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It is important to read all of the pages on the site so that you completely understand my modus operandi.



ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • I don't charge a reading fee.
  • I have a foreign rights agent based in London who represents my agency, selling translation rights.
  • I have numerous literary scouts working on behalf of my clients. Scouts promote writers to publishers in non-English-speaking countries.
  • I have two agencies in New York who will represent my clients in North America.
  • I have a film agent in London who sells rights on behalf of my clients.
  • My commission rates are available on request.
  • Once we are working together any photocopying, postage, bank charges and any mobile, national and or international phone calls will be charged to you.
  • I don't work with poetry, individual short stories or articles.
  • I am a founding member of the NZALA (New Zealand Association of Literary Agents).
  • I don’t edit my authors’ manuscripts (although I may suggest some editorial changes before submitting to a publisher).
  • If you want your manuscript assessed or edited, check out the information I have on the links page about the best editors to work with, as well as the New Zealand Association of Manuscript Assessors (NZAMA).
  • For other useful websites, check out the LINKS page.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

If you think you are ready to submit your manuscript to an agent and you would like to talk to me here are some pointers:
  • Write, e-mail or phone in advance of sending any material to check if I am taking on clients. This saves a lot of time for everyone. Tell me what it is you want to submit, i.e. a piece of adult fiction or children’s non-fiction.
  • If you intend submitting your writing to more than one agent it is courteous to let all agents know of your plans.
  • I do not represent clients with one-off projects. Nor do I work with poetry, short story collections or picture books.
  • I don't accept submissions by e-mail or fax.
  • Never send original material – always send a copy.
  • If you want me to acknowledge receipt of your manuscript please enclose a stamped, addressed postcard.
  • Include a covering letter and a one-page synopsis.
  • Send the first three chapters of your book.
  • The manuscript must be printed in double spacing on one side of A4 paper.
  • Do not send bound pages.
  • Number the pages.
  • Print the title, your name and contact details on the cover page.
  • Include the word count.
  • Include your CV.
  • Tell me details of the books you have had published, who the publisher is, when it was published and how many copies sold.
  • If you want your material returned, please include an SAE.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Once I have read your manuscript and decided that I like your writing then:
  • I will phone or arrange to meet – that way we will both know that we're comfortable working together. I will explain how the submission process works.  It's a good idea for you to have lots of questions to ask so that I can address any of your concerns.
  • If it's necessary I will advise you how to revise the proposal and/or the manuscript, either personally or in conjunction with a freelance editor.
  • I will compile a list of the best publishers for your project and make calls to establish interest and circulate your project.  It is usual to submit to one publisher at a time with the responses usually arriving within four weeks. The time frame can vary from project to project and from editor to editor.
  • Often there will be rejections and I will discuss these with you and together we can decide how to proceed. However, with some luck and good management there will be an offer that will lead to a publishing contract.
  • The contract terms offered will be based on the number of books the publisher thinks they can sell. I discuss the offer with you and begin negotiations with the publisher.
  • There are many ways of submitting manuscripts. The norm is the way described above. A multiple submission involves submitting to a number of publishers and giving them a time frame in which to respond. A multiple submission hopefully ends with the author and agent deciding which offer is most favourable. Finally, if there is a lot of interest in a project I can undertake an auction and the highest bidder wins. However, auctions are rarely held in New Zealand.


All content © Copyright Glenys Bean 2011