Agreement Literary Purchase

Your contract may stipulate the method of termination. Most literary agents require sixty days written notice. Some will require a letter; for others email is acceptable. Be sure that you follow the terms of your contract so there can be no question later on about the termination.

Traditionally, agents get paid only when they sell your work, and they receive a 15 percent commission on everything you get paid (your advance and royalties). It is best to avoid agents who charge fees other than the standard 15 percent.

Make sure the agreement defines specifically what works are covered. An agent may only want to represent one book, or a series of books, or only your new work, or work produced during the term of the agreement, or even all of your work.

How do you plan on positioning my book to publishers? What genre will you promote my book? Do you want me to edit my book before you start pitching? Which publishers will you be pitching? How long will you pitch before you give up?

Literary agents are responsible for managing sales, contracts, publication, production (and reproduction), as well as maintaining good contacts in the writing and publishing industry, and knowledge of the current market and trends. They act as a middle person between authors and publishers to sell the author's work.

While there are a few exceptions, the most common commission for a literary agent is 15%. If an agent places a book with a publisher and negotiates a $25,000 advance, that agent will take out their 15% (or $3,750) and send the rest (or $21,250) to their client.

Follow your contract guidelines. Your contract may stipulate the method of termination. Send a letter. Ask for a list. Consider making a phone call. Be nice. QUESTION: What would make you fire your literary agent?