the editor the name of the person who referred you. That is one way to work the conversation from a warm lead.
Manuscript Formatting
In the upper right corner, place the copyright notice and year the manuscript was written, genre, and approximate word count all single spaced.
(then 3 lines)
First American Serial Rights, or Print Rights, Electronic Rights
(then 2 lines)
By (your name)
(2 lines)
Chapter 1
(2 lines)
Start your story double spaced
Note: If you have written a picture book, start your manuscript on the “Chapter 1” line.
Manuscript Formatting
In the upper right corner, place the copyright notice and year the manuscript was written, genre, and approximate word count all single spaced.
(then 3 lines)
First American Serial Rights, or Print Rights, Electronic Rights
(then 2 lines)
By (your name)
(2 lines)
Chapter 1
(2 lines)
Start your story double spaced
Note: If you have written a picture book, start your manuscript on the “Chapter 1” line.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Beneficial Sites for Illustrators
http://www.illustrationfriday.com
Illustration Friday is a site where artists illustrate / create a work around a particular topic. Then you can post your piece for others to see during that week. Every Friday is a new topic. This is great to get yourself out there and get some exposure.
http://www.childrensillustrators.com and http://www.picture-book.com
Children’s Illustrators.com and PictureBook.com are online portfolios of artist that are compiled into one easy-to-see web site. This site is accessed daily by art buyers from leading publishing houses, advertising agencies and design groups from around the world.
http://www.sendoutcards.com and http://www.premiumpostcards.com
Send Out Cards and Premium Postcards is a great way to keep in touch with publishers, agents, teachers, etc. You have the option to upload your own artwork and design the postcard online. You pay a small portion for the printing and then for postage. The company sends it out for you and everything has been taken care of within minutes at the tip of your fingers.
Illustration Friday is a site where artists illustrate / create a work around a particular topic. Then you can post your piece for others to see during that week. Every Friday is a new topic. This is great to get yourself out there and get some exposure.
http://www.childrensillustrators.com and http://www.picture-book.com
Children’s Illustrators.com and PictureBook.com are online portfolios of artist that are compiled into one easy-to-see web site. This site is accessed daily by art buyers from leading publishing houses, advertising agencies and design groups from around the world.
http://www.sendoutcards.com and http://www.premiumpostcards.com
Send Out Cards and Premium Postcards is a great way to keep in touch with publishers, agents, teachers, etc. You have the option to upload your own artwork and design the postcard online. You pay a small portion for the printing and then for postage. The company sends it out for you and everything has been taken care of within minutes at the tip of your fingers.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Query Lettters
A query letter asks for something. More importantly, asks whether they would like to read your manuscript.
Include a summary of your book and the first 3 chapters if this is a chapter book. They like to be able to get a feel of your writing style in order to make a decision. Make sure there is NO MISSPELLINGS & GOOD GRAMMAR. This is your shot. You’ve got to shine like no other. There is a lot of competition sitting on the desk with you!
In the body of the letter, introduce yourself. Platform a promotional plan to sell the potential book. Tell about what you have written in the past and what you have done to promote those writings (or illustrations). Are you a speaker? Do you twitter? Are you on Facebook? How many followers do you have? What is your “pool of influence?” They want to know how hard it will be to market your material and how much you are willing to help promote your book. (Pause – think about this for a minute! Let’s let this sink in!) Book publishers are a business and they are interested in making money from your material. I include this because I don’t think people think about this way!
Tell why the manuscript would be beneficial as a book, article, etc.
Tell what you have published in the past. This is just a quick brief resume.
I know I’ve said this before, if you are a member of SCBWI, list it.
Let the agent or editor know that you know them! This makes it a little more personal and warm. If you heard them speak at a conference, or was referred from a mutual acquaintance, let them know!
Include a summary of your book and the first 3 chapters if this is a chapter book. They like to be able to get a feel of your writing style in order to make a decision. Make sure there is NO MISSPELLINGS & GOOD GRAMMAR. This is your shot. You’ve got to shine like no other. There is a lot of competition sitting on the desk with you!
In the body of the letter, introduce yourself. Platform a promotional plan to sell the potential book. Tell about what you have written in the past and what you have done to promote those writings (or illustrations). Are you a speaker? Do you twitter? Are you on Facebook? How many followers do you have? What is your “pool of influence?” They want to know how hard it will be to market your material and how much you are willing to help promote your book. (Pause – think about this for a minute! Let’s let this sink in!) Book publishers are a business and they are interested in making money from your material. I include this because I don’t think people think about this way!
Tell why the manuscript would be beneficial as a book, article, etc.
Tell what you have published in the past. This is just a quick brief resume.
I know I’ve said this before, if you are a member of SCBWI, list it.
Let the agent or editor know that you know them! This makes it a little more personal and warm. If you heard them speak at a conference, or was referred from a mutual acquaintance, let them know!
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