Breaking up in any relationship is hard to do. A writer breaking up with an agent is definitely difficult.
Recently, I parted ways with my agent. At first I thought I wouldn’t talk about it but now that some time has passed, I figured a blog post might help other writers who may be in a similar situation.
Parting ways with my former agent wasn’t easy and it was a decision that I made after deep contemplation. The relationship ended with no hard feelings. We were not a good match.
You can definitely help the situation with research to make sure that potential agents are a good fit. Casey at Literary Rambles has a great post with links about what you can ask a potential agent.
But sometimes even with all of the research and validation, you may find yourself in a mismatch. And sometimes you have to be in the client/agent relationship to realize it.
So what do you do when you have an agent but it’s no longer working? Here are some of the things I did in my own situation:
Talk it Out. Agents are just like regular people so they are not mind-readers. Communicate with your agent to clarify what isn’t working and see if you can fix it before jumping to conclusions.
Be Professional. The relationship with your agent is a business relationship. You must act accordingly. This is not the time for the “blame game” or playing the victim. State the issues in a calm and clear manner.
Play by the Rules. If you have a contract, make sure to review the stipulations of terminating the relationship with your agent. Make sure that you understand the steps you need to take. Don’t query other agents until the termination is completed.
Put it in Writing. Make sure you have a record of the termination. Send the agent a certified letter or an e-mail so that you have the correspondence later if needed.
Remember the Small Industry. The last thing you need to do is slander your former agent. You never know what kind of contacts he/she may have. End the relationship with grace so you’re not labeled a “difficult” writer. Publishing is a small world.
As for my own situation, my current focus is getting my novel in the best shape it can be. Researching and querying new agents is a low priority on my list at this time.
But here’s the thing: I know that if I found a reputable agent in the past, I can find another one in the future. An agent better suited for me and my work. And in the end, this may have all been a blessing in disguise.
You want an agent who is passionate about your work and wants to be a partner in your career as a novelist.
Remember an agent works for you. If something is not working, acknowledge it.
Don’t be afraid to end a relationship that is not in your best interest.
The (Agent) Break-Up
March 24, 2010 Read Comments
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Casey McCormick, Karen Strong and Angela Ackerman, James Killick. James Killick said: it's not just about getting an agent, but getting the right one, sobering post from @KarenMusings : http://bit.ly/aDfcf2 [...]
After reading more than one story like this, my lists of agents to query is not 100, more like 15. I want an agent that didn’t just tack on middle grade to their list but mostly represent adults. And I’ll have questions if I ever get the “call”. Thanks for sharing your story!
Karen, I’m sorry to hear this. But it sounds like you made the right decision. You’re absolutely right about being able to find another agent in the future. Good luck with revisions!
I echo Anna. All the best!
Laura: Yes, querying select agents instead of just sending out to a mass list helps and definitely make sure that they know your market well (and have been selling in your market). Unfortunately, even when you’ve covered all your bases, it still doesn’t work out. Just be professional, know it’s a business relationship, and don’t be afraid to walk away if it isn’t a good fit.
Anna and Caroline: Thanks for the support! I really do think it’s a blessing in disguise. I have learned so much since signing with my first agent. Now my focus is totally on my novel. Making it the best it can be.
Congrats Karen. I know it must have been hard, but it is always right to do what is best for you and it sounds like you handled it very professionally.
Wow. I’m impressed and I wish you the best of luck! Since I haven’t even started querying agents yet, it seems like I would never want to let one go once I got one. You seem to be handling the situation perfectly.
Sorry things didn’t work out, but it’ll happen!
I’m sorry things didn’t work out with your last agent. No matter how much research we do, sometimes it’s just not a good match. There are also agents out there that really aren’t very good at what they do but don’t do anything bad enough to be called out on it. That’s why I think reputation, frequent sales in the right genre, and contacting current clients is so important. But even those things aren’t a sure bet.
I wish you the best of luck in finding the right match this time.
Great post!!!!!
Thanks everyone for your support and comments. I really appreciate it.
It’s hard to leave an agent — especially a highly esteemed one with a long track record and success. But in the end, you have to do what’s in your best interest.
I have faith that when it’s time to query again, I’ll find a great agent!
Thanks for posting this. It is helpful. I’m hoping you find the perfect match the second time around.
Such a good post, Karen. This is such a difficult decision. I don’t think any 2 situations are the same – hopefully this all works out for the best.
I’ve broken up with agents, and it wasn’t easy. I felt the same way: I didn’t want to talk or write about it for a while. It’s painful, especially after the initial excitement of “the call” and the contract.
Jemi: I think leaving is so much better than staying. I’m going to stay on the positive side. :)
Medeia: Some other writers have me told that sometimes that has to occur but in the end, they ended up with better agents and are much happier. This will be the case with me as well.
Hey Karen! Just wanted to let you know that I passed along a Sugar Doll Award to you on my blog today! Enjoy!
Thanks Jana. I’ll go check it out. :)