I'm curious, if an agent leaves the business altogether, do their commissions revert to the agency? Or do they keep them personally? I suppose if they're self-employed, maybe they keep them? I'm thinking of well-known agents who have left the business but previously repped big-name authors. Do they still get a paycheck!?
It depends on their agreement with their agency! Historically, if an agent leaves their agency, whether they leave the biz or not, their commissions stay with the agency. That's been changing a little bit in recent years but it's still the most common practice, afaik.
Thank you, this is so helpful! I got my first offer of representation last week and read this to help me prepare a list of questions for a follow-up call.
Thank you for this post. Having never had a contract with my previous agent, I'm usually at a loss when my students email me asking about their agent contracts. Usually I've said something like, 'Congrats but I'm not a lawyer but I hope you find good advice and good luck?' Now I'll bookmark this post and share it. And I'll continue to share your great Substack.
This is so timely--I was offered representation last night! I was wondering how often your clients ask to see the agency agreement before accepting your offer. Is it standard to do so?
This is extremely helpful!
Thanks for this well-written article, Kate!
UK domestic commission is also typically 15%. Never seen 10% listed by an agency. This has been the case for 15+ years. See https://www.writersandartists.co.uk/advice/what-ask-your-new-agent
Thank you for reposting this!!! I really appreciate it : )
Excellent article. Thank you!
Thank you for this insightful post. I'm still at the early stages of my poetry career, but I look forward to using your advice to get an agent!
I'm curious, if an agent leaves the business altogether, do their commissions revert to the agency? Or do they keep them personally? I suppose if they're self-employed, maybe they keep them? I'm thinking of well-known agents who have left the business but previously repped big-name authors. Do they still get a paycheck!?
It depends on their agreement with their agency! Historically, if an agent leaves their agency, whether they leave the biz or not, their commissions stay with the agency. That's been changing a little bit in recent years but it's still the most common practice, afaik.
Thank you, this is so helpful! I got my first offer of representation last week and read this to help me prepare a list of questions for a follow-up call.
Thank you for this post. Having never had a contract with my previous agent, I'm usually at a loss when my students email me asking about their agent contracts. Usually I've said something like, 'Congrats but I'm not a lawyer but I hope you find good advice and good luck?' Now I'll bookmark this post and share it. And I'll continue to share your great Substack.
This is so timely--I was offered representation last night! I was wondering how often your clients ask to see the agency agreement before accepting your offer. Is it standard to do so?
All the time! It's totally normal to do that. I send it along before they even say yes so they can see and ask questions!
And congrats!!!
Thank you!
Fantastic. And congrats on the semi-regular gig there? At first I thought you were “Kate” the cover girl! 😂 maybe next time!
One day I'll make it to the cover!!!! :)
Yes! 🙌🏽
Your insight on agents and the whole publishing process is legendary. Thank you so much for sharing it!
So helpful!! Now, to get that agent...
I'm in the same boat!