In some respects, an agent’s role is similar to that of a lawyer’s when it comes to representing the self-employed creative professional. The agent has the legal savvy and business know-how to understand contracts, for example.

In other ways, the agent’s role goes in a different direction than the lawyer’s. The agent acts as a representative for the creative professional’s work before it is sold.

How an Agent Works for the Creative Professional

Agents are more familiar with the creative marketplace than anyone else – that is their job. It is more than knowing what type of book is the current hot seller or what style of music is on the verge of a breakthrough. Agents know the people who are buying the creative works. Simply put, agents know how to market to the most appropriate outlets.

Once there is an offer for the creative work, the agent then begins to negotiate the best deal for the creative professional. While a large advance is nice, that is not necessarily the best deal or the goal of the agent’s negotiation. The agent will also work out the royalty payments, subsidiary rights, and any other issues along the way. The agent is the creative professional’s voice in the negotiations.

A good agent will work hard to get the creative professional the best deal possible. After all, this is the agent’s source of income, as well. Most agents earn 10-15% of whatever the creative professional gets on a sale. Therefore, the more the creative professional makes, the more the agent makes.

How to Hire an Agent

Creative professionals cannot simply call an agent and say, “I’d like you to represent my work.” The creative professional has to market the work to an agent. That can be as difficult as selling the work to a publisher or record producer. The agent will request to see or hear a sample of the creative professional’s work. If the work is good, the creative professional may find several agents offering services. But if the work is not good or not polished enough to be sold, the agent will turn down the opportunity to be the creative professional’s representative.

When looking for an agent, the creative professional should look for someone who has a good reputation in the field and who behaves in a professional manner. Reputable agents do not charge a fee upfront.