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Querying the agent
Sarah Conkerton, Assistant Editor at Cornerstones, discusses questions to ask and things to consider before signing with an agent
Sarah Conkerton
Landing an agent: before you sign
Landing an agent is a huge step for any author – and a huge achievement! When submitting, it can feel like the chances are tiny, and it’s a great thing to find an agent who wants to represent your manuscript. If you do find a potential agent, though, it’s worth taking time to think the decision through – particularly if you have multiple offers.
Usually, after a full request, an agent will ask you to jump on a call or come to a meeting before offering representation. This is a great chance to chat face to face and make sure there’s a rapport. It’s also an opportunity to ask any questions you might have, and to gain a stronger idea of how they operate as an agent. Those initial conversations are crucial, and before signing an agreement, it’s important to make sure you’re both on the same page.