11 Literary Agent Red Flags
First you wonder, “How do I find an agent?” But it turns out not all literary agents are built the same — there is no certification or schooling that makes it easy to tell who is a “real” agent and who is a swindler, or just very inept. A little early vetting and you can avoid singing with someone disreputable.
Before you start searching, take a look at this list.
Red Flag #1: Your Agent Seems anonymous
Your agent isn’t listed on Publisher’s Marketplace, the online database of publishing, which is used by agents/publishers. It costs $25 a month to access, but the site is invaluable when searching for the right literary agent. If someone says they’re a literary agent, but they have no sales history on Publisher’s Marketplace, something is very wrong.
Instead: Look for an agent listed in Publisher’s Marketplace.
Red Flag #2: Your agent doesn’t have a website
The agent has just a Facebook page, or nothing at all. An exception might be if an agent is with one of the largest firms (ICM and WME) — those companies don’t list their agents on their websites.
Instead: Most agents have a presence on the internet. Their professional, up-to-date website might talk about services and list their represented authors.
Red Flag #3: Writers Frequently Fire the Agent
How can you tell if an agent was fired, or the agent fired the writer? The agent has represented authors, but the authors seem to jump ship after 1-2 books were published. This information will be clear if you look at the agent’s sales history on Publishers Marketplace. If you see they sold the book for an author a long time ago, then the author moved to someone else.
Instead: Agents who have multiple book deals with numerous clients.
Red Flag #4: Agent is Overwhelmed by Author Clients
The agent represents too many authors. If an agent has more than 80 authors on a list, or an enormous number of deals, the agent might be overloaded with clients. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it might mean that the agent doesn’t have time and attention for another new author, and they’re much less likely to be taking on new authors. Someone with a full list might take one or so new authors per year.
Instead: Around 50 or so authors is a normal number—some authors produce every few years, while others are more prolific.
Red Flag #5: Cash demands
If an agent asks for money from you at any point, run. It’s amateur hour. Agents also shouldn’t be asking payment to edit your book with developmental edits. Some sketchy agents might also try to charge you for office expenses or book copies to send to publishing companies.
Instead: Your agent shouldn’t charge you anything other than 15% of your book’s advance and royalties. Agents pay for their own business expenses.
Red Flag #6: Your agent has a sad track record
While a new agent may not have much of a track record – and that’s valid – an agent with 20 years of experience without many recent deals in the past few year or two might be half retired, or not in touch with the business anymore.
Instead: The agent should be making consistent sales over the course of their career, including in the past year.
Red Flag #7: Your agent Never Visits New York
It used to be true that almost all agents were based in New York. Since the pandemic, many top agents have moved elsewhere and work remotely. Still, if an agent is based in Omaha, they should visit New York several times a year. The publishing houses are in New York, and the deals are in New York, and it's a relationship-based business.
Instead: If an agent is located elsewhere, carefully scrutinize their authors and sales, and ask how they maintain their connection to the publishing business. A good agent will understand and appreciate your questions and won’t get defensive.
Red Flag #8. Your Agent Makes Big Promises. Really Big Promises...
The agent promises you that you’ll see multiple offers and bids on your book or promise high advances.
Instead: An agent can be optimistic—and a few very top-name agents can assure success with a straight face. You’ll know from their Publisher Marketplace deals if they’re telling the truth.
Red Flag #9. Your Agent Has No Submission Strategy for Your Book
When you ask what their submission strategy to publishing houses might be, they don’t have a clear answer.
Instead: What a good strategy looks like: Which editors might be interested, along with awareness regarding the state of publishing and knowledge of changes within companies. For example, your agent should be able to discuss the meaning of publisher mergers and the ascension of smaller publishers such as Graywolf and Tin House.
Red Flag #10. Star-chasing behaviors
Look at the agents announcements for debut books on publisher’s marketplace and pay close attention to how they describe the book….some agents focus most of their energy on the author’s accolades (Iowa Writer’s Workshop, Stegner fellowship, etc) which is a statement about what they value.
Instead: Keep looking for an agent who lists debut fiction with a description of the book, not the author’s awards and star power.
Red Flag #11. Just not a good fit
Occasionally, an agent will want to represent your book but will seem to want you to really change the nature of the book . . . they might just not be a good fit for your writing. They say they want your literary novel to be more like a James Bond movie, or they want many more sex scenes in a book that is more about romance. A certain amount of editing is fine, but pay attention, it’s possible they just want you to be someone you’re not.
Instead: Really listen when a prospective agent talks about what they like about your book, and how they see it being published. Ask yourself if you’re genuinely comfortable with what they’re saying. It’s okay if you’re not.
How do I break up with my agent?
Breaking off a professional writer-agent relationship can always be nervewracking. Here are two commonly pursued strategies.
Option 1: Search for a New Agent First
Everyone tells you not to do the following, but every writer also does this. It’s much like lining up a new job before quitting your current job.
Contact other agents quietly, say I’m represented by ____, but am looking for a change—can you keep this quiet for now? Would you be in representing me? Can I send you send a copy of my book?
Once you have a replacement lined up, you contact your first agent by phone and politely tell them that you appreciate all that they’ve done for you and tell them you’ve decided to go in a new direction. Watch Peggy Olson HERE (spoiler, season 5 of Mad Men).
If your agent sold a book for you already, they’ll still be the agent of record for that book, and entitled to their cut of your royalties, etc. If film deals are still in play, your original agent is still who will handle all of that business, as well.
However, sometimes a former agent will give the rights to the new agent, just for a clean break and to reduce awkwardness.
Option 2: Fire your agent first
Fire your agent, then seek out a second agent. If you’re an author who’s published a book or two, you’re likely to be able to find an agent. If you have a really terrible agent (with any of the red flags above), immediately ask them to stop sending your work out and tell them you’re unable to continue working with them.
This agent could be damaging your salability and reputation. When your book has been sent to X press, consider that opportunity burned. Especially if they have poor strategy, or no clout—it’s a lost opportunity. You don’t get another chance.
It turns out not all literary agents are built the same — there is no certification or schooling that makes it easy to tell who is a “real” agent and who is a swindler, or just very inept. A little early vetting and you can avoid singing with someone disreputable.