How A Literary Agency Works

Notes from the Columbus Writer's Conference, presentation led by Peter Fedorko, Trident Media Group


Being an agent, for Peter Fedorko, is all about hope. "You hope you will find a great writer. You hope to connect with a great editor. You hope that book will resonate with a great audience."

In his mind, the most important thing are the writers; "Without writers, there would be no books!" Agents need clients. They need authors. So much so that if Peter sees a manuscript that's not right for him, but might work for one of his colleagues, he will pass it onto them.

Editors are also vitally important. Peter's background is in sales, and he considers being an agent as a sales job, because, "You have to know what they are looking for... "

An agent has to know editors in order to tell who is right or wrong for this particular project. It's also important to know whether or not this book fits into the list of books being sold by a particular publishing agency.

Agents keep a master list of publishers, who likes what. That way, if they find a book, they can pitch it to 10 editors at the same time.

Contract Negotiation:
- 15% pay-out on signing
- Delivery & acceptance
- Publication
- Royalties (if applicable)
- Negotiating rights (foreign, film, audio)