The Role of a Literary Agent and the Best Way to Get Representation

A literary agent can fill many shoes, explains literary agent and book development consultant Claire Gerus. Overall, the agent is a support person. He or she may act as the best friend, the psychologist, or the editor throughout the entire book process. Gerus compares the author/agent dynamic to a marriage: it is a long-term relationship in which both parties have to be honest with each other, and learn how to give and take. When it comes to debut writers working with agents, Gerus thinks they can...