I wish for many things. One of which is an agent/publisher to notice my work. When you have spent four years (or more) perfecting a rough piece of work it is the end of the dream one seeks. In the ever changing world of publishing there has been some interesting changes and many blogs are talking about them. One of the changes is how agents are becoming ebook publishers. They are charging 15% for uploading your work as an ebook.
Many writers are horrified. I am on the fence. If an agent gets 15% for hitting the upload key on your work then that is a lot to pay out. However, if they organise the cover, layout, upload, marketing and pricing, for me that seems fair. Why? It leaves me to write and market in my own way without being bogged down by the other stuff.
I used Lulu.com to upload a pdf file for my poetry. It was not easy-stop laughing I am not technical minded -it was hard work for me. I wanted to see my book on-line not spend hours editing and re-submitting, making covers and re-submitting (get the picture?).
To my mind agents have to look at what they offer and come up with a sensible package to woo the author over. Many authors have stated they will leave their agents if they become publishing agents. For me that seems a tad drastic (especially if it has taken years to get one). However if the author is confident of uploading and self-publishing quality then I can understand their concerns-15% for pushing a button is a lot to pay.
What is your opinion on this new path agents are taking?
12 Comments:
Excellent post!
I think that such agents can appeal to non-techies but, as an ex-computer programmer, I don't think I need their technical services. I think the question for those comfortable with wrestling XML is: how are you going to use that 15% to help me, a new or midlist author, break out of the crowd? THAT is the question that none of these New Agents have been able to answer to my satisfaction yet.
There's many companies that offer the same service, some for less.
I don't like it. I had a perfectly easy time doing it myself with my poetry. I just wouldn't want to pay the price. I'm busting my guts looking for an agent for the reason they exist in the first place. To find my the best deal. In my opinion, that is not the best deal.
Repeating everything Jessica just said. And if the rats are leaving the ship, then it means the ship is sinking.
Thanks, Neva.
Kaz, that is an interesting question. I must admit if I was tech savvie like yourself I would not want to part with my 15%.
Alex, yes there are. However some agents have their foot in the door of publishing houses. I wonder if that makes a difference for some authors.
Jessica, I must admit a 'pure unadulterated' agent is appealing. I wonder how many will exist in a few years time?
Thanks for visiting me folks. x
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KarenG has left a new comment on your post "I Wish...Agents.. Publishers... Agents....Publishi...":
Repeating everything Jessica just said. And if the rats are leaving the ship, then it means the ship is sinking.
Thanks, Karen. The more I read into the situation today, the more I am not happy about the charges. Agents have got their work cut out to survive.
LOL, KarenG now it is showing up! Thanks for visiting me today. Your comment is valuable. x
I'm leery because an agent can't also be a publisher. Make sense? I don't mind the commission to the one who does the work of publishing, but I feel like if the agent is acting as publisher, it should be more clearcut. As in royalty clear cut. It will def. be interesting to see how this goes!!
I think that seems a bit steep for pushing a button. But then on the flip side... how does one go about getting this button-pushing job? :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Jessica, yes whoever publishers deserves the % from the author. The publishing world is changing so much it is confusing. Next year will see a whole different side to agents and publisher. I think the small presses will shine through, plus the agents who have thought out the whole package correctly.
Thanks for visiting me today. x
Jules, yes for pushing a button 15% is steep. If they do more for the author then maybe it is OK, but I am still not convinced. It would be a good earner I agree!
Thanks for visiting me today. x
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