Do Authors Really Need a Literary Agent?

An article by Literary Agent Richard Curtis (Writing Romances...A Handbook by the Romance Writers of America...by Rita Gallagher and Rita Clay Estrada), asked the question "Who Needs An Agent Anyway?" Mr. Curtis went on to list several viable reasons why we need an agent and completed his article with a quote from mystery writer James Frey that stated, "No, you don't need an agent. You don't need a dentist either; you can fill your own teeth."

In reading the book "Be Your Own Literary Agent" by Martin P. Levin, I discovered several interesting facts about areas of publishing that we should be aware of whether or not we seek representation through a literary agent.

Mr. Levin covered such topics as:

An eight-step program for finding the right editor.

How to prepare a winning book proposal.

A list of publishers and how to approach them.

Model query and cover letters, summaries, sample chapters and bios for different types of books.

How to evaluate and negotiate a literary contract.

And much more!

Mr. Levin says that one of the most important talents of a good agent (and one we must cultivate) is learning to read our work dispassionately. I believe this is where a good critique partner comes in. Though we should be gentle as critique partners, we should not be afraid to tell each other what we feel is wrong with the work in question. If you're not ready for constructive criticism, don't get a critique partner. As for myself, I've had so many rejections, I welcome the help and constructive advice my critique partner provides! I've found that I am so close to my work that I don't see its flaws. I'm so in love with my characters and identify with them, that I can't always tell when they're out of character. All of these things pertain to "reading dispassionately" and I firmly believe every writer should ask someone he or she trusts to read their work. My request has always been "be gentle but be honest". If it stinks tell me and tell me why! Then and only then will I be able to polish it up so that it shines. No one wants to send a manuscript out that doesn't shine.