Written by Kate Burke

When querying agents, please let them know if you have had an offer of representation or are taking meetings with other agents. Once you have signed with an agent, do let any other agents in the mix know. It’s a courtesy that all agents appreciate!
Before signing with an agent, do feel free to ask questions about the agent and their client list, and about the wider agency/ team (ie, who handles translation and film & tv rights) or, if the agency doesn't have these departments, ask who handles their translation and media rights. These are valuable rights, often key to an author’s income, so fine to probe about who will be handling them and what the submission plan is for your book in that area.
Take your time before signing with an agent. An agent should never impose a deadline an author or put you under pressure to sign. If they want to work with a client, they'll wait for them to make an informed decision. There is no hurry!
Look through the proposed agency/client agreement first before signing. Feel free to ask questions before signing anything. Don’t move forward with an agent without an agreement – this should be a mutual commitment and there should be something in writing to confirm it!
Never pay an agent. We work on commission only! An agent should never ask you for any money up front.
Have a call, Zoom or meeting with an agent before signing with them to discuss the editorial process and next steps (working together on shaping your project and getting it ready for submission etc). Be wary of agents who don't edit! Even if your project/work/manuscript is really polished, an agent should work closely with you on getting it ready for submission to publishers. This is how the professional relationship between the two of you develops and it also shows that they’re invested in selling it.