Seeking advice re: when to look for an agent

[LukeW]

Hi,

I'm seeking some advice about whether I should start approaching literary agents or hold off for a bit longer.

In Jan last year I submitted a picture book to Penguin while they had an open submission policy for unagented authors. I didn't hear much for about nine months before they made contact and said they were interested in what they saw and would like to see 'a bit more'. So I sent them in an extra panel. I didn't hear from them for a while longer so I made contact after 3 months to see if they received the second submission. When I did this they asked for me to send the whole book in so they could have a better look at it. This was just before Christmas last year and it's been over a year since the initial submission.

So I'm wondering if it's time for me to start thinking about approaching an agent for representation or if I just need to keep being patient. There aren't many publishers that accept unagented children's books submissions and Penguin were my first choice, but it's also a long time to hold out in the hope that this one publisher says yes.

Cheers

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Since you now have a completed book, there is no reason why you shouldn't search for an agent. The fact that a publisher has already expressed interest in the book should make the idea of representing you more attractive to agents, and give you a better chance of finding one willing to take you on as a client.

Once you have an agent, they will probably contact Penguin and ask if they are any nearer to making a decision. (One reason that agents exist is to do the things that might be considered pushy if authors did them. Also, they know when to press for an answer and when to wait, so that you can forget about all that and concentrate on the creative part.) If Penguin says no, then the agent will probably have ideas where to go next. And if Penguin says yes, the agent can get you a better deal when negotiating the contract.

In my opinion, there is no downside to seeking an agent now.

 

[LukeW]

Thanks for the input Teresa.

I wasn't sure if it would have been considered rude if they were suddenly contacted by someone claiming to represent me after I've been in direct contact with them.

But you make some good points. I think I'll start looking around and see if I can find one.

Cheers

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Authors often bring in agents midway through the process, so they won't think it rude, or be offended, or anything like that. They like dealing with agents, because agents know how everything works.

 

[LukeW]

Thanks again Teresa