An Important Question to Ask a Potential Agent

I attended my first big conference this weekend (Pikes Peak Writers) and it was the Best. Conference. Ever. The faculty was incredible, I learned a ton, and I met so many wonderful peeps. I told my blog Sisters that I have material to blog about for the next year! One particular session that blew me away was one titled "Industry Climate Change," and no, it had nothing to do with global warming. It had everything to do with the topic that makes my eyes cross more than any other - eBooks and their effect on the publishing industry - which is why I forced myself to attend. I'm so glad I did. First of all, the panel was amazing: super-agents Kristin Nelson of the Nelson Literacy Agency and Scott Hoffman of Folio Literary, as well as lovely editor, Kathleen Gilligan. Donald Maass even came up from the back of the room to throw in his two cents. Yeah, pretty cool. Their competence regarding the issue was impressive, and Kristin's blog today highlights her views way more eloquently than I could. Read them here.

As someone who is about to jump into the query process headfirst, I wondered how I would know if an agent had a good handle on this subject? An aspiring author wants an agent who can negotiate a contract to the best possible advantage of the author, and this has many implications for an author's long-term career. Now, the three agents in this session were clearly made of awesome. But if you're querying someone that you researched online, it's harder to tell from an agent's listing or website if they fully grasp the complexities of industry change. NOTE: Nathan Bransford is another agent who definitely understands this issue - it's one of his favorite blog subjects and he makes my eyes cross on a weekly basis.

The question I'm adding to my "Things to Ask an Agent List" - What are your thoughts on reserving multi-media rights in a contract? Seriously, I added it to my list of questions for potential agents. I actually came up with this question and wrote it down while the panel was speaking, and then a conference attendee asked the panel something similar, so I know I wasn't the only one thinking it. If an agent gives you a comprehensive, knowledgeable response (even if you don't fully understand it), then at least you know the issue is likely something they've handled. If their response is "huh?" you might want to rethink choosing that person.

Here's the thing. As a writer, you want to focus on writing the best book you can. Yes, you'll also have to focus on marketing and publicity, but that's just how it goes these days. You want an agent who has your back and is uber-competent at their job, so that you can focus on what you do best. So, yes, my eyes still cross at this subject but after that session, it made me even more resolved to find an agent made of awesome. Much more PPW Conference wisdom to follow in the coming weeks...

I know it was a big conference weekend. Anyone else have any great tips to share?