Do Children’s Writers Need Agents?
Literary Agent Josh Adams Talks about Children’s Books
Children's books are one of the few areas left where publishers are often open to unagented submissions. As a children's writer, do you need an agent for your book?
Do Children’s Novelists and Picture Book Writers Need Agents?
Literary agents are almost required for adult novels today, but many reputable children’s publishers still accept unsolicited submissions. Why should children’s writers give 15% of their hard-earned money to an agent, when it can be as hard to find an agent as a publisher?
What Literary Agents Do
Josh Adams, of Adams Literary, spoke to an Indiana SCBWI conference in November. He mentioned the two main jobs of an agent:
- to sell your work.
- to be your advocate.
Agents know editors. They know publishers. They keep files and know “which editor doesn’t like historical, but does like cats.” They know where the trends are going, which houses are cutting back, and what editors’ personalities are like. Adams said it’s as important to find a good match between writer and editor as it is to negotiate a good deal.
Once a publisher wants a book, an agent is in the writer’s corner to protect royalties and rights. Publishers often want all the possible rights, but then don’t do anything with them. Agents will work to keep subsidiary rights, among others, and work themselves to sell more of those. An agent can negotiate a larger advance, or may take a longer view and advise a writer to take a lower advance that the book can “earn out” and begin to collect royalties. Later, an agent can handle any money problems and let the writer and editor focus solely on the writing.
Submitting to Publishers Yourself
If children’s writers decide not to use an agent, there are many publishers still open to unsolicited submissions. Use the Writer’s Market books, visit publishers’ websites, and check out new books at a bookstore to find a publishing house that’s a good fit. Follow their submission guidelines, and when a publication offer is made, look for a literary agent (specialist in creative works) to review the contract. There are many successful children’s writers who do not have agents.
Finding a Literary Agent for Your Book
If writers do want to find an agent, here are some tips:
- Look for an agent who is a member of the Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR) and follows their canon of ethics.
- Decide if you want an agent who specializes in children’s books, or one who handles both children’s and adult.
- How long has the agent been in business? If new, where did they work before and for how long? What books have they placed?
- If “the perfect agent” is not accepting submissions, look for conferences and seminars at which they are speaking. Attendees often receive invitations to submit.
- Check out the SCBWI discussion boards. Read what others have asked and answered about agents, or post your own question.
Submitting Your Book to an Agent
- Read the books from the agent’s list to see if your book would be a good fit. The best agent is one who falls in love with your book.
- Polish your work until it shines, and create a vivid, succinct synopsis.
- Find submission guidelines on the agent’s website, or write and request them. Then follow them!
- Don’t badmouth specific agents in public. As Adams says, “We talk to each other.”
Success in children’s literature is possible with or without an agent. Each writer has to make his or her personal decision. Either way, write an excellent book, a cover and/or query letter that sparkles, be professional, and you’ll make it.
