Writer's Fallout Shelter

HI, Raine, and welcome to the Fallout Shelter! Regarding your question about agents:

(The following is my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt. Individual mileage ay vary.)

If you're dealing with a conventional publishing house, and unless you have an extensive background in issues pertaining to literary rights, both domestic and foreign, you need a reputable agent. Period. Liam's Third Rule of Newbie Novleing: There's nothing worse than a bad agent and there's nothing better than a good agent. (Again, this is just my humble opinion)

If you already have have a background negotiating literary rights, and fully understand all the rights associated with literary properties, stop reading now. If not, press on.

Agents won't necessarily get you more money on the front end, however, they can, and sometimes do negotiate larger advances. They can also negotiate the manner in which the advaces are paid out. More on this, later. However, a good agent will more than earn that 15% commission in negotiating rights to all the different foreign markets, and film and television options.

More on this topic, Thursday.

Have you ever been caught hiding bodies in your closet? No? Good place, uh?