Zarina Docken

Question:

What misconceptions about agents would you most like to debunk?

Answer:

There are several.

1. I'd like to debunk the misperception that once an author lands an agent, his or her troubles are over.

New authors need to understand that landing an agent is simply one step in the publishing process. I take on a work because I love it and believe in the story. This does not, however, always translate into a sell. Sometimes a project simply won't sell despite the author being very talented. Perhaps the timing is off or the market is glutted for that story twist (ie. a coming of age story).

2. Another misperception to debunk is the idea that any agent will do for an author and his or her career.

The agent/author relationship is personal as well as a business relationship. Feeling comfortable with your agent is an essential part of your career's success. So often authors are so delighted to get an agent (any agent) they don't ask the pertinent questions that would indicate whether the two of you will work well together. It would save a lot of frustration and discontent by authors if they would ascertain compatibility from the start.

3. And the final one that always irks me, the misperception that all the "top" agents are in New York.

Agents really don't go to lunch with editors as often as authors think they do. I have many agent friends in New York (and many outside of that city and state). On average, my face time is pretty much the same as theirs. Only difference? I do it all in one week when I'm visiting New York versus several meetings during the course of a month.

This is a job that is dependent on relationships. If an agent has that, it doesn't matter where he or she has her office. I think that the list is growing of major agents who don't live in NYC. Authors need to shift their perspectives to fit with the times. We live in a mobile society. It's true in publishing as well. I actually know of several editors at major houses who don't live in New York City either. They live in Florida or San Fran.

Kristin Nelson is an independent literary agent who specializes in representing literary and commercial fiction and occasionally takes on a few select nonfiction projects. Learn more about her at www.nelsonagency.com