I think I forgot something pretty important on my part: Write stuff the agent can sell!

Thank you!

So true, Karen - and you make a really important point. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to find an agent who is not only successful, but ethical and honest also. Success is important, but it's no substitute for honesty - and without an honest, ethical agent, the author will always have trouble in the end.

Thanks Casey, I'm glad this was helpful (and that you liked the image too - it's long been one of my favorite metaphors for futility). A lot of authors don't have a clear picture of all the things agents do before signing with one, and I know how helpful it can be to make decisions with more information rather than less!

This is a great analogy, Sharla. Just as homeowners benefit more from an experienced realtor's help and guidance, authors need an experienced professional to maximize the success of a publishing career. Especially now that one size no longer fits all authors and projects, it's important to have an experienced, flexible agent in your corner.

I'm looking forward to the day I can say I've had my agent for 20 years. That seems like a wonderful milestone, and a testament to the strength of the business partnership you've developed.

It's so true that a professional demeanor is critical to success in this industry - from interacting with readers, to the relationship with the agent (and editors, and everyone else) - we get a lot farther with a professional outlook and attitude.

Sounds like a great plan, and like you've got a solid grasp of your business needs. A recipe for success, for sure.

I'm very similar in my relationship with my agent, Laura - she's a solid business partner, with great career input, who shares my dedication to the industry and to building a career that benefits us both.

I actually agree with you that authors often don't have a lot of choice in some ways - because the agent has to offer representation -- and that since the author does get a lot of choice in the decision who to pitch and query, it's important to think things through and do the homework up front, so that the ultimate choice is made from people the author at least believes will make a good match!

Thank you so much!

The big takeaway is definitely that publishing is a business, and that smart authors remember to separate the emotion from the business side as much as humanly possible. With practice, you'll get better at it with time.

The key is that you're keeping it in mind and thinking through the issues now, which will prepare you to deal with the issues when it becomes essential.