Gold5:

Golden Rule No. 5

Do you need a Mr. 15% agent?

Publishers generally prefer to deal with agents because they know they are usually not time-wasters. They also find it easier to say "no" to an agent rather than having to deal directly with the author.

Any agent worth his/her commission would have done the necessary homework on the author and the project before submitting a synopsis or manuscript and will know to which publisher to present which idea. Think of an agent as a matchmaker bringing together a prospective bride and groom.

I have never used an agent, preferring to make a direct approach to the publishers. Remember, however, that I had a proven track record as a national newspaper journalist before making my debut as an author.

If you have little or no writing experience, you are no doubt wisest to have an agent battling on your behalf. Their charges usually range from 10 per cent to 20 per cent of any advance that they may negotiate.

You will need to debate with your agent whether he/she should also take a percentage of any royalties. Normally they would take a cut.

Never pay an agent upfront money. Make them earn their commission.

A good agent will know which publishers are in the market for which type of book, and will have personal contacts that will open doors you may usually find locked. A good agent will also be able to advise you as to how to improve your synopsis before submitting it to a publisher, which will increase its chances of being accepted.

Again, I recommend the Writers and Artists Yearbook, The Writers' Handbook and American Writers Digest Books as the best guides for finding a reputable agent. A good agent can help make an author, a bad one can break an author. So choose carefully and make sure the agent is right for you before committing yourself to letting him/her represent you.

Many of the leading agents belong to the Association of Authors' Agents. They have a strict code of conduct, and do not charge authors a reading fee. Those agents who do request a reading fee usually refund the money on receipt of the first advance once the book has been accepted by a publisher. This fee is over and above the percentage charged by the agent for his/her services.

If you have a book that you feel carries international appeal you will want an agent who has strong overseas contacts. An agent will usually charge an extra five per cent for representative work conducted overseas.

Do not fall for flattery. Every author wants to have nice things said about what he/she writes, but what you need more than praise is constructive criticism. Only you can judge whether you can get by without an agent.

Ask yourself whether your work needs a professional appraisal before approaching a publisher, and also whether you have the necessary confidence to do the selling yourself. Be honest with your answers, then if necessary seek an agent to help you 'deliver your baby'.

I have produced a How to Impress a Publisher Portfolio that includes the contact addresses for many of the leading agents and publishers across the world. You can purchase it HERE. There are lists of publishers and literary agents, giving a summary of the type of book areas in which they specialise.

Now on to Golden Rule No 6 and some keep-it-simple tips.

Golden rule No 5 is to find an agent who knows the publishing world, and one who will know how to open doors that you cannot open yourself. Look for somebody with whom you feel comfortable and who can provide constructive criticism.