For a debut novelist, contracts, rights, advances and royalties are important terms to understand, but knowing the what, why and how of these book negotiations can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. Rather than embarking on this intimidating journey alone, many authors seek a literary agent to represent them.

Agents are a friend, mentor, negotiator and manager, aiming to secure their clients the best possible publishing deal. Their job description has been described as ‘part lawyer, part accountant, part counsellor and part editorial sounding board.’

As the middle person between publisher and author, agents:

·         Help negotiate contracts (advances and royalties) and ensure authors are paid accurately and fairly by the publisher

·         Protect the financial and legal interests of authors

·         Exploit book rights in every form: print, audio, film, eBook, theatre, etc.

·         Refine and edit manuscripts

·         Manage and shape their writers’ careers

·         Diffuse misunderstandings or disagreements between the author and publisher/editor

·         Network with the book publishing industry to stay connected and hear about current book trends and opportunities

In return, agents receive a percentage of the writer’s income from advances, fees and royalties.