agent’s role

Writers often ask me if it’s “really” worth the trouble to query, research, and find an agent, especially with the ongoing changes in the publishing world. Many people seem surprised to learn that I have an agent–even though I write and negotiate publishing contracts all the time. The truth is, my agent is an invaluable business partner, and far more involved in my career than people often suspect. What many authors don’t realize is that an agent is more than a contract-obtainer-and-negotiator (though they definitely fill that crucial role). Not every author needs an agent, but every author needs to understand what agents really do,