Agent for a Short Novel?

[heatheringemar]

Ok. So I know the chances of getting a print contract for a novella are slim-to-none, but I'm just curious. Would an agent even consider looking at an MS of this length?

Would I be better to just continue reading up on publishing contract law and try to make the sale myself to another indie epress and hope for a print collection at a later date?

The work in question is one of at least three in a series. If the first is any indication, they'll all be somewhere between 20K and 30K, and in pretty close sequential order. (I'm also debating on whether to hold out until I have all of them done and then submit as a novel--but there again, do I want/need an agent? Rather, can I find an agent who won't screw me over?)

Anyhow. Advice?

[ChaosTitan]

The work in question is one of at least three in a series. If the first is any indication, they'll all be somewhere between 20K and 30K, and in pretty close sequential order. (I'm also debating on whether to hold out until I have all of them done and then submit as a novel--but there again, do I want/need an agent? Rather, can I find an agent who won't screw me over?)


Agents don't exist to screw you over. They exist to sell your work, and make a little money doing so. Get a good agent, write a good, saleable book, and they'll get you a good deal.

I underlined that bit because it was my first thought when I read the preceding sentence. Novellas are difficult to sell, and I honestly don't know if agents represent them. If it's possible to write those stories as a novel, why not do it that way?

There are dozens of threads that debate the merits of having/not having an agent. Personally? I'd rather find a good agent and let them deal with selling my work, so I can concentrate on writing.

[Gillhoughly]

Would an agent even consider looking at an MS of this length?

Not unless you are already a client and even then. If my agent hears of a short work project coming up that would be good for me, she lets me know, then I write a story to fit it. Otherwise short stuff just doesn't have many venues in the print publishing area.

Would I be better to just continue reading up on publishing contract law and try to make the sale myself to another indie epress

An independent e-press (just so we're clear) does not generally "buy" a book so the writer gets an advance against royalties. Rather you give them the rights to sell copies, and they pay you a percentage of the sale price as a royalty. (Unless it's erotica, chances of making any money are small. An e-book does not count as a publishing credit in the print world yadda-yadda...)

and hope for a print collection at a later date?

Once you place a work with even an e-pub a print sale to another house rarely ever happens. Print houses may not recognize an e-house as on their level, but you've essentially done away with "first rights" on the work. A print house wants to have those, not a "second printing."

Yes. It is insane, but that's how it is. It's why I always tell neos to try for print first, grab the money, and write some more.

hold out until I have all of them done and then submit as a novel

THAT is your best course of action. An agent wants writers who can deliver full books on a regular and timely basis. If the market wants works 75-100K words, that's what you need to turn in so she can make a sale.

can I find an agent who won't screw me over?

Yes. There are plenty of scammers and incompetents, but plenty more honest and hard working agents who want you to succeed. You go to the Bewares and Background checks on this board, check notices on Writer Beware (http://www.sfwa.org/beware/), check over Preditors & Editors (http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/)and do a basic Google of any "agent's name + scammer" to see if anything bad pops up. This is a good thing to do with indy publishers, too. There are other scam sites besides PubliSHAMerica out there!

But most of all you WRITE WELL. A good agent is always hoping to find new talent.

Good luck!

[Lindo]

I'd suggest you finish the series, then bundle it as a 90,000 word book. Voila.

Agents don't really screw you over. If they ask for money, you tell them to stick it. Other than that, the worst they can really be is incompetent. In which case you fire them.